New Testament
John 4:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come back here."
Compare translations
Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
What John 4:16 means
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Woman at the Well (John 4:1–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 4:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 4:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.