John 4:17-21
by Marlene Schumm
The Samaritan woman says that she does not have a husband. Jesus replies that she is right. The Greek word for "right" varies from the English translations. She is living with a man who is not her husband. She needs to admit that she is a sinner. She calls him "sir" and says he is a prophet because he knows all about her. The Greek word for "sir" has other meanings, which must be determined from the context of the statement. These differences make reading the Greek very interesting.
She changes the subject again, talking about the proper place of worship. She says that her fathers worshiped on the mountain, but the Jews claim that Jerusalem is the proper place. The woman at the well was better informed about Jews than today's average person. Jesus says that there will be a time when neither will be the proper place.
