ἀντλέω (antleō)
antleō
to draw
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb antleō describes the physical act of drawing water, specifically by bailing it out of a ship’s bilge or pumping it from a deep well. Its root connects to antlos, a term for the hold of a vessel where water collects. This origin gives the word a distinctively laborious feel, emphasizing the effort required to move liquid from a low, confined space to the surface.
In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, all within the Gospel of John. It grounds the narrative in tangible reality during key moments: when servants draw water for the wedding feast at Cana (John 2:8-9) and when Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John 4:7-15). The usage highlights the ordinary, physical work involved in these encounters.
Translators typically render antleō as "draw" or "get," capturing the simple mechanical action without adding spiritual metaphor. The word itself does not carry theological weight; rather, it serves to anchor Jesus’ miracles and conversations in the everyday tasks of first-century life, showing how divine interaction meets human routine.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word antleō describes the physical act of drawing water, often from a deep well or a ship’s bilge. It carries a sense of effort and labor, grounding spiritual narratives in tangible reality. In John’s Gospel, this simple action anchors Jesus’ miracles and conversations in everyday life.
At Cana, servants drew water for the wedding feast, unaware it would become wine (John 2:8). At Jacob’s well, a Samaritan woman came to draw water, leading to a profound conversation with Jesus (John 4:7). These moments show how divine interaction meets human routine.
This word reminds us that God is present in ordinary tasks. Whether drawing water for a celebration or seeking refreshment at a well, our daily efforts are seen and used by Christ. It invites us to trust that He can transform the mundane into something meaningful.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to draw.1×
- to draw1×
- having drawn1×
- do draw out1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠντληκότες1×
- ἀντλῆσαι1×
- ἀντλήσατε1×
- ἀντλεῖν.1×
Key Verses
-
John 2:8
He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it.
The servants draw water for the wedding feast, an act of obedience that precedes Jesus’ first miracle.
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John 4:7
A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”
The Samaritan woman comes to draw water, initiating a dialogue where Jesus offers living water.
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John 4:15
The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I don’t get thirsty, neither come all the way here to draw.”
The woman asks for water so she will not have to keep coming to draw, highlighting her desire for relief from labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does antleō mean in the Bible?
Why is this word significant in John 2 and 4?
How is antleō different from other words for 'draw'?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
John 4 verses
He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it.
John 2:9When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who…
John 4:7A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”
John 4:15The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I don’t get thirsty, neither come all the way here to draw.”