ποτίζω (potizō)
potizō
to water
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb potizō means to give someone or something to drink. In the New Testament it appears in contexts ranging from literal hospitality to agricultural imagery. Jesus uses it when describing acts of mercy, such as offering water to the thirsty (Matthew 25:35), and when noting that a cup of cold water given to a disciple will not lose its reward (Matthew 10:42). It also appears in the passion narrative, where soldiers offer wine mixed with gall to Jesus on the cross (Mark 15:36).
Beyond physical drinking, Paul employs potizō metaphorically to describe spiritual nourishment. In his first letter to the Corinthians, he contrasts those who plant and those who water, emphasizing that God is the one who causes growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-8). He also uses the image of being "watered" or baptized by the Spirit to explain how believers are united into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). This figurative use highlights a deep, saturating influence rather than a simple sip.
The word derives from a root related to drinking vessels, reinforcing its connection to the act of receiving sustenance. While English translations often render it simply as "give to drink" or "water," the Greek term carries a sense of intentional provision. Whether referring to a cup of water or the work of the Spirit, potizō points to the essential need for refreshment and the source from which life flows.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word potizō reminds us that simple acts of kindness carry eternal weight. When Jesus spoke about giving a cup of cold water to someone in need, He was not describing a grand theological statement but a tangible moment of care. This verb captures the intentional act of providing sustenance, whether it is physical relief for a thirsty traveler or spiritual support for a fellow believer. It suggests that God notices the small, everyday ways we meet the needs of others.
In the letters of Paul, this image expands to show how we participate in God’s work together. He compares believers to those who plant and those who water, noting that while our efforts matter, it is ultimately God who brings growth. This perspective frees us from anxiety about results. We are invited to faithfully offer what we have—our time, our resources, or a listening ear—trusting that the Lord will handle the harvest.
There is also a profound spiritual dimension to this word in how believers are united. Paul writes that all Christians were given to drink into one Spirit, creating a deep bond that transcends social or ethnic boundaries. This shared experience of spiritual refreshment reminds us that we belong to one another. It invites us to look beyond surface differences and recognize the common life we share in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you gave to drink1×
- were giving to drink1×
- we were made to drink.1×
- watering,1×
- watering1×
- watered,1×
- was giving to drink1×
- she has given to drink1×
- shall give to drink1×
- may give to drink1×
- give [it] drink?1×
- gave [You] to drink?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπότιζεν2×
- ἐποτίσατέ2×
- ποτίσῃ2×
- ἐπότισεν,1×
- ἐπότισα,1×
- ἐποτίσθημεν.1×
- ἐποτίσαμεν;1×
- πότιζε1×
- ποτίζων,1×
- ποτίζων1×
- ποτίζει;1×
- πεπότικεν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:42
Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.”
This verse establishes that even the smallest act of hospitality, like offering cold water, is seen by Jesus and rewarded, validating the importance of humble service.
-
I Corinthians 3:6
I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase.
Paul uses this word to describe his role in nurturing new believers, highlighting that ministry is a cooperative effort where human labor supports divine growth.
-
I Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.
Here the term shifts to a spiritual metaphor, indicating that all believers are united by sharing in the same Spirit, which creates a deep, internal unity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does potizō mean in the New Testament?
How is potizō different from other words for drinking?
Where does this word appear in relation to spiritual unity?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 5 verses
Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I…
Matthew 25:35for I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in.
Matthew 25:37“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a…
Matthew 25:42for I was hungry, and you didn’t give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink;
Matthew 27:48Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave him a drink.