John 4:16
What does John 4:16 mean?
A plain-English look at John 4:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 4:16 means
Jesus abruptly shifts the conversation, moving from the theological discussion of living water to a deeply personal and convicting command: "Go, call thy husband, and come hither." This seemingly unrelated instruction is a tactical move designed to expose her heart and reveal her moral condition. It serves to confront her with her sin, preparing her to receive the spiritual truth He offers by first bringing her to a place of self-awareness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said to her, Go, get your husband and come back here with him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus saith to her, `Go, call thy husband, and come hither;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus saith to her: Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus says to her, Go, call thy husband, and come here.
Context
This verse marks a sudden and significant turn in Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman. It follows her request for the "living water" to ease her physical burdens. Jesus' command to call her husband is not a literal concession but a piercing move to expose her personal life and bring her to confront her own sinful reality, a crucial step before she can truly receive spiritual salvation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 1:47
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
- John 4:18
for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: this hast thou said truly.
- John 2:24
But Jesus did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men,
- Revelation 2:23
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.
- Hebrews 4:13
And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
- John 1:42
He brought him unto Jesus. Jesus looked upon him, and said, Thou art Simon the son of John: thou shalt be called Cephas (which is by interpretation, Peter).
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