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