John 4:17

17 the woman answered and said, `I have not a husband.' Jesus saith to her, `Well didst thou say -- A husband I have not;

John 4:17 Meaning and Commentary

John 4:17

The woman answered and said, I have no husband
Which was a truth she would not have spoke at another time and place, or to any of her neighbours; but Christ being a stranger, and no odium incurring upon her by it; and this serving a purpose to excuse her going to call him, she declares the truth of the matter:

Jesus said unto her, thou hast well said, I have no husband;
this is the truth, it is really fact, and is the true state of the case, between thee and him, who goes for thy husband.

John 4:17 In-Context

15 The woman saith unto him, `Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come hither to draw.'

16 Jesus saith to her, `Go, call thy husband, and come hither;'

17 the woman answered and said, `I have not a husband.' Jesus saith to her, `Well didst thou say -- A husband I have not;

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

19 The woman saith to him, `Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet;