John 7:38

He that believeth on me. It is possible to punctuate the text, as certain ancient authorities do, so as to connect this clause with the verb “drink” of v. 37. The thought would then be: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me; he that believeth on me let him drink.” If this reflects the intended relationship, then the “his” his of the next clause refers to Christ rather than to the believer. However, the evidence seems to be in favor of the punctuation adopted by the KJV, RSV, etc., and supported by the Greek Fathers. According to this the “his” refers to the believer who himself becomes the source of spiritual blessing (see below under “rivers of living water”). Ancient Greek manuscripts were without punctuation, and the punctuation now appearing in the Bible is the work of later editors. For an example of faulty punctuation see on Luke 23:43; cf. on John 4:35, 36.

As the scripture hath said. It is not certain what particular Scripture passage is here referred to. Perhaps the phrase refers to the preceding or the succeeding thought. The following passages may be compared: Prov. 18:4; Isa. 12:3; 44:3; 55:1; 58:1 1; Eze. 47:1; Zech. 14:8.

Belly. Gr. koilia here used metaphorically for the inner being.

Rivers of living water. The only in living communion with Christ becomes himself a center of spiritual influence. There is in him a power of life which, when quickened by faith, flows forth as a river, carrying life and refreshment to others. The true Christian who grasps a great truth that satisfies his own yearnings cannot long refrain from giving expression to it. He longs to send it forth to others who are seeking spiritual waters. There is formed within him a river of waters that no dam can wholly confine (see on eh. 4:14).