John 4:17

17 "I don't have a husband," she answered. Jesus replied, "You are right when you say you don't have a husband.

John 4:17 Meaning and Commentary

John 4:17

The woman answered and said, I have no husband
Which was a truth she would not have spoke at another time and place, or to any of her neighbours; but Christ being a stranger, and no odium incurring upon her by it; and this serving a purpose to excuse her going to call him, she declares the truth of the matter:

Jesus said unto her, thou hast well said, I have no husband;
this is the truth, it is really fact, and is the true state of the case, between thee and him, who goes for thy husband.

John 4:17 In-Context

15 "Sir," the woman said, "give me that water! Then I will never be thirsty again, nor will I have to come here to draw water."
16 "Go and call your husband," Jesus told her, "and come back."
17 "I don't have a husband," she answered. Jesus replied, "You are right when you say you don't have a husband.
18 You have been married to five men, and the man you live with now is not really your husband. You have told me the truth."
19 "I see you are a prophet, sir," the woman said.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.