3092. 'And gave him a drink' means introduction. This is clear from the meaning of 'to drink' (potare), an expression meaning almost the same as 'to drink' (bibere). 'To drink' (potare) here however entails a more active role on the part of the one who drinks. 'To drink' (bibere) means to receive, and also to be joined to, see 3069, 3089, so that 'giving a drink to' (facere potare) means imparting the ability to receive, which is the initial stage of the introduction.

3068. 'Let down now your pitcher' means submitting facts. This becomes clear from the meaning of 'letting down' as submitting, and from the meaning of 'a pitcher' as facts. The reason why a water-pot or a pitcher means facts is that 'water' means truth, 680, 739, 2702, and a pitcher is a vessel with water in it, even as factual knowledge is a vessel with truth in it. All factual knowledge is a vessel for truth, and all truth is a vessel for good. Factual knowledge without truth is an empty vessel, and so is truth without good; but factual knowledge in which truth is held is a vessel that is filled, as is truth in which good is held. Affection which is an attribute of love is what joins them together so that they may exist in order. For love is spiritual conjunction.