Exposition of John 4:18 on Repentance
Exposition of John 4:18 on Repentance
The verse in question, John 4:18, reads: "For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly" (KJV) [2]. This passage is part of Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, where He reveals His knowledge of her personal life, demonstrating His divine insight.
Literary Context
The conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman is a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John, showcasing Jesus' willingness to engage with those considered outcasts by society. The larger narrative is Jesus' journey from Judea to Galilee, during which He stops in Samaria, a region often avoided by Jews due to historical and religious tensions [1]. The conversation begins with Jesus asking the woman for a drink, leading to a discussion about living water and eventually to the revelation about her marital history.
Historical Setting
The historical setting of this passage is crucial for understanding its context. Jesus' journey through Samaria was not typical for Jews of His time, as they often traveled through other routes to avoid Samaritan territory. The encounter at the well highlights Jesus' mission to reach out to Samaritans and other marginalized groups [1].
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The key term in John 4:18 is "husband" (Greek: ἀνήρ, anēr), which is used to describe the men in the woman's life. Jesus' statement that the man she currently lives with is "not thy husband" implies that her living arrangements are not legitimate or sanctioned by God. The use of "five husbands" likely refers to the woman's multiple marriages, possibly due to divorce or the death of her spouses.
The exegetical decision here revolves around understanding Jesus' intention. Is He condemning the woman's immorality, or is He simply stating a fact to demonstrate His divine knowledge? The text suggests that Jesus is doing both; He is revealing His divine insight while also addressing the woman's moral situation [2].
Range of Interpretations
Interpretations of John 4:18 vary among commentators. Some see it as a demonstration of Jesus' divine knowledge and His willingness to confront sin directly. Others interpret it as an opportunity for the woman to recognize her need for repentance and spiritual renewal.
According to John Calvin, repentance involves a "real conversion of our life unto God, proceeding from sincere and serious fear of God; and consisting in the mortification of our flesh and the old man, and the quickening of the Spirit" [4]. This understanding of repentance is relevant to the Samaritan woman's situation, as Jesus' revelation prompts her to acknowledge her sin and seek spiritual truth.
The early church fathers also emphasized the importance of repentance. Tertullian, for example, discusses the divine origin of repentance and its role in the Christian life, highlighting that true repentance involves a change of behavior and a turning towards God [5].
Repentance in Tradition
The theme of repentance is significant in Christian tradition. The passage has been used to underscore the importance of acknowledging and turning away from sin. In the context of John 4:18, the Samaritan woman's recognition of her past and her current situation leads her to seek Jesus further, exemplifying a step towards repentance.
The concept of repentance is further explored in other biblical passages and early Christian writings. For instance, the book of Lamentations is seen as an expression of repentance, where the speaker justifies God and condemns herself, acknowledging her sin [6].
The connection between repentance and the forgiveness of sins is also a recurring theme. According to Hebrews 10:18, "where there is remission of these, there is no longer a sacrifice for sin" (Darby) [3], indicating that repentance and forgiveness are closely linked.
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Revelation 2:18 cross-references: Psalms 2:7, Matthew 3:17, Matthew 4:3, Matthew 17:5, Matthew 27:54, Luke 1:35, John 1:14, John 1:49, John 3:16, John 3:18, John 3:35, John 5:25, John 10:36, Acts 8:36, Romans 1:4, Romans 8:32, Revelation 1:11, Revelation 1:14, Revelation 2:1”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “John 4:18 cross-references: Genesis 20:3, Genesis 34:2, Genesis 34:7, Genesis 34:31, Numbers 5:29, Ruth 4:10, Jeremiah 3:20, Ezekiel 16:32, Ezekiel 16:35, Mark 10:12, John 4:16, Romans 7:3, 1 Corinthians 7:10, Hebrews 13:4”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 10:18 (Darby) — But where there [is] remission of these, [there is] no longer a sacrifice for sin.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 58: both derivations, for it is substantially this, that withdrawing from ourselves we turn to God, and laying aside the old, put on a new mind. Wherefore, it seems to me, that repentance may be not inappropriately defined thus: A real conversion of our life unto God, proceeding from sincere and serious fear of God; and consisting in the mortification of our flesh and the old man, and the quickening of the Spirit. In this sense are to be understood all those addresses in which the prophets first, and the apostles afterwards, exhorted t”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 3: Tertullian — CHAP. II.--TRUE REPENTANCE A THING DIVINE, ORIGINATED BY GOD, AND SUBJECT TO HIS LAWS. (part 1): But if they acted as men who had any part in God, and thereby in reason also, they would first weigh well the importance of repentance, and would never apply it in such a way as to make it a ground for convicting themselves of perverse self-amendment. In short, they would regulate the limit of their repentance, because they would reach (a limit) in sinning too--by fearing God, I mean. But where there is no fear, in like manner there is no amendment; where there is no amendme”
- Lamentations (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Lamentations 1:18: The sure sign of repentance; justifying God, condemning herself (Neh 9:33; Psa 51:4; Dan 9:7-14). his commandment--literally, "mouth"; His word in the mouth of the prophets.”