FocusHealing and Sabbath conflict
Connection to the wholeThe healing leads to controversy about the Sabbath and Jesus' words about His Father, setting up the explanation that follows.
interpretation John 5:3
KJVIn these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
Read it in context
The man at the pool
Start reading at John 5:1 (John 5:1 to John 5:18).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The healing leads to controversy about the Sabbath and Jesus' words about His Father, setting up the explanation that follows.
- 5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
- 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
- 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
- 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
- 5:5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
- 5:6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
- 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
- 5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
- 5:9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
- 5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
- 5:11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
- 5:12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
- 5:13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
- 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
- 5:15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
- 5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
- 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
- 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 5:1–5:47): Jesus heals a disabled man at Bethesda and answers the Jewish opponents who challenge His Sabbath action and His claims. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The man at the pool. Read John 5:1 through John 5:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The healing leads to controversy about the Sabbath and Jesus' words about His Father, setting up the explanation that follows. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The man at the pool (John 5:1 to John 5:18). Start reading at John 5:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 5:1, John 5:18, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- of blind Matt 15:30 Luke 7:22
- withered 1 Kgs 13:4 Zech 11:17 Mark 3:1-4
- waiting Prov 8:34 Lam 3:26 Rom 8:25 Jas 5:7
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 5
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
Life and judgment
John 5:19–29FocusThe Son's works
Connection to the wholeJesus' answer develops the relationship of His works to the Father and His authority concerning life, resurrection, and judgment.
interpretation Witnesses and unbelief
John 5:30–47FocusTestimony that is refused
Connection to the wholeAppeals to John, the works, the Father, and Scripture expose a refusal to come to Jesus despite the testimony available.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.