New Testament
John 4:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"For you have had five husbands, and the man you are with now is not your husband. What you have said is true."
Compare translations
For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
What John 4:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus reveals the personal history of a Samaritan woman he meets at a well. He points out that she has had five husbands and is currently living with a man who is not her husband. This statement highlights her complicated past and the truthfulness of her situation. Jesus does not condemn her but instead acknowledges her honesty about her life. This encounter illustrates Jesus' ability to see beyond surface appearances and societal norms, addressing deeper issues of sin and personal struggle. It also emphasizes the importance of truth in relationships and the need for redemption. The woman's past does not disqualify her from receiving Jesus' message of hope and salvation, showing that everyone is worthy of grace, regardless of their history.
How to apply John 4:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to be honest about our past and current struggles. It reminds us that no one is beyond redemption and that acknowledging our truth can lead to healing. We should approach others with compassion, understanding their stories and offering grace instead of judgment.
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 4:18
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 4:18
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 John 4:18 mean?
John 4:18 means that Jesus reveals the personal history of a Samaritan woman, noting she has had five husbands and is currently with a man who is not her husband. This highlights her complicated past and Jesus' understanding of her truth.
What is the significance of the five husbands in John 4:18?
The five husbands in John 4:18 signify the woman's troubled relationships and personal struggles. It illustrates her search for love and stability, which Jesus acknowledges without judgment.
What does Jesus' statement about the woman's current partner imply?
Jesus' statement about the woman's current partner implies that he recognizes her living situation and the reality of her life. It shows that he sees beyond societal norms and addresses her truth directly.
How does John 4:18 relate to themes of redemption?
John 4:18 relates to themes of redemption by showing that despite the woman's complicated past, she is still worthy of Jesus' message of hope. It emphasizes that everyone can find grace and forgiveness.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.