John 4:17

John 4:17 is a pivotal moment in the profound conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. Following Jesus's request for her to call her husband (John 4:16), her immediate response sets the stage for a deeper revelation.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus's extended dialogue with the Samaritan woman, which began with His request for water and quickly shifted to spiritual matters, particularly His offer of "living water". Jesus, knowing her past, gently steers the conversation towards her personal life by asking about her husband. Her answer, "I have no husband," is technically true in the present moment, but deliberately incomplete, setting the stage for Jesus's divine insight into her history.

Key Themes

• Divine Omniscience: Jesus's affirmation, "Thou hast well said, I have no husband," is not an approval of her lifestyle but an acknowledgement of the factual accuracy of her current marital status. This immediate confirmation demonstrates His supernatural knowledge, preparing her for the profound revelation of her past in the very next verse (John 4:18). This moment highlights Jesus's ability to see beyond surface appearances and into the depths of a person's life, a theme also evident in His encounter with Nathanael (John 1:48).
• Truth and Transparency: The woman's answer is a partial truth. While technically correct that she has no *current* husband, it conceals the complex reality of her multiple past relationships. Jesus's response invites her to move from evasion to complete honesty, emphasizing that true spiritual connection requires transparency before God.
• Graceful Confrontation: Jesus confronts her past not with condemnation or harshness, but with a factual statement that draws her further into the conversation. His gentle yet direct approach leads her to recognize Him as a prophet and ultimately, the Messiah (John 4:29). This method exemplifies His compassionate way of revealing truth.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Thou hast well said" translates the Greek `kalōs eipas` (καλῶς εἶπας), which literally means "you have spoken well" or "you have said rightly." It serves as an affirmation of the correctness of her statement regarding her present situation, rather than an endorsement of her life choices. The Greek word for "husband" is `anēr` (ἀνήρ), which primarily means "man" or "male" but is used here in the context of a marital partner.

Practical Application

This exchange assures us that Jesus knows us fully – our past, our present circumstances, and even our unspoken struggles or evasions. Yet, He approaches us with grace and a desire to lead us to a deeper truth and spiritual understanding. It encourages us to be completely honest with Him about our lives, knowing that His ultimate intention is always redemptive. Just as the Samaritan woman eventually embraced His identity as the Christ, we are called to lay aside partial truths and embrace the full light of His presence.