John 4:17

17 "I have no husband," she said.

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 The woman said, "Sir, give me this water so I won't ever get thirsty, won't ever have to come back to this well again!"
16 He said, "Go call your husband and then come back."
17 "I have no husband," she said.
18 You've had five husbands, and the man you're living with now isn't even your husband. You spoke the truth there, sure enough."
19 "Oh, so you're a prophet!
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.