John 4:17

Authorized King James Version

The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#2
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
γυνὴ
The woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#4
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
εἶπας
Thou hast
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#6
οὐκ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#7
ἔχω·
I have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#8
Ἄνδρα
husband
a man (properly as an individual male)
#9
λέγει
said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#10
αὐτῇ
unto her
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
#11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#13
Καλῶς
well
well (usually morally)
#14
εἶπας
Thou hast
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#15
ὅτι
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#16
Ἄνδρα
husband
a man (properly as an individual male)
#17
οὐκ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#18
ἔχω·
I have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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