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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
Seest thou how little by little she is led up to the highest doctrines? First she thought Him some Jew who was transgressing the Law; then when He had repelled that accusation, (for it was necessary that the person who was to teach her such things should not be suspected,) having heard of "living water," she supposed that this was spoken of material water; afterwards, having learnt that the words were spiritual, she believed that the water could remove the necessity caused by thirst, but knew not yet what this could be; she still …
Cyril of Alexandria
Give me this water, that I thirst not neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Again does she both speak and imagine only ordinary things, and of the things that were said understands no whit; but she supposes that in being released from petty toils, will consist all the aim of our Saviour, and to thirsting no more does she bound the measure of the grace of God, not so much as in bare idea receiving things above the world.
Theophylact of Ohrid
What disposition does the woman show at this point? Although not yet a lofty one, for she thinks the discussion is about physical water, nevertheless she does reveal some forward progress. Before, she was perplexed and said, "Where do You have living water?" But now, having accepted that word as certain, she says, "Give me this water." Therefore she appears more understanding than Nicodemus. He, after hearing a great many similar things, said: "How can this be?" (John 3:9). But she already begins to disregard even the well of Jacob. …
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
Or thus; The woman as yet understands Him of the flesh only. She is delighted to be relieved for ever from thirst, and takes this promise of our Lord's in a carnal sense. For God had once granted to His servant Elijah, that he should neither hunger nor thirst for forty days; and if He could grant this for forty days, why not for ever? Eager to possess such a gift, she asks Him for the living water; The woman saith unto Him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. …
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, The woman said, he states her request for the gift. First, her understanding of the gift is noted. Secondly, the woman is found guilty (v 17). As was said, the way to obtain this gift is by prayer and request. And so first, we have the woman's request. Secondly, Christ's answer (v 16). …
Bonaventure
The Lord stirred up the woman to consent; here now to the woman consenting and asking he sets forth the word of faith for believing. Because the woman, even though she had been stirred up, was nevertheless not yet illuminated, the Lord does not immediately set forth the word of faith, but proceeds in this order: first he reveals the secret; second he makes clear the doubt; third he opens the sacrament of faith. …
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