John 4:18
New International Version
The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

New Living Translation
for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”

English Standard Version
for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”

Berean Standard Bible
In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have spoken truthfully.”

Berean Literal Bible
For you have had five husbands, and he whom you have now is not your husband; this you have spoken truly."

King James Bible
For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

New King James Version
for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”

New American Standard Bible
for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this which you have said is true.”

NASB 1995
for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.”

NASB 1977
for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.”

Legacy Standard Bible
for you had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.”

Amplified Bible
for you have had five husbands, and the man you are now living with is not your husband. You have said this truthfully.”

Christian Standard Bible
“For you’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“For you’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true."”

American Standard Version
for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: this hast thou said truly.

English Revised Version
for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: this hast thou said truly.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You've had five husbands, and the man you have now isn't your husband. You've told the truth."

Good News Translation
You have been married to five men, and the man you live with now is not really your husband. You have told me the truth."

International Standard Version
because you have had five husbands, and the man you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true."

Majority Standard Bible
In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have spoken truthfully.?

NET Bible
for you have had five husbands, and the man you are living with now is not your husband. This you said truthfully!"

New Heart English Bible
for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truly."

Webster's Bible Translation
For thou hast had five husbands, and he whom thou now hast, is not thy husband: in that thou hast spoken truth.

Weymouth New Testament
"for you have had five husbands, and the man you have at present is not your husband. You have spoken the truth in saying that."

World English Bible
for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truly.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for you have had five husbands, and now, he whom you have is not your husband; you have said this correctly.”

Berean Literal Bible
For you have had five husbands, and he whom you have now is not your husband; this you have spoken truly."

Young's Literal Translation
for five husbands thou hast had, and, now, he whom thou hast is not thy husband; this hast thou said truly.'

Smith's Literal Translation
For thou hadst five husbands; and now he whom thou hast is not thy husband: this thou saidst true.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For thou hast had five husbands: and he whom thou now hast, is not thy husband. This thou hast said truly.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For you have had five husbands, but he whom you have now is not your husband. You have spoken this in truth.”

New American Bible
For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true.”

New Revised Standard Version
for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For you have had five husbands; and the one you now have is not your husband; what you said is true.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For you have had five husbands, and this man that is with you now is not your husband; this you have spoken truly.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband. In this you have spoken truly.

Godbey New Testament
for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: thou hast spoken this truly.

Haweis New Testament
for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in this thou hast spoken true.

Mace New Testament
for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have, is not your husband: in that you said true.

Weymouth New Testament
"for you have had five husbands, and the man you have at present is not your husband. You have spoken the truth in saying that."

Worrell New Testament
for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband: this you have said truly."

Worsley New Testament
for thou hast had five husbands; and he, whom thou now hast, is not thy husband: this thou hast said true.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
17“I have no husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said to her, “You are correct to say that you have no husband. 18In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have spoken truthfully.” 19“Sir,” the woman said, “I see that You are a prophet.…

Cross References
Matthew 19:9
Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

Mark 10:11-12
So He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. / And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

Luke 16:18
Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Romans 7:2-3
For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. / But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

1 Corinthians 7:39
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.

Matthew 5:32
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

1 Timothy 5:14
So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.

Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Exodus 20:14
You shall not commit adultery.

Deuteronomy 24:1-4
If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds some indecency in her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. / If, after leaving his house, she goes and becomes another man’s wife, / and the second man hates her, writes her a certificate of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house, or if he dies, ...

Malachi 2:14-16
Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. / Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. / “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith.

Proverbs 6:32
He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.


Treasury of Scripture

For you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband: in that said you truly.

is not.

Genesis 20:3
But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.

Genesis 34:2,7,8,31
And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her…

Numbers 5:29
This is the law of jealousies, when a wife goeth aside to another instead of her husband, and is defiled;

Jump to Previous
Fact Five Husband Husbands Present Quite Truth True.
Jump to Next
Fact Five Husband Husbands Present Quite Truth True.
John 4
1. Jesus talks with a woman of Samaria, and reveals his identity to her.
27. His disciples marvel.
31. He declares to them his zeal for God's glory.
39. Many Samaritans believe on him.
43. He departs into Galilee, and heals the ruler's son that lay sick at Capernaum.














In fact, you have had five husbands
This phrase highlights the Samaritan woman's past, revealing her multiple marriages. In the cultural context of first-century Samaria, having multiple husbands could indicate a history of personal tragedy, such as widowhood or divorce, which was often stigmatized. The Samaritans, though related to the Jews, had distinct religious practices and were often looked down upon by the Jewish people. This background sets the stage for Jesus' interaction with her, breaking social norms by speaking to a Samaritan woman. The number five may also symbolize incompleteness or imperfection, contrasting with the completeness found in Christ.

and the man you now have is not your husband
This statement addresses the woman's current living situation, suggesting a relationship outside the bounds of marriage. In the biblical context, living with someone who is not one's spouse was considered sinful, reflecting a departure from the covenantal understanding of marriage. This situation underscores the woman's need for spiritual renewal and redemption, which Jesus offers. It also highlights Jesus' omniscience, as He knows her circumstances without prior knowledge, demonstrating His divine insight.

You have spoken truthfully.
Here, Jesus acknowledges the woman's honesty in her response to Him. This affirmation is significant, as it shows Jesus' appreciation for truthfulness, even when it reveals personal shortcomings. It also serves as a turning point in their conversation, leading to a deeper revelation of Jesus' identity as the Messiah. This moment of truth is pivotal, as it opens the door for the woman to receive the living water Jesus offers, symbolizing eternal life and spiritual fulfillment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is engaging in a conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, revealing His divine knowledge and offering her living water.

2. Samaritan Woman
A resident of Sychar in Samaria, she encounters Jesus at Jacob's well. Her life account, including her marital history, becomes a focal point of their conversation.

3. Jacob's Well
A significant historical and religious site for both Jews and Samaritans, it serves as the setting for this transformative encounter.

4. Sychar
A town in Samaria where this interaction takes place, highlighting the cultural and religious tensions between Jews and Samaritans.

5. Samaritans
A group with a complex relationship with the Jews, often viewed with suspicion and prejudice, which makes Jesus' interaction with the woman even more significant.
Teaching Points
Truth and Transformation
Jesus' revelation of the woman's past is not to condemn but to lead her to transformation. We should seek truth in our lives, allowing it to guide us to spiritual growth.

Breaking Cultural Barriers
Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman shows the importance of reaching across cultural and social divides to share the Gospel.

Living Water
Jesus offers something far greater than physical satisfaction—spiritual fulfillment. We should seek the living water that only Christ can provide.

Honesty Before God
The woman's truthful acknowledgment of her situation is a step towards redemption. We should be honest with God about our struggles and sins.

Redemption and Witness
The woman's encounter with Jesus leads her to become a witness to her community. Our personal transformation can be a powerful testimony to others.(18) In that saidst thou truly.--The stroke goes deeper. It lays bare the secrets of all those years over which she thought the veil of the past had for ever been drawn. The bright days of joy and dark days of sin; the heart's promises made and broken; the sad days of death, which five times over had robbed her of a husband; or, worse than death, the sin which had severed the sacred bonds; the shame of the present shameless life--all these are at least hidden from a stranger. But His words pierce to the inmost thoughts, and prove Him to know all the acts of her life (John 4:29). "Thou hast well said, A husband I have not. The holy name may not be given to the paramour thou now hast; with the loss of purity is linked the loss of truthfulness; the very truth thou utterest is meant to convey to Me an untruth, but to One who knows all, the words are really true;--"in that saidst thou truly."



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
In fact,
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

you have had
ἔσχες (esches)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

five
πέντε (pente)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4002: Five. A primary number; 'five'.

husbands,
ἄνδρας (andras)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the man
ὃν (hon)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

you now have
ἔχεις (echeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

is
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

husband.
ἀνήρ (anēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

You have spoken
εἴρηκας (eirēkas)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.

truthfully.”
ἀληθὲς (alēthes)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 227: Unconcealed, true, true in fact, worthy of credit, truthful. TRUE.


Links
John 4:18 NIV
John 4:18 NLT
John 4:18 ESV
John 4:18 NASB
John 4:18 KJV

John 4:18 BibleApps.com
John 4:18 Biblia Paralela
John 4:18 Chinese Bible
John 4:18 French Bible
John 4:18 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: John 4:18 For you have had five husbands (Jhn Jo Jn)
John 4:17
Top of Page
Top of Page