John Chapter 5

Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda

1After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

2Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4For 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. 5And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6When 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? 7The 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. 8Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. 10The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. 11He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. 12Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? 13And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. 14Afterward 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. 15The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

The Father and the Son

16And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. 17But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

18Therefore 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.

19Then 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. 20For 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. 21For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. 22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23That 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.

24Verily, 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.

25Verily, 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. 26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 28Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

30I 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.

Testimonies about Jesus

31If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. 32There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.

33Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. 34But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. 35He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

36But 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.

37And 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. 38And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

Witness of the Scripture

(Luke 16:19-31)

39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. 41I receive not honour from men. 42But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. 43I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. 44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? 45Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. 46For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 47But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Pool of Bethesda

1 After these things, there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

2 Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, “Bethesda,” having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; 4 for an angel went down at certain times into the pool, and stirred up the water. Whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was made whole of whatever disease he had. 5 A certain man was there, who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had been sick for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to be made well?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I’m coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Arise, take up your mat, and walk.” 9 Immediately, the man was made well, and took up his mat and walked. Now it was the Sabbath on that day. 10 So the Jews said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath. It is not lawful for you to carry the mat.” 11 He answered them, “He who made me well, the same said to me, ‘Take up your mat, and walk.’” 12 Then they asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your mat, and walk’?” 13 But he who was healed didn’t know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a crowd being in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you.” 15 The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

The Father and the Son

16 For this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill him, because he did these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is still working, so I am working, too.”

18 For this cause therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

19 Jesus therefore answered them, “Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise. 20 For the Father has affection for the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. He will show him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom he desires. 22 For the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who doesn’t honor the Son doesn’t honor the Father who sent him.

24 “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

25 Most certainly, I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Son of God’s voice; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, even so he gave to the Son also to have life in himself. 27 He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man. 28 Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice, 29 and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.

30 I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I don’t seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.

Testimonies about Jesus

31 “If I testify about myself, my witness is not valid. 32 It is another who testifies about me. I know that the testimony which he testifies about me is true.

33 You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. 34 But the testimony which I receive is not from man. However, I say these things that you may be saved. 35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.

36 But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John, for the works which the Father gave me to accomplish, the very works that I do, testify about me, that the Father has sent me.

37 The Father himself, who sent me, has testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form. 38 You don’t have his word living in you; because you don’t believe him whom he sent.

The Witness of Scripture
(Luke 16:19–31)

39 “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me. 40 Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life. 41 I don’t receive glory from men. 42 But I know you, that you don’t have God’s love in yourselves. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you don’t receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, who receive glory from one another, and you don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 “Don’t think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you, even Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote about me. 47 But if you don’t believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

The Pool of Bethesda

1 Some time later there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool with five covered colonnades, which in Hebrew a is called Bethesda. b 3 On these walkways c lay a great number of the sick, the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. d

5 One man there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and realized that he had spent a long time in this condition, He asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am on my way, someone else goes in before me.”

8 Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.”

9 Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk.

Now this happened on the Sabbath day, 10 so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “This is the Sabbath! It is unlawful for you to carry your mat.”

11 But he answered, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”

12 “Who is this man who told you to pick it up and walk?” they asked.

13 But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while the crowd was there.

14 Afterward, Jesus found the man at the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you.”

15 And the man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

The Father and the Son

16 Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews began to persecute Him. 17 But Jesus answered them, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.”

18 Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.

19 So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does. 20 The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. And to your amazement, He will show Him even greater works than these. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes.

22 Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, 23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

24 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.

25 Truly, truly, I tell you, the hour is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so also He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. 27 And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.

28 Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice 29 and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. e

30 I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

Testimonies about Jesus

31 If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid. 32 There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid.

33 You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. 34 Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved.

35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. 36 But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me. 37 And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have never heard His voice nor seen His form, 38 nor does His word abide in you, because you do not believe the One He sent.

The Witness of Scripture
(Luke 16:19–31)

39 You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, 40 yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.

41 I do not accept glory from men, 42 but I know you, that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, in whom you have put your hope. 46 If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”

Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda

1After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

2and there is in Jerusalem by the sheep -gate a pool that is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches, 3in these were lying a great multitude of the ailing, blind, lame, withered, waiting for the moving of the water, 4for a messenger at a set time was going down in the pool, and was troubling the water, the first then having gone in after the troubling of the water, became whole of whatever sickness he was held. 5and there was a certain man there being in ailment thirty and eight years, 6him Jesus having seen lying, and having known that he is already a long time, he saith to him, 'Dost thou wish to become whole?' 7The ailing man answered him, 'Sir, I have no man, that, when the water may be troubled, he may put me into the pool, and while I am coming, another doth go down before me.' 8Jesus saith to him, 'Rise, take up thy couch, and be walking;' 9and immediately the man became whole, and he took up his couch, and was walking, and it was a sabbath on that day, 10the Jews then said to him that hath been healed, 'It is a sabbath; it is not lawful to thee to take up the couch.' 11He answered them, 'He who made me whole -- that one said to me, Take up thy couch, and be walking;' 12they questioned him, then, 'Who is the man who is saying to thee, Take up thy couch and be walking?' 13But he that was healed had not known who he is, for Jesus did move away, a multitude being in the place. 14After these things, Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said to him, 'Lo, thou hast become whole; sin no more, lest something worse may happen to thee.' 15The man went away, and told the Jews that it is Jesus who made him whole,

The Father and the Son

16and because of this were the Jews persecuting Jesus, and seeking to kill him, because these things he was doing on a sabbath. 17And Jesus answered them, 'My Father till now doth work, and I work;'

18because of this, then, were the Jews seeking the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the sabbath, but he also called God his own Father, making himself equal to God.

19Jesus therefore responded and said to them, 'Verily, verily, I say to you, The Son is not able to do anything of himself, if he may not see the Father doing anything; for whatever things He may do, these also the Son in like manner doth; 20for the Father doth love the Son, and doth shew to him all things that He himself doth; and greater works than these He will shew him, that ye may wonder. 21'For, as the Father doth raise the dead, and doth make alive, so also the Son doth make alive whom he willeth; 22for neither doth the Father judge any one, but all the judgment He hath given to the Son, 23that all may honour the Son according as they honour the Father; he who is not honouring the Son, doth not honour the Father who sent him.

24'Verily, verily, I say to you -- He who is hearing my word, and is believing Him who sent me, hath life age-during, and to judgment he doth not come, but hath passed out of the death to the life.

25'Verily, verily, I say to you -- There cometh an hour, and it now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and those having heard shall live; 26for, as the Father hath life in himself, so He gave also to the Son to have life in himself, 27and authority He gave him also to do judgment, because he is Son of Man. 28'Wonder not at this, because there doth come an hour in which all those in the tombs shall hear his voice, 29and they shall come forth; those who did the good things to a rising again of life, and those who practised the evil things to a rising again of judgment.

30'I am not able of myself to do anything; according as I hear I judge, and my judgment is righteous, because I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father who sent me.

Testimonies about Jesus

31'If I testify concerning myself, my testimony is not true; 32another there is who is testifying concerning me, and I have known that the testimony that he doth testify concerning me is true;

33ye have sent unto John, and he hath testified to the truth. 34'But I do not receive testimony from man, but these things I say that ye may be saved; 35he was the burning and shining lamp, and ye did will to be glad, for an hour, in his light.

36'But I have the testimony greater than John's, for the works that the Father gave me, that I might finish them, the works themselves that I do, they testify concerning me, that the Father hath sent me.

37'And the Father who sent me Himself hath testified concerning me; ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor His appearance have ye seen; 38and His word ye have not remaining in you, because whom He sent, him ye do not believe.

Witness of the Scripture

(Luke 16:19-31)

39'Ye search the Writings, because ye think in them to have life age-during, and these are they that are testifying concerning me; 40and ye do not will to come unto me, that ye may have life; 41glory from man I do not receive, 42but I have known you, that the love of God ye have not in yourselves. 43'I have come in the name of my Father, and ye do not receive me; if another may come in his own name, him ye will receive; 44how are ye able -- ye -- to believe, glory from one another receiving, and the glory that is from God alone ye seek not? 45'Do not think that I will accuse you unto the Father; there is who is accusing you, Moses -- in whom ye have hoped; 46for if ye were believing Moses, ye would have been believing me, for he wrote concerning me; 47but if his writings ye believe not, how shall ye believe my sayings?'

The Healing at Bethesda

¹ Later, Jesus traveled up to Jerusalem during one of the busy Jewish festivals. ² Near the Sheep Gate entrance stood a pool called Bethesda, surrounded by five covered porches, ³ full of the sick, the blind, the lame and the paralyzed. They were desperately seeking divine intervention, ⁴ because from time to time, an angel would stir the waters, and the first person to enter would be healed of whatever affliction they carried.

⁵ Among them lay a man who had been imprisoned by his disability for thirty-eight years. ⁶ Jesus saw him lying there, and knowing the weight of those years of suffering, asked, "Do you want to be healed?" ⁷ The sick man's voice, heavy with resignation replied, "Sir, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I'm struggling to get there, someone else always steps in ahead of me."

⁸ Decades of helplessness was broken as Jesus simply said, "Stand up! Pick up your mat and walk!" ⁹ Immediately, strength flooded through the man's useless muscles. He stood up, grabbed his mat, and walked for the first time in thirty-eight years! This miracle happened on the Sabbath, the sacred day of rest.

¹⁰ The religious leaders, seeing the man carrying his mat, immediately confronted him: "This is the Sabbath! Our laws strictly forbid you to carry your mat today!" ¹¹ The healed man, still marveling at his restoration, responded, "But the Man who healed me told me to pick up my mat and walk!" ¹² They demanded, "Who is this Man, who would dare say to you, 'Pick up your mat and walk!'?" ¹³ The healed man couldn't answer - he had no idea who Jesus was, for He had quietly slipped away into the festival crowds.

¹⁴ Later that day, Jesus found the man in the Temple courts and said to him, "See, you are well again! But now, stop sinning, or something worse than your physical disability may happen to you." ¹⁵ And the man went to tell the religious leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.

Jesus Defends His Authority

¹⁶ From that moment, the religious leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking their Sabbath rules. ¹⁷ But Jesus responded, "My Father is always working, and so am I." Even on the Sabbath, God's love remains active. ¹⁸ This fueled their religious desire to kill Him, because Jesus was not only breaking their Sabbath rules, but also calling God His own Father. A claim of divine equality with the Creator Himself.

¹⁹ Jesus responded with a profound revelation: "I tell you the absolute truth: the Son can do nothing by Himself. He does only what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does in perfect unity. ²⁰ For the Father loves the Son deeply and shows Him everything He is doing. And you haven't seen anything yet! The Father will show the Son even greater works than this healing, works that will leave you amazed. ²¹ Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so the Son gives life to anyone He chooses. This power over life itself rests in My hands.

²² Moreover, the Father judges no one directly but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, ²³ so that everyone will honor the Son with the same reverence they show the Father. Let Me be clear: whoever refuses to honor the Son is also refusing to honor the Father who sent Him. ²⁴ I tell you this eternal truth: anyone who hears My message and believes in the Father who sent Me has everlasting life. They will never face condemnation for their sins, but have already crossed over from death to life.

²⁵ The time is coming – in fact, it is already here – when the spiritually dead will hear My voice, the voice of God's Son, and those who listen will receive life. ²⁶ For just as the Father has life in Himself, He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. ²⁷ And He has given Him the authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man, who is intimately aware of human nature.

²⁸ Don't be amazed at this! The time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear My voice ²⁹ and rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience everlasting life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to face judgment. ³⁰ I can do nothing on My own. I judge only as God directs Me, and My judgment is absolutely just because I carry out the will of the Father who sent Me, not My own will.

Testimonies About Jesus

³¹ If I were to testify about Myself alone, My testimony wouldn't be valid. ³² But someone else is also testifying about Me, and I know His testimony about Me is absolutely true. ³³ In fact, you sent investigators to question John the Baptist, and he testified to the truth about Me. ³⁴ Though I don't need human testimony to validate My identity, I remind you of John's words so you might believe and be saved. ³⁵ John was like a bright and shining lamp, and you chose to enjoy his light for a while, celebrating his message until it challenged you too deeply.

³⁶ But I have a greater testimony than John's – My miraculous works. These things I do, which the Father gave Me to accomplish, prove that the Father has sent Me. ³⁷ And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified about Me. You have never heard His voice or seen His form, ³⁸ nor does His Word live in your hearts, because you refuse to believe in the One He sent. ³⁹ You diligently study the Scriptures because you think they give you everlasting life. These same Scriptures point to Me, ⁴⁰ yet you refuse to come to Me to receive the life you're looking for.

⁴¹ Your praise and approval mean nothing to Me, ⁴² because I know you don't have God's love in your hearts. ⁴³ I have come representing My Father, and you reject Me. But if someone comes representing only himself, you gladly follow him. ⁴⁴ No wonder you can't believe! You're so busy seeking each other's approval and recognition. You don't care about the glory that comes from the one true God.

⁴⁵ Don't think I will accuse you before the Father. Moses himself, the one you claim to follow so devotedly, will accuse you. ⁴⁶ If you really believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me. ⁴⁷ But since you don't really believe what Moses wrote, how will you ever believe what I say?"

Footnotes:

Verse 2 Or in Aramaic
Verse 2 NA, NE, and WH Bethzatha
Verse 3 Literally In these
Verse 3 NE, BYZ, and TR include awaiting the moving of the waters. 4For from time to time an angel descended into the pool and stirred the water. As soon as it was stirred, the first to enter the pool would be healed of his disease.
Verse 29 See Daniel 12:2.

Special thanks to the BSB Translation for the above footnotes.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of John 5?

1.1Context of John 5

1.2Ancient Key Word Study

1.3John 5 Unique Insights

1.4Question the Text:

1.5John 5 Connections to Yeshua

1.6John 5 Scriptural Echoes

1.7John 5 Devotional

1.8Did You Know

What is the meaning of John 5?

When Healing Meets Authority: Discovering Yeshua’s Power and the Father’s Heart

Have you ever found yourself desperately waiting – for healing, for justice, for God to show up? The kind of waiting that wears you down and makes you wonder if you’ve been forgotten? That’s where John 5 begins: beside a pool filled with the broken and the hopeful, all longing for a miracle.

But this chapter isn’t just about a man being healed. It’s about a divine interruption that changes everything. Yeshua steps into the scene not only to restore a body, but to reveal something far greater: His unity with the Father, His authority to give life, and His role as the righteous Judge.

As we journey through this chapter, we’ll uncover the deep meaning behind Yeshua’s bold claims, His confrontation with religious leaders, and what it all means for anyone who’s ever questioned whether God sees them. If you’re longing to understand who Yeshua really is, and how that changes your story – John 5 offers answers that are both comforting and challenging.

Let’s step into the story.

Context of John 5

Within the broader context of John’s Gospel, chapter 5 represents a significant escalation in the conflict between Yeshua and the religious authorities. Following the wedding at Cana and the cleansing of the Temple, this chapter introduces the first major controversy over Sabbath observance, a theme that will recur throughout the Gospel.

The placement of this chapter is strategic within John’s larger narrative structure. It follows the healing of the nobleman’s son in Capernaum (John 4:46-54) and precedes the feeding of the five thousand in chapter 6. This positioning helps establish a pattern of signs that progressively reveal Yeshua’s identity and authority. The chapter also introduces several key themes that John will develop throughout his Gospel: the relationship between the Father and the Son, the authority to give life and execute judgment, and the testimonies that authenticate Yeshua’s claims.

The controversy over Sabbath healing serves as a catalyst for one of the most extensive self-revelatory discourses in the Gospel, where Yeshua explicitly claims divine prerogatives and establishes His unique relationship with the Father. This discourse sets the stage for future conflicts and provides the theological foundation for understanding subsequent events in the Gospel.

Ancient Key Word Study

Bethesda (בית חסדא) – The name means “House of Mercy” or “House of Grace” in Aramaic. This location carries deep symbolism as a place where divine mercy meets human suffering. Archaeological discoveries have confirmed the five-porticoed structure described in the text, lending historical credibility to John’s account.
Astheneia (ἀσθένεια) – Translated as “infirmity” or “weakness,” this term encompasses both physical and spiritual debility. In the Gospel of John, physical healing often serves as a metaphor for spiritual restoration, making this word choice particularly significant.
Sabbaton (σάββατον) – More than just the seventh day, this term carried profound theological and social implications in First Century Judaism. The controversy over Sabbath healing reveals deeper questions about divine authority and the purpose of biblical law.
Zōopoieō (ζωοποιέω) – This powerful verb meaning “to make alive” or “give life” appears in verse 21. It’s a compound word combining “life” (zōē) and “to make” (poieō), emphasizing Yeshua’s divine ability to impart both physical and spiritual life.
Krisis (κρίσις) – Usually translated as “judgment,” this term carries broader connotations of decision, separation, and justice. Its use in this chapter establishes Yeshua’s role as divine judge, a function traditionally reserved for God alone.
Martyria (μαρτυρία) – The word for “testimony” or “witness” appears repeatedly in this chapter. John uses legal terminology to present a case for Yeshua’s divine authority, drawing on multiple witnesses as required by Torah law.
Exousia (ἐξουσία) – Translated as “authority,” this term denotes delegated power and legitimate right. The chapter emphasizes that Yeshua’s authority comes directly from the Father, making it supreme and unquestionable.
Eraunate (ἐραυνᾶτε) – This verb, meaning “to search” or “examine carefully,” appears in verse 39. It carries the connotation of detailed investigation, suggesting that mere surface reading of Scripture is insufficient for recognizing the Messiah.
Doxa (δόξα) – The word for “glory” appears in a key accusation against the religious leaders. In Hebrew thought, kavod (כבוד) or glory was intimately connected with divine presence and authority.

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John 5 Unique Insights

The healing at Bethesda presents a fascinating connection to ancient Jewish understanding of divine healing. The archaeological discovery of the pool has revealed that it was actually two pools, with a dividing wall between them. Mikvaot (ritual baths) have been found around the pools, suggesting this was a place of both physical and spiritual cleansing.

The discourse following the healing contains one of the most explicit declarations of Yeshua’s divine nature in the Gospels. The Jewish leaders’ response to Yeshua’s statement about working on the Sabbath indicates they clearly understood His claim to divine authority. The rabbinical concept of God’s continuous work (despite Sabbath rest) is found in several midrashim, including Genesis Rabbah 11:10, which states that God continues certain works even on the Sabbath: childbirth, judgment, and the punishment of the wicked.

Early church father Irenaeus saw in this chapter a reflection of the six days of creation, with the healing representing God’s ongoing work of recreation and restoration. The thirty-eight years of the man’s illness may also carry symbolic significance, as it parallels Israel’s thirty-eight years of wandering in the wilderness after the exodus (Deuteronomy 2:14).

The five porches of Bethesda have been interpreted by some church fathers as representing the five books of Torah, which could not heal without the presence of the true Living Water. This interpretation gains weight when considered alongside Yeshua’s later statement about searching the Scriptures that testify about Him.

Question the Text:

As you read John 5, take a moment to question the text. What stands out as puzzling or unexpected? Where do the characters act in surprising ways? What cultural or theological assumptions are being challenged? Instead of rushing to find definitive answers, let these questions guide you into deeper reflection about human nature, divine interaction, and the unspoken details within the passage.

Why did Yeshua choose this one man among the many sick and suffering by the pool? What made him different—or was it more about what Yeshua wanted to reveal? John 5:5-6
The man doesn’t seem to express faith or even ask for healing. Why does Yeshua heal him anyway? What does this suggest about divine initiative versus human belief? John 5:7-9
Why do the religious leaders respond to the healing with outrage over Sabbath law instead of awe at the miracle? What does this reveal about their priorities? John 5:10-12
Yeshua later finds the healed man and warns him to “sin no more.” What might the man’s previous sin have been, and why bring it up after the healing? John 5:14
The man immediately reports Yeshua to the authorities after his second encounter with Him. Was this betrayal, obedience, or something else? What does it say about fear, loyalty, or misunderstanding? John 5:15
Why does Yeshua choose this moment to equate His work with the Father’s, knowing it would escalate conflict? Was He provoking them deliberately or revealing truth at great cost? John 5:17-18
How can Yeshua claim that those who hear His word and believe “have passed from death to life”? What kind of life and death is He talking about—and how immediate is this promise? John 5:24
What does it mean that the Father has given all judgment to the Son “so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father”? How would this have sounded to a first-century Jewish audience? John 5:22-23
Yeshua says the Scriptures point to Him, yet His accusers “refuse to come to Me to have life.” How can religious study become a barrier to encountering the living God? John 5:39-40
He accuses them of seeking glory from one another rather than from God. How does this reflect on human motives in religious or spiritual leadership today? John 5:44
Finally, Yeshua says Moses himself will accuse them. How could their greatest hero—the Law-giver—be their prosecutor? What is the irony in using their own foundation to expose their unbelief? John 5:45-47

These questions invite you to wrestle with the text, seeing both its challenges and insights. As you reflect, how do these themes resonate with your own faith journey? Leave a comment with your thoughts and questions below.

John 5 Connections to Yeshua

This chapter presents some of the most explicit Messianic claims in John’s Gospel. Yeshua’s assertion of working on the Sabbath just as His Father does establishes His divine identity and authority. This claim goes beyond mere Messianic status to equality with God, as evidenced by the violent reaction it provoked among the religious leaders.

The healing itself serves as a powerful metaphor for Yeshua’s larger mission. Just as He healed the paralytic who had no one to help him into the pool, so He comes to save those who cannot save themselves. The command to “rise, take up your bed and walk” foreshadows His own resurrection and the spiritual resurrection He offers to believers. This connection becomes even more apparent in His discourse about His authority to give life and execute judgment (John 5:21-29).

John 5 Scriptural Echoes

The healing at Bethesda resonates with several Old Testament healing narratives, particularly the story of Naaman being told to wash in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:10-14). Both stories involve water, divine command, and the need for obedient action by the recipient of healing.

Yeshua’s discourse about His authority echoes several passages from Daniel, particularly regarding judgment and resurrection (Daniel 7:13-14, 12:2). The theme of divine testimony connects with Deuteronomic law requiring multiple witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15).

The reference to Moses writing about Yeshua likely points to several passages, including Deuteronomy 18:15-19 regarding the prophet like Moses. The theme of searching Scriptures recalls Isaiah 34:16 and Psalm 119:2.

John 5 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own response to divine authority in our lives. The religious leaders knew Scripture thoroughly but missed its primary witness to the Messiah standing before them. We too can become so focused on religious practices and theological knowledge that we miss the living presence of God in our midst.

The healing narrative reminds us that Yeshua sees those whom society overlooks. The paralyzed man had been invisible to others for 38 years, yet Yeshua noticed him and took the initiative to offer healing. This encourages us to trust in God’s awareness of our situations, no matter how long we have struggled or how overlooked we feel.

Yeshua’s teaching about His relationship with the Father provides a model for our own spiritual lives. Just as He did nothing independently of the Father, we are called to live in dependent communion with God, seeking His will and direction in all things.

Did You Know

Archaeological excavations have confirmed the existence of the Pool of Bethesda exactly as John described it, with five covered colonnades. This discovery has helped validate the historical accuracy of John’s Gospel.
The term “rise” (ἔγειρε) used in the healing command is the same word used to describe Yeshua’s resurrection, creating a theological link between physical and spiritual resurrection.
The 38 years of the man’s illness precisely matches Israel’s years of wilderness wandering after their failure to enter the Promised Land at Kadesh-Barnea.
The Pool of Bethesda was associated with the pagan god Asclepius in some ancient traditions, making Yeshua’s healing there a powerful statement about His authority over pagan healing deities.
The Greek word for “search” (ἐραυνᾶτε) in verse 39 was commonly used to describe the meticulous study methods of ancient scholars, including the careful examination of individual letters and words.
The reference to “working” on the Sabbath touches on a complex rabbinical debate about which divine activities continued on the Sabbath, with most rabbis agreeing that God continued to sustain life and execute judgment.
The five porticoes of Bethesda have been interpreted in early Christian tradition as representing the five books of Moses, which could identify but not heal spiritual paralysis.
The healing at Bethesda is one of only seven miraculous signs recorded in John’s Gospel, each chosen to demonstrate a specific aspect of Yeshua’s identity and mission.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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Jean Paul Joseph

10 days ago

🙏 Thank you so much for stopping by this Bible study!

This Bible project is truly a labor of love for me, something I’m pouring my heart into daily, verse by verse. After completing a draft version of the F.O.G Bible (Word for Word) in 2024, I’m now working through the new F.O.G. Paraphrase, whilst building a new Lexicon based off Strong’s Concordance to compliment both Bibles. Both these projects should be completed for the New Testament in 2026 at my current rate.

💡 Want to be part of this journey?
I’d love for you to join the conversation. Becoming a free member helps you stay connected, leave comments, and even suggest your favorite Bible verse. When you do, I’ll personally prioritize that verse and refine it through the full (literal and paraphrase) translation process. If you become a monthly gift member, I will give you a personal video commentary on your favorite verse by email. It’s my way of saying thanks for being part of this mission.

📜 Curious about how it all works?
I’d be happy to walk you through how I work with the original manuscripts, even if you don’t know Greek or Hebrew. With software like Logos it’s more accessible than most people think, and I love sharing what I’ve learned. If enough people request this, I will create a free course in the members area for you.

Thanks again for being here. Your visit and your time means more to me than you know. But if I could ask one small favor… please share this website with friends and family – it makes all the difference in the world, with the way online algorithms works. And you’ll be helping to spread the Good News of Jesus across the world.

With every blessing in Messiah,
Jean Paul Joseph

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