The man at the pool
John 5:1–18FocusHealing 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 5:41
KJVI receive not honour from men.
Read it in context
Witnesses and unbelief
Start reading at John 5:30 (John 5:30 to John 5:47).
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.
Appeals to John, the works, the Father, and Scripture expose a refusal to come to Jesus despite the testimony available.
- 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
- 5:31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
- 5:32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
- 5:33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
- 5:34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
- 5:35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
- 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
- 5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
- 5:38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
- 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
- 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
- 5:41 I receive not honour from men.
- 5:42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
- 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
- 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
- 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
- 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
- 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
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? Witnesses and unbelief. Read John 5:30 through John 5:47 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Appeals to John, the works, the Father, and Scripture expose a refusal to come to Jesus despite the testimony available. 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 Witnesses and unbelief (John 5:30 to John 5:47). Start reading at John 5:30. 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 5:30, John 5:47, 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
- I receive not honour from men. John 5:34 John 6:15 John 7:18 John 8:50,54 1 Thess 2:6 1 Pet 2:21 2 Pet 1:17
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 FocusTestimony 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.