What is the meaning of John 4:18? In fact • Jesus’ words, “In fact,” signal that He is about to reveal supernatural knowledge (John 2:24-25). • Christ’s foreknowledge affirms His divinity and omniscience, aligning with Psalm 139:1-4, where God knows every word before it is spoken. • By beginning this way, Jesus lovingly exposes hidden realities without condemnation, preparing the Samaritan woman for the living water He offers (John 4:10-14). you have had five husbands • This literal statement uncovers the woman’s complicated marital history. • Scripture treats each marriage covenant seriously (Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:14). • Her multiple marriages reflect brokenness common to all humanity—“for all have sinned” (Romans 3:23). • The Lord neither ignores sin nor avoids sinners; instead, He meets people where they are (Luke 5:31-32). and the man you now have is not your husband • Jesus identifies her current relationship as outside the bounds of marriage, paralleling biblical warnings against sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Hebrews 13:4). • By addressing the present, not just the past, He invites repentance and a fresh start (Isaiah 1:18; John 8:11). • Christ’s approach balances truth and grace, confronting sin while extending hope (John 1:17). You have spoken truthfully • Despite her sin, the woman’s honest admission receives commendation. Proverbs 12:22 shows the Lord delights in truthfulness. • Honesty becomes the doorway to deeper revelation; she soon recognizes Jesus as a prophet (John 4:19) and later proclaims Him to her city (John 4:29-30). • This interaction illustrates James 4:6—God gives grace to the humble. summary John 4:18 reveals Jesus’ omniscience, the Samaritan woman’s broken past, and His readiness to forgive and transform. He exposes sin to heal, not to shame, pairing truthful confrontation with gracious invitation. The passage assures us that when we come honestly before Christ, no matter our history, He offers living water that satisfies forever. |
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