Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "as the Scripture has said" doesn't point to one specific verse, but rather to the overall message of the Old Testament regarding God's overflowing Spirit. Even more strikingly, "rivers of living water" flowing from a believer's "belly" highlights that salvation isn't just about receiving God's grace, but about that grace transforming us so powerfully it spills out to bless others.
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of great religious observance that also marked a period of heightened tension with the authorities. He's been teaching publicly, boldly challenging their understanding of God and Himself, and the religious leaders are actively trying to arrest Him. In this moment, Jesus makes a public declaration, crying out, inviting anyone who is thirsty to come to Him and drink, promising an abundance of "living water" that will flow from believers.
Ever notice how Jesus sometimes quoted Scripture? This verse is a prime example, but it's not a word-for-word match. What does that tell us?
When Jesus says, 'as the Scripture has said,' he's not always pointing to a single, precisely matched verse. Instead, he's invoking the spirit and theme of the Old Testament. Think of it like this: he's drawing from a well of prophetic imagery that paints a consistent picture of God's overflowing blessing and provision.
Jesus talks about water flowing 'out of his belly.' What does that surprisingly intimate imagery really mean for a believer?
The word translated 'belly' here (koilia) often refers to the innermost being, the heart or soul. When Jesus says 'out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water,' he's painting a picture of a believer whose inner life is so transformed by God's Spirit that it becomes a source of life and refreshment for others.
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Jesus spoke these words during a festival, but then the text mentions the Holy Spirit 'was not yet given.' How can both be true?
This verse, spoken by Jesus before His glorification, points to a future reality. Calvin rightly observes that while believers always received the Spirit to some extent, the full, open outpouring of the Spirit had not yet occurred.
Understand the original words
pisteuo · Greek Verb
To place personal trust, reliance, and faith in someone or something; in the New Testament, it signifies total dependence on Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life.
koilia · Greek Noun
The inner self, the seat of desires, thoughts, and emotions; metaphorically, the source from which a person's life and spiritual character flow.
hydor zon · Greek Noun phrase
Often used in Scripture to represent the life-giving, cleansing, and refreshing power of God's grace or the Holy Spirit, which sustains spiritual life.
This passage speaks of God guiding and satisfying the soul like a watered garden and a spring whose waters do not fail, echoing the 'living water' imagery of John 7:38. It highlights the continuous, life-giving sustenance that comes from God.
Ezekiel 47:1-12This vision describes water flowing from the temple, bringing life and healing to everything it touches, creating a fertile land and abundant life. This powerfully illustrates the 'rivers of living water' flowing from the believer, signifying the life-giving power of the Spirit.
Joel 3:18This prophecy foretells a time when 'rivers of water' will flow from the house of the Lord, symbolizing God's abundant blessings and restoration. It connects God's presence and action with overflowing, life-sustaining water, similar to Jesus' promise.
John 4:10-14In this earlier conversation, Jesus offers 'living water' to the Samaritan woman, stating that it would become a 'spring of water welling up to eternal life.' This passage lays the groundwork for understanding the 'living water' Jesus offers and its source within the believer.
Romans 8:9-11Paul explains that believers have the Spirit of God dwelling within them, which gives life. This directly supports the idea that the 'living water' flows from within the believer, as it is the Spirit of God Himself residing there.
barnesJohn 7:38: "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
He that believeth on me - He that acknowledges me as the Messiah, and trusts in me for salvation. As the scripture hath said - This is a difficult expression, from the fact that no such expression as follows is to be found literally in the Old Testament. Some have proposed to connect it with what precedes - "He that believeth on me, as the Old Testament has commanded or required…
vincentJohn 7:38: "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
The scripture hath saidThere is no exactly corresponding passage, but the quotation harmonizes with the general tenor of several passages, as Isaiah 55:1; Isaiah 58:11; Zechariah 13:1; Zechariah 14:8; Ezekiel 47:1; Joel 3:18.Belly (κοιλίας)The word is often used in the Old Testament for the innermost part of a man, the soul or heart. See Job 15:35; Job 32:19; Proverbs 18:8; Pro…
The phrase "as the Scripture has said" doesn't point to one specific verse, but rather to the overall message of the Old Testament regarding God's overflowing Spirit. Even more strikingly, "rivers of living water" flowing from a believer's "belly" highlights that salvation isn't just about receiving God's grace, but about that grace transforming us so powerfully it spills out to bless others.
Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of great religious observance that also marked a period of heightened tension with the authorities. He's been teaching publicly, boldly challenging their understanding of God and Himself, and the religious leaders are actively trying to arrest Him. In this moment, Jesus makes a public declaration, crying out, inviting anyone who is thirsty to come to Him and drink, promising an abundance of "living water" that will flow from believers.
Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of great religious observance that also marked a period of heightened tension with the authorities. He's been teaching publicly, boldly challenging their understanding of God and Himself, and the religious leaders are actively trying to arrest Him. In this moment, Jesus makes a public declaration, crying out, inviting anyone who is thirsty to come to Him and drink, promising an abundance of "living water" that will flow from believers.
"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”" — The phrase "as the Scripture has said" doesn't point to one specific verse, but rather to the overall message of the Old Testament regarding God's overflowing Spirit. Even more strikingly, "rivers…
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Last reviewed October 2026