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 5:46
KJVFor had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
Read it in context
Jesus' Discourse on His Authority and Witnesses
Start reading at John 5:1 (John 5:1 to John 5:47).
The discourse in John 5:19-47 is a direct response to the conflict initiated by Jesus' healing on the Sabbath in John 5:1-18. Starting at John 5:1 provides the full narrative and theological context for Jesus' claims and accusations.
- 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.
- 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
- 5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
- 5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
- 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
- 5:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
- 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
- 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
- 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
- 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
- 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
- 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
- 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 main event or theme? Jesus asserts that Moses' writings bear witness to Him, and the unbelief of His Jewish audience in Moses' writings directly correlates to their unbelief in Jesus Himself.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that the Old Testament Scriptures, particularly the writings of Moses, prophesy and testify of Jesus Christ. He is also revealing the spiritual inconsistency of those who profess to believe Moses but reject Christ, whom Moses foretold.
- What is the literary style? Discourse or argumentative speech within a Gospel narrative.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 85 to 95.
- When does the event take place? Approximately A.D. 27 to 30, during Jesus' earthly ministry.
Where
- Where did it happen? Jerusalem.
- Where was the author located? Ephesus (traditional view).
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus' Discourse on His Authority and Witnesses (John 5:26 to John 5:47). Start reading at John 5:1. The discourse in John 5:19-47 is a direct response to the conflict initiated by Jesus' healing on the Sabbath in John 5:1-18. Starting at John 5:1 provides the full narrative and theological context for Jesus' claims and accusations.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse serves as a concluding point in Jesus' discourse, where He systematically presents various witnesses to His divine identity and authority. It highlights the profound irony and spiritual blindness of the Jews, who claimed to follow Moses but rejected the very one Moses foretold, thereby demonstrating their true unbelief. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus explicitly states, "he wrote of me," directly identifying Himself as the subject and fulfillment of Moses' writings. This reveals Christ as the central figure to whom the Old Testament Law and Prophets bear witness, demonstrating His pre-eminence and divine plan woven throughout Scripture. stated in the text
- How do I apply it today? This passage reminds us that all Scripture, from Moses onward, ultimately points to Jesus Christ. For us today, it underscores the importance of reading the entire Bible with a Christ-centered understanding, recognizing that true belief in God's Word leads to belief in Jesus. It also challenges us to examine our own hearts to ensure we are not selectively believing parts of God's revelation while rejecting others. interpretation
Cited: John 5:46, John 5:39, John 5:45, John 5:47, John 5:1-2, John 5:38, John 5:40, John 5:42, John 5:43, John 5:44, John 5:31-47
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
- had Gal 2:19 Gal 3:10,13,24 Gal 4:21-31
- for John 1:45 Gen 3:15 Gen 12:3 Gen 18:18 Gen 22:18 Gen 28:14 Gen 49:10 Num 21:8-9
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.