What does John 7:39 mean?
On the last and most important day of the Feast of Booths, Jesus chose a dramatic time to make a dramatic point. On this day, priests would carry water into the temple, remembering God's provision of water from a rock (Exodus 17:1–7). Jesus uses this moment to emphasize His claim to being the source of "living water." That is a metaphor for salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has used this theme before, both publicly (John 6:35), and in private (John 4:10–14). Later New Testament passages will continue to draw from this analogy when describing the salvation offered by God through Christ (Ephesians 5:26; Revelation 22:1–2).At the time Jesus spoke these words, the Holy Spirit worked selectively in the world. Among the more dramatic examples of the Holy Spirit's temporary work is in the story of Samson, who was given strength when the Holy Spirit was within him (Judges 14:6). Only after Jesus' death and resurrection, followed by His ascension, will the Holy Spirit begin to indwell everyone who professes faith in Christ (Acts 2:1–4; Ephesians 1:13–14).