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John 4:17

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 4:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The woman answered and said unto him, I have no husband. Jesus saith unto her, Thou saidst well, I have no husband:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The woman answered and said unto him, I have no husband. Jesus saith unto her, Thou saidst well, I have no husband:
John 4:17 — American Standard Version

Context — John 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life.
15The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come all the way hither to draw.
16Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
17The woman answered and said unto him, I have no husband. Jesus saith unto her, Thou saidst well, I have no husband:
18for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: this hast thou said truly.
19The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
20Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The woman answered and said, I have no husband, etc.] Which was a truth she would not have spoke at another time and place, or to any of her neighbours; but Christ being a stranger, and no odium incurring upon her by it; and this serving a purpose to excuse her going to call him, she declares the truth of the matter: Jesus said unto her, thou hast well said, I have no husband; this is the truth, it is really fact, and is the true state of the case, between thee and him, who goes for thy husband.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I have no husband - This was said, evidently, to evade the subject. Perhaps she feared that if she came there with the man that she lived with, the truth might be exposed. It is not improbable that by this time she began to suspect that Jesus was a prophet. Hast well said - Hast said the truth. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thou hast well said - We may observe in all our Lord's discourses the utmost weightiness, and yet the utmost courtesy. John 4:18”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification