John 4:17
The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 18
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔχω·
I have
G2192
ἔχω·
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 18
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
λέγει
said
G3004
λέγει
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 18
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 #:
10 of 18
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 #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
12 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὅτι
G3754
Historical Context
Mosaic law permitted divorce but regulated it (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). The woman's situation—multiple divorces and current cohabitation—exceeded normal patterns and would have marked her as morally compromised in both Jewish and Samaritan culture.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we offer technically true statements that nonetheless hide deeper realities?
- What comfort and warning come from Christ's complete knowledge of our circumstances and choices?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The woman's response 'I have no husband' is technically true but deliberately evasive. Jesus' commendation 'Thou hast well said' acknowledges her literal truthfulness while preparing to reveal deeper knowledge. This shows how Christ's omniscience penetrates our half-truths and self-justifications.