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.

'Being sent' means coming forth, (or going forth), in the internal sense, as in John 17:8. In similar manner, it is said of the holy of the spirit, that it was 'sent,' that is, it goes forth from the divine of the Lord, as in John 15:26, 16:5, 7.

So, too, the prophets were called 'the sent,' because the words which they spoke went forth from the holy of the spirit of the Lord.

'To be sent,' as in Genesis 37:13, signifies teaching.

(Notae: Arcana Coelestia 2397; John 15:7)