John 4:16
Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
Original Language Analysis
Λέγει
saith
G3004
Λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῇ
unto her
G846
αὐτῇ
unto her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς,
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 12
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Ὕπαγε
Go
G5217
Ὕπαγε
Go
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
5 of 12
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
φώνησον
call
G5455
φώνησον
call
Strong's:
G5455
Word #:
6 of 12
to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Hebrews 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.John 21:17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.John 4:18For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.
Historical Context
In patriarchal first-century culture, a woman's male relative would typically represent her in significant conversations. Jesus' request appears conventional but actually exposes her marital irregularity.
Questions for Reflection
- Why must conviction of sin precede genuine conversion and satisfaction in Christ?
- How does Jesus lovingly but directly address our specific sins rather than speaking only in generalities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' command 'Go, call thy husband' redirects conversation from physical to moral need, exposing her sin. This demonstrates that genuine gospel ministry addresses not just spiritual thirst but the sin that causes it. Conviction of sin precedes reception of grace in Reformed soteriology—we must know ourselves as sinners before embracing Christ as Savior.