So he came to a city of Samaria, called Sy'char, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

[7] Scholars have noted that this story appears to be modelled on a standard betrothal 'type scene' from Hebrew scripture, particularly that of Jacob in Genesis 29.

[8] This convention, which would have been familiar to Jewish readers, following on from an earlier scene in which John the Baptist compares his relationship to Jesus with that of the friend of a bridegroom.

[9] Jo-Ann A. Brant, for example, concludes that there is "near consensus among literary critics that the scene at Jacob's well follows conventions of the betrothal type-scene found in Hebrew narrative.

"[10] Other scholars note significant differences between John 4 and betrothal type-scenes in the Hebrew Bible.

[14] Roger Baxter in his Meditations comments on this passage saying: Consider the excellence of this living water, which is Divine grace, and which Christ promises to His faithful servants. "

"[15] In Eastern Orthodox tradition, she is venerated as a saint with the name Photine (Φωτεινή), meaning "luminous [one]".

[a] In Catholic tradition, older editions of the Roman Martyrology list a martyr named Photina of Samaria on March 20, whom commentators have identified with the woman at the well.

[18][19] In Eastern Christian tradition, the woman's name at the time of her meeting Jesus is unknown, though she was later baptized "Photine".

Eventually, having drawn the attention of Emperor Nero, she was brought before him to answer for her faith, suffering many tortures and dying a martyr after being thrown down a dry well.

The custom of the day involves churches, schools, and businesses giving away fruit drinks to passers-by.

[21] Photini, The Samaritan Woman is honored with a Lesser Feast on the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America[22] on February 26.

[23] The Samaritan woman is played by Vanessa DeSilvio in the multi-season show on the life of Christ, The Chosen.