John 4:16

KJV

Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto her {G846}, Go {G5217}, call {G5455} thy {G4675} husband {G435}, and {G2532} come {G2064} hither {G1759}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come back.”

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

American Standard Version

Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jesus' seemingly abrupt command to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, "Go, call thy husband, and come hither," marks a pivotal turn in their conversation. This instruction shifts the dialogue from general theological concepts of "living water" to a direct, piercing revelation of her personal life and moral reality, demonstrating Jesus' divine omniscience and preparing her heart for genuine spiritual transformation and an authentic encounter with the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical juncture in Jesus' extended dialogue with the Samaritan woman, following His offer of "living water" in [John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water") and her subsequent request for it in [John 4:15](/john/4-15 "John 4:15 - The Woman Asks for Living Water"). Up to this point, the conversation has been veiled in metaphor, with the woman struggling to grasp the spiritual depth of Jesus' words. His command in [John 4:16](/john/4-16 "John 4:16 - Jesus Commands the Samaritan Woman") abruptly pulls the discussion from abstract theology into the concrete, personal details of her life, revealing His supernatural knowledge and setting the stage for her confession and subsequent evangelism. It serves as a test of her sincerity and a necessary step for her to confront her own spiritual need.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The encounter takes place in Samaria, a region culturally and religiously distinct from Judea, leading to deep-seated animosity between Jews and Samaritans. For a Jewish man, let alone a rabbi, to initiate conversation with a Samaritan woman, especially at a public well, was highly unconventional and socially transgressive. Women in this culture often came to the well in the cool of the morning or evening, making the woman's midday presence (as implied by Jesus' weariness from travel in [John 4:6](/john/4-6 "John 4:6 - Jesus at Jacob's Well")) unusual and possibly indicative of her social ostracization. Jesus' command to "call thy husband" directly challenges the societal norms and personal secrets that shaped her identity, bringing her hidden life into the open in a way that was both shocking and ultimately redemptive.

* **Key Themes:** [John 4:16](/john/4-16 "John 4:16 - Jesus Commands the Samaritan Woman") powerfully contributes to several key themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Divine Knowledge and Omniscience**, a recurring theme where Jesus demonstrates His supernatural insight into human hearts and circumstances, as seen in [John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Conviction of Sin**, where Jesus lovingly, yet directly, exposes the woman's moral brokenness, not to condemn, but to lead her to repentance and true spiritual healing, echoing the penetrating power of God's Word described in [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active"). Finally, it emphasizes the necessity of **Truth and Transparency** in genuine spiritual transformation; Jesus calls her to bring her true self and circumstances into the light, illustrating that authentic faith begins with honesty before God. This personal encounter is crucial for her journey to faith and her subsequent testimony, as detailed in [John 4:39](/john/4-39 "John 4:39 - Many Samaritans Believed Because of Her Word").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go (Greek, _hypágō'_):** This imperative verb signifies a direct command to "lead oneself under" or "withdraw." In this context, it's not merely a suggestion but an authoritative instruction for the woman to physically depart and return with her husband. It implies a necessary action on her part to facilitate the next stage of the encounter.
* **call (Greek, _phōnéō'_):** Meaning "to emit a sound" or "to address in words or by name," this verb emphasizes the act of summoning. Jesus isn't asking her to merely think about her husband but to actively bring him into the conversation, highlighting the need for transparency and the involvement of her immediate relational context.
* **husband (Greek, _anḗr'_):** This term specifically refers to an "individual male" and, in this context, a "man" as a "husband." The use of this precise term, rather than a more general word for "man," is crucial, as it directly targets the specific, sensitive area of her marital status and history, which Jesus immediately proceeds to reveal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus saith unto her,"**: This opening phrase establishes Jesus as the initiator of this pivotal command, underscoring His authority and control over the conversation. It highlights His intentionality in shifting the focus from abstract theological discussion to a deeply personal revelation.
* **"Go, call thy husband,"**: This is a direct, two-part imperative. "Go" demands immediate action, while "call thy husband" directly targets her personal life. This command serves as a probe, designed to expose her hidden reality and test her honesty, setting the stage for Jesus to reveal His supernatural knowledge of her situation.
* **"and come hither."**: This final imperative completes the command, requiring her to return to Jesus' presence, but now with her husband. This instruction is not merely about bringing another person, but about bringing her full, unvarnished life into the light of Jesus' presence, preparing her for a genuine encounter with truth.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [John 4:16](/john/4-16 "John 4:16 - Jesus Commands the Samaritan Woman") is **Anagnorisis** (or recognition), where Jesus' simple command serves as the catalyst for the woman's realization of His true identity. While not explicitly stated in this verse, the command immediately sets up the dramatic reveal of Jesus' omniscience in the subsequent verses ([John 4:17-18](/john/4-17-18 "John 4:17-18 - Jesus Reveals Her Past")). Jesus' instruction also functions as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience, and soon the woman, understands the true implications of the command (that she has no *current* husband in the conventional sense), while the initial words seem straightforward. Furthermore, the command itself is a **Direct Command**, reflecting Jesus' authority and His purposeful intent to move the conversation beyond superficiality to a confrontation with personal truth, essential for spiritual breakthrough.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is profoundly significant, demonstrating Jesus' divine omniscience and His method of bringing conviction, not condemnation, to lead individuals to truth. Jesus' command to "call thy husband" is not a random inquiry but a targeted revelation, designed to expose the woman's moral brokenness and her attempts to hide it. It teaches us that true spiritual transformation often begins with a divine unveiling of our hidden realities, prompting us to confront our sin and acknowledge our need for grace. This encounter highlights that Jesus sees beyond superficial appearances and engages with the deepest, most vulnerable aspects of our lives, offering living water only after the ground of honesty has been prepared.

* [John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People")
* [Hebrews 4:12-13](/hebrews/4-12-13 "Hebrews 4:12-13 - The Word of God and Divine Knowledge")
* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 4:16](/john/4-16 "John 4:16 - Jesus Commands the Samaritan Woman") serves as a powerful reminder that genuine spiritual encounter with Jesus often requires us to lay bare our hidden lives and acknowledge our true condition. Just as Jesus gently but firmly exposed the Samaritan woman's marital history, He invites us to bring our own brokenness, secrets, and struggles into His light. This is not for judgment, but for healing and transformation. We cannot truly receive the "living water" of Christ if we cling to pretense or refuse to be honest about our need. This verse encourages us to trust in Jesus' perfect knowledge and compassionate heart, knowing that He sees us fully and still offers profound grace. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity to a deeply personal and transparent relationship with our Savior, allowing His truth to penetrate and purify every area of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hidden" aspects of your life might Jesus be inviting you to bring into His light today?**
* **How does Jesus' omniscience, as demonstrated in this verse, bring you comfort or conviction?**
* **In what ways might a willingness to be transparent before God be a prerequisite for deeper spiritual transformation in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask the woman to call her husband, knowing her situation?**

Answer: Jesus' command in [John 4:16](/john/4-16 "John 4:16 - Jesus Commands the Samaritan Woman") was not an inquiry born of ignorance, but a purposeful revelation of His divine omniscience. He already knew her marital history, as evidenced by His subsequent statements in [John 4:17-18](/john/4-17-18 "John 4:17-18 - Jesus Reveals Her Past"). The command served several crucial purposes:
1. **To expose her true spiritual need:** The woman was discussing "living water" but was not yet ready to receive it because of unaddressed sin in her life. Jesus' question brought her hidden reality to the surface.
2. **To demonstrate His supernatural knowledge:** By asking her to call her husband and then revealing His knowledge of her five previous husbands and current cohabitation, Jesus proved He was more than just a prophet; He possessed divine insight into the human heart ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People")).
3. **To prepare her for genuine faith:** This act of revelation broke through her superficial understanding and led her to acknowledge her sin and recognize Jesus as the Messiah ([John 4:29](/john/4-29 "John 4:29 - The Woman's Testimony")). It was a necessary step for her to move from curiosity to conviction and ultimately to conversion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 4:16](/john/4-16 "John 4:16 - Jesus Commands the Samaritan Woman") provides a profound Christ-centered lens through which to understand the nature of salvation. Jesus, the Son of God, perfectly embodies the divine knowledge and authority to expose human sin, not for condemnation, but for redemption. His gentle yet piercing command to the Samaritan woman foreshadows His ultimate mission: to confront the sin of humanity and offer true reconciliation. Just as He knew her hidden life, He knows the depths of every human heart, and His call to "come hither" is an invitation for all to lay bare their brokenness before the One who alone can cleanse and transform. He is the true Bridegroom, coming for a bride without spot or wrinkle ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church as Bride and Groom")), and His revelation of sin is a necessary step in preparing His people for the eternal marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ became sin for us, that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), thus fulfilling the deepest longing for true relationship that the Samaritan woman, and all humanity, unknowingly sought.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 4:13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Revelation 2:23

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

John 4:18

For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

John 1:47

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

John 1:48

Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

John 1:42

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.