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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
Christ having heard this, now seasonably introduces His reproof, mentioning accurately both points; for He enumerated all her former husbands, and reproved her for him whom she now would hide. What then did the woman? she was not annoyed, nor did she leave Him and fly, nor deem the thing an insult, but rather admired Him, and persevered the more. "I perceive," saith she, "that Thou art a Prophet." Observe her prudence; she did not straightway run to Him, but still considers Him, and marvels at Him. …
Cyril of Alexandria
With difficulty does she brighten up to apprehension, and that again not yet perfect. For she still calls the Lord of Prophets a Prophet. But she has by degrees shown herself better than before, in no way ashamed at reproof, seizing to her own profit the force of the sign and so going forth from her effeminate understanding, attaining to some extent to a vigorous mind, and stretching forth the eye of her heart to an unwonted view of things. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Did she not become annoyed upon hearing this? Did she not leave Him and run away? No, she was even more amazed, even more strengthened, and says: "Lord, I see that You are a prophet"; and she asks Him about divine matters, not about worldly ones, such as bodily health or possessions. So chaste and well-disposed toward virtue is her soul! What then does she ask about?
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
"The woman saith unto Him, Sir, I see that thou art a prophet." The husband begins to come, he is not yet fully come. She accounted the Lord a prophet, and a prophet indeed He was; for it was of Himself He said, that "a prophet is not without honor, save in his own country." Again, of Him it was said to Moses, "A Prophet will I raise up to them of their brethren, like unto thee." Like, namely, as to the form of the flesh, but not in the eminence of His majesty. Accordingly we find the Lord Jesus called a Prophet. …
Thomas Aquinas
Now the Evangelist treats of the request by which the gift is obtained, which is prayer. First there is the woman's inquiry about prayer. Secondly, Christ's answer (v 21). Concerning the first the woman does two things. First, she admits that Christ is qualified to answer her question. Secondly, she asks the question (v 20). And so this woman, hearing what Christ had told her about things that were secret, admits that the one who up to now she believed was a mere man, is a prophet, and capable of settling her doubts. …
Bonaventure
The second point is touched upon here: for after he revealed the secret, he makes clear the doubt. For the woman, seeing that the Lord was a knower of secrets, puts forward her own uncertainty to be resolved; on account of which she says: "The woman says to him: Lord, I see that you are a prophet," because, namely, you know secrets, and thus you can answer my doubt.
Translation