John 7:38

as the scripture hath said This phrase undoubtedly refers to the words that follow: but inasmuch as no such text is found in Scripture, some have tried to force the phrase into connexion with what precedes, as if the meaning were -He that believeth on me in the way that Scripture prescribes." Although the exact words are not found in Scripture there are various texts of similar import: Isaiah 44:3; Isaiah 58:11; Zechariah 13:1; Zechariah 14:8, &c. But none of them contain the very remarkable expression -out of his belly."

rivers of living water In the Greek -rivers" stands first with strong emphasis; rivers out of his belly shall flow, (rivers) of living water, in marked contrast to the ewerof water poured each day during the Feast. -He that believeth on me" is of course a stage far in advance of -if any one thirst." A man may thirst for spiritual satisfaction, and yet not end in believing on Christ. But the believer cannot end in satisfying his own thirst; he at once becomes a fount whence others may derive refreshment. Whether he wills to be a teacher or no, the true Christian cannot fail to impart the spirit of Christianity to others.