John 4:18 Meaning

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John 4:1 John 4:2 John 4:3 John 4:4 John 4:5 John 4:6 John 4:7 John 4:8 John 4:9 John 4:10 John 4:11 John 4:12 John 4:13 John 4:14 John 4:15 John 4:16 John 4:17 John 4:18 John 4:19 John 4:20 John 4:21 John 4:22 John 4:23 John 4:24 John 4:25 John 4:26 John 4:27 John 4:28 John 4:29 John 4:30 John 4:31 John 4:32 John 4:33 John 4:34 John 4:35 John 4:36 John 4:37 John 4:38 John 4:39 John 4:40 John 4:41 John 4:42 John 4:43 John 4:44 John 4:45 John 4:46 John 4:47 John 4:48 John 4:49 John 4:50 John 4:51 John 4:52 John 4:53 John 4:54

What is the meaning of John 4:18?

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

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John 4:18 Bible Verse Meaning

Understanding John 4:18

Verse: John 4:18 - "For you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly."

Bible Verse Meanings and Interpretations

John 4:18 holds significant meaning within the context of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. This verse highlights themes of truth, sin, and redemption, particularly emphasizing the nature of Jesus' omniscience and His capacity to reveal the innermost lives of individuals.

Contextual Overview

In this passage, Jesus enters Samaria and engages in a conversation with a woman, breaking societal norms as Jews typically avoided Samaritans. During their dialogue, He speaks of "living water," signifying eternal life, and ultimately reveals her personal history, which serves to demonstrate His knowledge and authority as the Messiah.

Commentary Insights

  • Matthew Henry: Henry notes that the woman's statement about her husbands illustrates a life of relational instability and perhaps moral failure. Jesus does not condemn her but highlights her truthfulness.
  • Adam Clarke: Clarke emphasizes the cultural context, explaining that a woman in the time of Christ often had limited agency. The reference to multiple husbands suggests a searching for fulfillment that has not been achieved.
  • Albert Barnes: Barnes points out that this revelation serves to draw attention to a spiritual need, revealing her sin while simultaneously inviting her to consider the profound spiritual truths Jesus offers.

Theological Themes

John 4:18 encompasses integral theological themes such as:

  • Divine Omniscience: Jesus’ knowledge of the woman’s life exemplifies the divine attribute of knowing all things.
  • Repentance and Forgiveness: The acknowledgment of her past creates an opportunity for repentance and the reception of grace.
  • Revelation of True Worship: This encounter paves the way for further discussions about true worship in spirit and truth.

Application of John 4:18

This verse can guide modern believers in their spiritual walks by:

  • Encouraging honest self-reflection regarding one's own life and relationships.
  • Highlighting the importance of truthfulness with God as a prelude to receiving grace.
  • Reminding believers of Jesus' understanding and willingness to engage with sinners.

Cross References

This verse relates to several other passages in Scripture:

  • John 3:20-21 - Discussing the nature of truth.
  • Luke 19:10 - Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
  • Romans 5:8 - God demonstrating His love through Christ's death for sinners.

Conclusion

The depths of John 4:18 encourage believers to seek a more profound understanding of their own lives in light of the gospel. Engaging with this scripture leads to richer Bible study insights, inviting reflection on how God’s grace intersects with human experience.

For those exploring Bible verse meanings and interpretations, John 4:18 serves as a reminder of the unconditional love and acceptance found in Christ Jesus, fostering an environment for genuine transformation.

John 4 (KJV) Verse Selection

John 4:1 John 4:2 John 4:3 John 4:4 John 4:5 John 4:6 John 4:7 John 4:8 John 4:9 John 4:10 John 4:11 John 4:12 John 4:13 John 4:14 John 4:15 John 4:16 John 4:17 John 4:18 John 4:19 John 4:20 John 4:21 John 4:22 John 4:23 John 4:24 John 4:25 John 4:26 John 4:27 John 4:28 John 4:29 John 4:30 John 4:31 John 4:32 John 4:33 John 4:34 John 4:35 John 4:36 John 4:37 John 4:38 John 4:39 John 4:40 John 4:41 John 4:42 John 4:43 John 4:44 John 4:45 John 4:46 John 4:47 John 4:48 John 4:49 John 4:50 John 4:51 John 4:52 John 4:53 John 4:54

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