The Woman of Samaria at the Well, Duccio di Buoninsegna, c 1300.
Brenda M. Johnson, M.A.
The Samaritan Woman at the Well
Johnson's paper attempts to answer the question, "What is the role of the woman at the well?" (John 4.7-42). While many scholars label her as either a quite passive character (the vessel about which Johnson speaks) or a dynamic figure (a disciple), Johnson negotiates a middle ground position. She argues that while Jesus is able to "sow the seeds" of salvation in the Samaritan woman, the woman also actively helps to create a Christian community by spreading the word of Jesus.