For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

JOHN 4:18KJV
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John 4:18 (KJV)

What does John 4:18 mean?

John 4:18 records Jesus telling the Samaritan woman that she has had five husbands, and the man she is currently with is not her husband, affirming that she has spoken truthfully about her situation. This verse shows Jesus’ awareness of her personal history and highlights her honesty in their conversation.

Jesus is speaking directly to a Samaritan woman at a well, during a private conversation. He reveals knowledge of her life that she has not shared, which surprises her and shows his insight. This moment is part of a larger discussion where Jesus gently exposes her circumstances, not to shame her, but to lead her toward deeper understanding and openness.

The Greek behind John 4:18

  • ἄνδρα (anēr): This word, translated as "husband," can mean either "man" or "husband" depending on context. Here, it emphasizes both her marital history and her current relationship status.
  • ἀληθῶς (alēthōs): Translated as "truly," this word underscores that the woman has been honest in her response, even about a difficult subject. Jesus acknowledges her truthfulness, which is significant in their exchange.
  • νῦν (nyn): Meaning "now" or "at present," this word draws a clear distinction between her past marriages and her current situation, highlighting the ongoing nature of her circumstances.

Why John 4:18 matters

  • John 4:18 clarifies that Jesus is not condemning the woman but recognizing her honesty, which sets the tone for the respectful and revealing conversation that follows.
  • This verse shows Jesus’ supernatural knowledge, which helps the woman realize he is more than an ordinary man and prepares her to consider his message about living water and true worship.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in John 4 of breaking social barriers, as Jesus engages openly with someone who would have been marginalized in her community.

Where else these words appear

“truly” Greek G227 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • John 8:16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

“five” Greek G4002 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 14:17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
  • Luke 1:24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
  • John 6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

“thou” Greek G2046 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
  • Luke 17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
  • Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

“now” Greek G3568 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
  • Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: