Why Did Jesus Say "You Have No Husband, You Have Five Husbands"?
In John 4, Jesus' encounter with a Samaritan woman confuses many. Explore the meaning behind "You have no husband, you have five husbands" and discover how Jesus builds trust, unveils a deeper truth, and offers a message of hope that transcends social barriers.
BIBLE INSIGHTSJESUS CHRIST
Living Water (Jesus and the Samaritan Woman) by Simon Dewey
In the Gospel of John, we encounter a fascinating exchange between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at a well (John 4). Jesus's statement, "You have no husband, you have five husbands, and the man you are with now is not your husband either" (John 4:18), can be quite puzzling. But within this seemingly judgmental statement lies a profound message about trust, faith, and a shift in focus from the temporary to the eternal.
The woman surprised when Jesus initiated conversation with her | Source: Pinterest
The story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well
The story begins with Jesus, weary from travel, resting by a well in Samaria, a territory outside Judea. A Samaritan woman arrives to draw water, and to her surprise, Jesus, a Jew, initiates conversation. This act of initiating conversation with a woman from a different culture and background already challenges societal norms. Jesus then asks her for a drink, a further unexpected request that both surprises and tests her cultural boundaries.
The conversation deepens as Jesus introduces the concept of "living water" (John 4:10), a metaphor symbolizing God's eternal love and grace. Intrigued yet confused by this concept and Jesus' identity, the woman inquires about where to worship. This is when Jesus utters the statement about her husbands, a seemingly harsh but purposeful revelation that paves the way for a deeper understanding of faith and a connection with God.
“The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.” (KJV John 4:15-18)
Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman | Source: Google Image
Understanding Jesus' Words at the Well
To truly grasp the weight of Jesus's words, we must delve into the social and religious context of the time. During this period, tensions simmered between Jews and Samaritans. Jews considered Samaritans to be outsiders with heretical beliefs, and social interaction between the two groups was minimal. Additionally, Samaritan women had more freedom in choosing partners compared to Jewish women. However, societal disapproval surrounded divorce and remarriage for both cultures.
With this context in mind, Jesus's conversation with the Samaritan woman becomes even more remarkable. By initiating a conversation with a woman from a different culture and background, Jesus breaks social norms. He then uses his divine knowledge to expose the woman's past marital experiences. This wasn't meant to be public shaming, but rather a way to establish trust and open a deeper conversation. By acknowledging her past in a way only God could, Jesus demonstrates his supernatural abilities and piques her interest in spiritual matters.
Jesus and Samaritan woman at a well | Source: Google Image
Literal or Symbolic? Interpreting "Five Husbands"
When Jesus says, "You have no husband, you have five husbands," he's not simply stating a fact. He's using a metaphorical approach to reveal a deeper truth about the woman's life. Here are two possible interpretations:
Literal Interpretation: Some scholars believe Jesus is referring to the woman's marital history. She may have been married five times, which would have been highly unusual and potentially scandalous.
Symbolic Interpretation: This interpretation sees the "five husbands" as symbolic of the woman's search for fulfillment in failed relationships. Each husband might represent a broken promise or a disappointment.
Regardless of the literal or symbolic interpretation, Jesus' statement serves as a catalyst for self-reflection. He exposes the woman's internal struggles and her longing for something more. This vulnerability opens the door for a deeper conversation about spiritual truth.
Imagine having access to Jesus' teachings anytime, anywhere. With the King James Bible app, you can explore scripture by theme, bookmark your favorite passages, and even create personalized study notes to deepen your understanding. Explore scholarly articles and commentary to gain a richer perspective on Jesus' profound messages, just like uncovering the hidden layers in the story of the Samaritan woman.
Christ and the Samaritan Woman | Italian (Venetian School), 1470-1531 c. 1520–1530 Oil on canvas Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation
The Woman's Recognition: A Bridge is Built
Jesus's primary purpose wasn't to dwell on the woman's past. By revealing this truth, he redirects her focus from temporary earthly relationships to a deeper, more fulfilling connection with God. He introduces the metaphor of "living water" (John 4:10), symbolizing God's eternal love and grace, which surpasses any fleeting earthly relationship.
The woman recognizes Jesus's extraordinary knowledge and prophetic abilities, exclaiming, "The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet." (KJV John 4:19). This opens the door for a profound conversation about faith and living water. Jesus's compassion and ability to connect with someone from a different culture and background shine through.
Source: Google Image
Key Takeaways and Continued Relevance
This encounter showcases Jesus's remarkable ability to connect with people on a deeper level, regardless of their background or past. It's a testament to his message of forgiveness, new beginnings, and the transformative power of faith.
Remember, Jesus's message of love and acceptance transcends time and culture. By opening our hearts to his teachings, we can experience the transformative power of faith and build a deeper connection with the divine. You can utilize God's wisdom to guide your daily decisions by embracing the soothing audio narration of scripture offered through the King James Bible app.
A verse for reflection today: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (KJV 2 Corinthians 5:17)