Christology and Discipleship in John 7:37-38

Abstract

This paper explores interpretations of John 7:37—38, specifically the question of to whom the word autou refers in the phrase potamoi ek tēs koilias autou reusousin (“rivers out of his belly shall flow”). Scholarship is divided on the issue of whether the “living water” flows from Jesus or the believer, and there are sound arguments for both readings. The assertion here is that the author of John intentionally uses ambiguous language to allow readers to interpret the text both ways—in order to highlight the movement from Christology to discipleship and the transfer of Wisdom and Spirit from Christ to the disciples. Using a dialectical mode of thinking, the Evangelist presents parallel realities that seem to be in opposition but, in fact, lead readers to a larger truth. John 7:37-38 calls for a “bothand” reading of multiple meanings rather than an “either-or” dualism that limits the text to one interpretation.