what is Jesus refering to in John 7:38-39?

[SKGFP]

Greetings!

I am curious whether there is a specific scripture to which Our Lord is known to be referring in this passage. I have seen the suggestion of Nehemiah 9:15 and 19-20, but it seems a marginal fit. Thanks in advance for any help.

Peace,
SKGFP

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Jesus is saying that living waters (i.e. the Holy Spirit) flows from Him to the believer. It is not an exact quote from a specific passage but using Old Testament imagery for a New Testament metaphor…

The Scripture passages that Jesus is referencing are:

Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and there! I saw water flowing out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east. The water flowed out toward the right side of the temple to the south of the altar.
- Ezekiel 47:1

Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it for the people to drink.
- Exodus 17:6

Then, raising his hand, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff, and water came out in abundance, and the community and their livestock drank.
- Exodus 20:11