New Testament

John 4:16

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a Samaritan woman at a well.

Author
John the apostle
Written
Around AD 85-95
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
All believers
CBTClear Bible Translation

Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come back here."

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a Samaritan woman at a well. He instructs her to go and call her husband. This request is significant because it reveals Jesus' knowledge of her personal life and sets the stage for a deeper conversation about her past and her spiritual needs. The woman had multiple husbands, and Jesus' request highlights the importance of honesty and self-reflection. By asking her to bring her husband, Jesus is inviting her to confront her reality and consider her relationship with God. This moment is pivotal as it leads to a discussion about worship and the nature of true faith. Jesus uses this encounter to demonstrate that He knows her completely, yet still offers her grace and truth. This interaction emphasizes the importance of addressing our personal struggles and the transformative power of Jesus' love and acceptance.

How to apply John 4:16 to your life

When faced with difficult truths about ourselves, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus understands our struggles. This verse encourages us to confront our past and seek a deeper relationship with God, who offers grace and healing.

Curated for this public verse page. John Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jesus mean by asking the woman to call her husband?

Jesus' request for the Samaritan woman to call her husband serves as a pivotal moment in their conversation. It reveals His awareness of her life circumstances, including her multiple relationships. This request is not just about her marital status; it invites her to confront her reality and opens the door for a deeper discussion about her spiritual needs and the nature of true worship.

Why is the Samaritan woman's past significant in this verse?

The Samaritan woman's past is significant because it highlights her struggles and the societal stigma she faces. By acknowledging her multiple husbands, Jesus demonstrates His understanding of her life, which sets the stage for a transformative conversation about faith and worship. This encounter emphasizes that Jesus meets us in our brokenness and offers grace regardless of our past.

How does this verse relate to the theme of grace?

This verse illustrates the theme of grace by showing that Jesus engages with the Samaritan woman despite her complicated past. He does not condemn her but instead invites her to reflect on her life and seek a deeper relationship with God. This interaction emphasizes that grace is available to everyone, regardless of their history, and that Jesus offers acceptance and love to those who are willing to confront their truth.

What can we learn about honesty from John 4:16?

John 4:16 teaches us the importance of honesty and self-reflection in our spiritual journey. By asking the woman to bring her husband, Jesus encourages her to acknowledge her reality. This moment serves as a reminder that being truthful about our struggles is essential for growth and healing in our relationship with God. It shows that facing our truths can lead to deeper understanding and connection with Him.

The Book of John
Book Summary

The Book of John

John 1: The Word Made Flesh and the First Disciples

In the beginning is the Word, and the Word is with God, and the Word is God. All things are made by him, and in him is life, and the life is the light of men. The light shines in darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it. John the Baptist is sent from God to bear witness of the Light. He says he is not the Christ but comes to testify of him. The Word is made flesh and dwells among them, full of grace and truth. John bears witness and says that the one coming after him is preferred before him because he is before him.

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