Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 4:8

"For his disciples were gone away into the city to buy food." — John 4:8 (ASV)

Undoubtedly the woman was surprised to find a man sitting by the well. Jesus’ initial approach was a simple request for water, which would presuppose a favorable response. One would hardly refuse a drink of cold water to a thirsty traveler in the heat of the day. The request did have a surprising element, however, for no Jewish rabbi would have volunteered to carry on a public conversation with a woman, nor would he have deigned to drink from a Samaritan’s cup, as she implied by her answer.