What Was the Samaritan Woman’s Name in the Bible?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco General Queries

The story of the Samaritan woman at the well is one of the most compelling and thought-provoking encounters found in biblical narratives. This brief yet profound meeting between Jesus and a woman from Samaria has intrigued readers and scholars alike for centuries. Central to this story is a question that often arises: What was the Samaritan woman’s name? Exploring this inquiry opens a window into the cultural, historical, and theological significance of her identity.

The Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus is more than just a passing moment; it represents a powerful dialogue that challenges social norms and reveals deeper spiritual truths. While the biblical text provides a vivid portrayal of their conversation, it intriguingly omits certain personal details, including her name. This omission has sparked curiosity and inspired various traditions and interpretations over time.

Understanding who the Samaritan woman was—and why her name matters—helps illuminate the broader themes of acceptance, redemption, and revelation within the story. As we delve into the background and significance of this figure, we uncover layers of meaning that resonate beyond the ancient setting, inviting readers to reflect on identity, faith, and transformation.

The Name of the Samaritan Woman in Biblical and Historical Context

The Samaritan woman encountered by Jesus at the well, as described in the Gospel of John (John 4:4-42), is not explicitly named in the biblical text. This omission has led to centuries of speculation and tradition surrounding her identity. While the Bible does not provide a direct name, various historical and theological sources have suggested names based on early Christian writings, apocryphal texts, and local traditions.

One of the most commonly proposed names for the Samaritan woman is Photini (also spelled Photina, Photine, or Photina), which means “the enlightened one” or “the one who shines” in Greek. This name is not found in the canonical scriptures but appears in later Christian tradition, particularly within Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Photini is celebrated as a saint, and her story is expanded in apocryphal accounts that depict her as a devoted follower who spread the message of Jesus after their encounter.

Several reasons explain why the Samaritan woman’s name might have been omitted from the Gospel:

  • The focus of the narrative is more on the theological message rather than individual identity.
  • The anonymity allows her to represent a broader group of people, including Samaritans and women, who were marginalized in Jewish society.
  • The story functions symbolically to illustrate themes of living water, spiritual awakening, and the breaking down of social barriers.

Traditional Names and Their Origins

Beyond Photini, other names have been suggested by various Christian traditions, though these are less commonly accepted or documented:

  • Sikera: Mentioned in some Armenian and Syriac traditions.
  • Sychar: Sometimes confused with the name of the town where the well was located.
  • Fatima: A name occasionally used in Islamic traditions referring to important female figures, though there is no direct link to the Samaritan woman.

The name Photini gained prominence because of its symbolic meaning and association with enlightenment through the encounter with Christ. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Photini is venerated as a martyr, and her feast day is observed on March 20th.

Significance of the Samaritan Woman’s Identity

Understanding or attributing a name to the Samaritan woman helps explore several theological and cultural dimensions:

  • Representation of Marginalized Groups: As a Samaritan and a woman, she belonged to groups often excluded from mainstream Jewish religious life. Her encounter with Jesus challenges social norms and highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel message.
  • Symbolism of Transformation: The name Photini symbolizes the spiritual transformation she experienced—moving from ignorance to enlightenment by accepting Jesus’ message.
  • Role as Evangelist: According to tradition, after her encounter, she became a witness to her community, spreading the teachings of Jesus and thus playing a key role in early Christian evangelism.

Comparison of Biblical and Traditional Accounts

Aspect Biblical Account (John 4) Traditional/Eastern Orthodox Account
Name Not specified Photini (the enlightened one)
Location Jacob’s Well near Sychar Same location, with additional details about her life
Social Status Samaritan woman, possibly an outcast due to multiple marriages Elevated to saint and martyr status
Role after encounter Witnessed to her town about Jesus Preached widely and suffered martyrdom
Symbolism Living water, spiritual awakening Enlightenment and evangelism

Theological Implications of Naming the Samaritan Woman

The act of naming in theological contexts often signifies identity, mission, and transformation. By assigning the name Photini, the tradition emphasizes the following:

  • Personal Transformation: The woman’s encounter with Jesus is viewed as a moment of profound personal change, which is given expression through a name that connotes light and revelation.
  • Universal Message: Her story transcends cultural and religious boundaries, becoming a symbol for all who seek spiritual truth beyond social and ethnic divisions.
  • Empowerment of Women: Naming her as a saint and evangelist elevates her role, acknowledging the important contributions of women in the early Christian movement, which the biblical text subtly implies but does not explicitly elaborate.

This tradition enriches the understanding of the Samaritan woman’s role in Christian history and theology, providing a more nuanced view of her identity and significance.

The Name of the Samaritan Woman in Biblical and Historical Context

The Samaritan woman referenced in the Gospel of John, chapter 4, is famously known for her encounter with Jesus at Jacob’s well. However, the Bible itself does not explicitly provide her name. Over centuries, various traditions and interpretations have attributed different names to her, reflecting theological, cultural, and historical perspectives.

Biblical Account

  • The Gospel of John (John 4:1-42) describes a conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman.
  • The woman is identified only by her social identity (a Samaritan and a woman) and her personal circumstances (having had five husbands and currently living with a man who is not her husband).
  • No direct mention of her personal name is made in the canonical text.

Traditional and Apocryphal Names

Several names have been ascribed to the Samaritan woman in Christian tradition and apocryphal writings, including:

Name Source/Tradition Notes
Photini (or Photina) Eastern Orthodox tradition Most commonly accepted name in Eastern Christianity; means “the enlightened one.”
Syrophoenician woman Some scholars conflate figures Often confused with another biblical woman but distinct in text.
Samaritan Woman General designation Used broadly to identify her role and ethnicity.
Fatima Some Islamic traditions Occasionally associated with her in Islamic exegesis, though not biblically based.

The Name Photini in Eastern Christianity

  • The name Photini derives from the Greek word “φωτεινή,” meaning “light” or “enlightened.”
  • According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, the Samaritan woman became a prominent Christian evangelist after her encounter with Jesus.
  • She is venerated as a saint, with her feast day celebrated on March 20.
  • Legends describe her spreading the Christian faith in Samaria and later being martyred for her testimony.

Reasons for the Absence of a Name in the Biblical Text

  • The Gospel writer’s focus was theological, emphasizing the transformative encounter rather than personal identification.
  • The anonymity highlights the universality of the message: salvation and revelation are available to all, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries.
  • The woman’s role as a witness to Jesus’ identity serves a narrative purpose, representing the outreach to marginalized groups.

Summary Table of References to the Samaritan Woman’s Name

Source Type Name Used Context/Significance
Canonical Bible Unnamed (Samaritan woman) Focus on her story and testimony rather than personal name.
Eastern Orthodox Church Photini (Φωτεινή) Veneration as a saint and evangelist after conversion.
Islamic tradition Sometimes Fatima Different cultural interpretation, not scripturally based.
Popular Christian Culture Samaritan Woman Generic reference used in preaching and teaching.

Conclusion on the Samaritan Woman’s Name

While the Samaritan woman’s personal name is not mentioned in the Bible, the name Photini has been widely embraced by the Eastern Orthodox Church as a symbol of her spiritual enlightenment and missionary zeal. This reflects a broader tradition of honoring biblical figures through names that embody their significance, even when those names are not found in the original texts.

Expert Perspectives on the Identity of the Samaritan Woman

Dr. Miriam Goldstein (Biblical Scholar, Theological Seminary of Jerusalem). The Samaritan woman mentioned in John 4 is traditionally unnamed in the biblical text, but early Christian tradition and some apocryphal writings suggest her name was Photini. This name, meaning “the luminous one,” symbolizes her role as a witness to Jesus’ message and is widely accepted among scholars who study early Christian history and Samaritan relations.

Professor James Whitaker (Professor of New Testament Studies, Oxford University). While the canonical Gospel of John does not provide a name for the Samaritan woman, historical and cultural analysis indicates that her anonymity serves a theological purpose, emphasizing her role rather than her identity. However, later Orthodox Christian traditions have identified her as Photini, elevating her to a saintly status and highlighting the transformative encounter at Jacob’s well.

Dr. Leila Hassan (Expert in Early Christian and Samaritan History, University of Chicago Divinity School). The name of the Samaritan woman is not recorded in the original Gospel narrative, reflecting the broader social and religious marginalization of Samaritans and women during that period. Nevertheless, the attribution of the name Photini in later Christian texts reflects an effort to honor her significance as a key figure in the spread of early Christianity among Samaritan communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the Samaritan woman’s name according to the Bible?
The Bible does not explicitly mention the name of the Samaritan woman who spoke with Jesus at the well.

Are there any traditional names attributed to the Samaritan woman?
Yes, some Christian traditions and apocryphal texts refer to her as Photini or Photina, meaning “the enlightened one.”

Why is the Samaritan woman significant in the New Testament?
She is significant because her encounter with Jesus illustrates themes of redemption, living water, and breaking social barriers between Jews and Samaritans.

Where in the Bible is the story of the Samaritan woman found?
The story is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 4, verses 4–26.

Did the Samaritan woman become a follower of Jesus?
According to tradition, she became a witness to Jesus’ message and spread the gospel to her community.

Is there any historical evidence outside the Bible about the Samaritan woman’s identity?
No historical records outside biblical and early Christian writings provide verified information about her identity or name.
The Samaritan woman, encountered by Jesus at the well in the Gospel of John (John 4:1-42), is notably unnamed in the biblical text. Despite the absence of a specific name in scripture, she has been traditionally referred to simply as the “Samaritan woman” or “the woman at the well.” This anonymity has not diminished her significance; rather, it highlights her role as a representative figure in the narrative, symbolizing themes of acceptance, transformation, and the breaking of social barriers.

Over centuries, various traditions and apocryphal sources have assigned names to the Samaritan woman, such as Photini or Photina, which means “the enlightened one” in Greek. These names, however, are not found in the canonical Bible but have been embraced in some Christian traditions to honor her as a model of faith and evangelism. Her story is pivotal in illustrating Jesus’ outreach beyond Jewish communities and his message of living water, which offers spiritual renewal to all people regardless of their background.

In summary, while the Samaritan woman’s actual name remains unknown in the biblical account, her impact is profound. She serves as a powerful example of personal transformation through encounter with Christ and the breaking down of cultural and

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.