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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/5-2.htm" title="John 5:2">◄</a> John 5:3 <a href="/john/5-4.htm" title="John 5:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/john/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />On these walkways lay a great number of the sick, the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />In these were lying a multitude of those ailing, blind, lame, paralyzed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />In these <i>porticoes</i> lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, limping, <i>or</i> paralyzed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, waiting for the moving of the waters;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />In these <i>porticoes</i> lay a great number of people who were sick, blind, lame, withered, [waiting for the stirring of the water;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Within these lay a large number of the disabled—blind, lame, and paralyzed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Within these lay a large number of the sick—blind, lame, and paralyzed —waiting for the moving of the water,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />In these lay a multitude of them that were sick, blind, halt, withered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />In these lay a multitude of them that were sick, blind, halt, withered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Under these porches a large number of sick people-people who were blind, lame, or paralyzed-used to lie. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A large crowd of sick people were lying on the porches--the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />and under these a large number of sick people were lying—blind, lame, or paralyzed—waiting for the movement of the water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />On these walkways lay a great number of the sick, the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed, awaiting the moving of the water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A great number of sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed people were lying in these walkways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />In these lay a great multitude of impotent persons, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />In these there used to lie a great number of sick persons, and of people who were blind or lame or paralyzed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />In these lay a great multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />in these were lying a great multitude of the ailing, blind, lame, withered, [[waiting for the moving of the water,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />In these were lying a multitude of those ailing, blind, lame, paralyzed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> in these were lying a great multitude of the ailing, blind, lame, withered, waiting for the moving of the water,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In these lay a great multitude of weak, blind, lame, withered, expecting the moving of the water.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />In these lay a great multitude of sick, of blind, of lame, of withered; waiting for the moving of the water. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Along these lay a great multitude of the sick, the blind, the lame, and the withered, waiting for the movement of the water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. [<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And at these entrances a great many sick people were lying, the blind, the lame, and the crippled; and they were waiting for the water to be stirred up;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And in these many people were lying who were ill, blind, crippled, cancerous, and they were awaiting the moving of the water;<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />In these lay a great multitude of sick persons, blind, lame, withered, who waited for the moving of the water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />In them a multitude of the sick, blind, lame, withered, were lying down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />In these lay a vast multitude of infirm persons, blind, lame, withered, waiting the motion of the water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />where a great number of infirm, blind, lame, and paralytic people lay waiting for the moving of the water:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />In these there used to lie a great number of sick persons, and of people who were blind or lame or paralyzed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />In these were lying a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />In these lay a great number of <i>people that were</i> infirm, blind, lame, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/5-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=1351" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/5.htm">The Pool of Bethesda</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool with five covered colonnades, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">On</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tautais (DPro-DFP) -- This; he, she, it. ">these walkways</a> <a href="/greek/2621.htm" title="2621: katekeito (V-IIM/P-3S) -- From kata and keimai; to lie down, i.e. be sick; specially, to recline at a meal.">lay</a> <a href="/greek/4128.htm" title="4128: plēthos (N-NNS) -- A multitude, crowd, great number, assemblage. From pletho; a fulness, i.e. A large number, throng, populace.">a great number</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/770.htm" title="770: asthenountōn (V-PPA-GMP) -- To be weak (physically: then morally), To be sick. From asthenes; to be feeble.">sick,</a> <a href="/greek/5185.htm" title="5185: typhlōn (Adj-GMP) -- Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.">the blind,</a> <a href="/greek/5560.htm" title="5560: chōlōn (Adj-GMP) -- Lame, deprived of a foot, limping. Apparently a primary word; halt, i.e. Limping.">the lame,</a> <a href="/greek/3584.htm" title="3584: xērōn (Adj-GMP) -- Dry, withered; noun: dry land. From the base of xestes; arid; by implication, shrunken, earth.">and the paralyzed.</a> </span>…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-35.htm">Matthew 9:35</a></span><br />Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-40.htm">Luke 4:40</a></span><br />At sunset, all who were ill with various diseases were brought to Jesus, and laying His hands on each one, He healed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-56.htm">Mark 6:56</a></span><br />And wherever He went—villages and towns and countrysides—they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-14.htm">Matthew 14:14</a></span><br />When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-17.htm">Luke 6:17-19</a></span><br />Then Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of His disciples was there, along with a great number of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. / They had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, and those troubled by unclean spirits were healed. / The entire crowd was trying to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-30.htm">Matthew 15:30</a></span><br />Large crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at His feet, and He healed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/3-10.htm">Mark 3:10</a></span><br />For He had healed so many that all who had diseases were pressing forward to touch Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-22.htm">Luke 7:22</a></span><br />So He replied, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-15.htm">Acts 5:15-16</a></span><br />As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. / Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-5.htm">Matthew 11:5</a></span><br />The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-5.htm">Isaiah 35:5-6</a></span><br />Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-4.htm">Isaiah 53:4</a></span><br />Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1-2</a></span><br />The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, / to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-16.htm">Ezekiel 34:16</a></span><br />I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-3.htm">Psalm 103:3</a></span><br />He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">In these lay a great multitude of weak folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.</p><p class="hdg">of blind.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/15-30.htm">Matthew 15:30</a></b></br> And great multitudes came unto him, having with them <i>those that were</i> lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/7-22.htm">Luke 7:22</a></b></br> Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.</p><p class="hdg">withered.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/13-4.htm">1 Kings 13:4</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17</a></b></br> Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword <i>shall be</i> upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/3-1.htm">Mark 3:1-4</a></b></br> And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand… </p><p class="hdg">waiting.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/8-34.htm">Proverbs 8:34</a></b></br> Blessed <i>is</i> the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/lamentations/3-26.htm">Lamentations 3:26</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> good that <i>a man</i> should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/8-25.htm">Romans 8:25</a></b></br> But if we hope for that we see not, <i>then</i> do we with patience wait for <i>it</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/4-46.htm">Ailing</a> <a href="/luke/23-51.htm">Awaiting</a> <a href="/luke/18-35.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/luke/23-29.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/luke/21-11.htm">Different</a> <a href="/matthew/19-12.htm">Disabled</a> <a href="/luke/9-6.htm">Diseases</a> <a href="/john/5-2.htm">Doorways</a> <a href="/mark/6-5.htm">Folk</a> <a href="/john/4-41.htm">Great</a> <a href="/luke/14-21.htm">Halt</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-14.htm">Impotent</a> <a href="/john/4-46.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/luke/7-24.htm">Moving</a> <a href="/luke/23-27.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/luke/5-24.htm">Paralyzed</a> <a href="/luke/15-7.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/john/2-11.htm">Power</a> <a href="/john/4-46.htm">Sick</a> <a href="/john/3-27.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/luke/16-21.htm">Used</a> <a href="/luke/23-51.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/john/1-36.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/luke/16-1.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/john/4-46.htm">Water</a> <a href="/luke/17-27.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/luke/8-6.htm">Withered</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/6-2.htm">Ailing</a> <a href="/acts/10-24.htm">Awaiting</a> <a href="/john/9-1.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/john/19-31.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/acts/2-4.htm">Different</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm">Disabled</a> <a href="/acts/19-12.htm">Diseases</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-24.htm">Doorways</a> <a href="/genesis/33-15.htm">Folk</a> <a href="/john/5-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-28.htm">Halt</a> <a href="/john/5-7.htm">Impotent</a> <a href="/john/10-15.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/john/5-7.htm">Moving</a> <a href="/john/5-13.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/acts/8-7.htm">Paralyzed</a> <a href="/john/20-23.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/john/6-65.htm">Power</a> <a href="/john/5-5.htm">Sick</a> <a href="/john/5-30.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/john/9-8.htm">Used</a> <a href="/john/7-1.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/john/5-8.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/acts/12-23.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/john/5-4.htm">Water</a> <a href="/john/6-18.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/john/15-6.htm">Withered</a><div class="vheading2">John 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/5-1.htm">Jesus on the Sabbath day cures him who was diseased thirty-eight years.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/5-10.htm">The Jews therefore object, and persecute him for it.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/5-17.htm">He answers for himself, and reproves them, showing by the testimony of his Father,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/5-31.htm">of John,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/5-36.htm">of his works,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/5-39.htm">and of the Scriptures, who he is.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>On these walkways</b><br>The setting is the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, a place known for its healing waters. Archaeological discoveries have confirmed the existence of this pool, which had five porticoes or covered walkways. These walkways provided shelter for those seeking healing, indicating a place of hope and desperation. The location near the Sheep Gate suggests a connection to sacrificial practices, symbolizing the need for spiritual cleansing.<p><b>lay a great number of the sick</b><br>The presence of a large number of sick individuals highlights the widespread suffering and need for healing in society. This scene reflects the brokenness of humanity and the longing for restoration. It also sets the stage for Jesus' ministry, which often focused on healing as a sign of the coming Kingdom of God. The multitude of sick people underscores the compassion of Jesus, who often ministered to those marginalized by society.<p><b>the blind</b><br>Blindness in biblical times was not only a physical ailment but also carried social and spiritual implications. The blind were often marginalized and seen as cursed or sinful. Jesus' healing of the blind throughout the Gospels serves as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and the removal of spiritual blindness. It fulfills prophecies such as <a href="/isaiah/35-5.htm">Isaiah 35:5</a>, which speaks of the eyes of the blind being opened in the Messianic age.<p><b>the lame</b><br>The lame, unable to walk, represent those hindered in their journey through life. In the Old Testament, lameness often symbolized spiritual weakness or imperfection. Jesus' healing of the lame, as seen in other Gospel accounts, demonstrates His power to restore both physical and spiritual wholeness. It also fulfills Messianic prophecies, such as <a href="/isaiah/35-6.htm">Isaiah 35:6</a>, where the lame will leap like a deer.<p><b>and the paralyzed</b><br>Paralysis, a condition of complete immobility, symbolizes total helplessness and dependence on others. In the cultural context, the paralyzed were often seen as burdens and were socially isolated. Jesus' interaction with the paralyzed, such as in the healing of the paralytic lowered through the roof (<a href="/mark/2.htm">Mark 2:1-12</a>), emphasizes His authority to forgive sins and His compassion for those in desperate need. This act of healing serves as a type of spiritual awakening, where Jesus brings life and movement to those spiritually paralyzed by sin.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_pool_of_bethesda.htm">The Pool of Bethesda</a></b><br>A pool in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate, known for its healing properties. It was surrounded by five covered colonnades.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sick,_blind,_lame,_and_paralyzed.htm">The Sick, Blind, Lame, and Paralyzed</a></b><br>A diverse group of individuals suffering from various physical ailments, gathered at the pool in hope of healing.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>Although not mentioned directly in this verse, Jesus is the central figure in the surrounding account, who later heals a man who had been an invalid for 38 years.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jewish_leaders.htm">The Jewish Leaders</a></b><br>They play a role in the broader account, often challenging Jesus' actions, especially when they occur on the Sabbath.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_angel.htm">The Angel (as per some manuscripts)</a></b><br>Some traditions and manuscripts suggest an angel would stir the waters, leading to healing for the first person to enter.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_hope_in_healing.htm">Faith and Hope in Healing</a></b><br>The multitude gathered at Bethesda represents the universal human longing for healing and restoration. Believers are encouraged to place their hope in Christ, the ultimate healer.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/compassion_for_the_afflicted.htm">Compassion for the Afflicted</a></b><br>Jesus' interaction with the sick at Bethesda exemplifies His compassion. Christians are called to show empathy and support for those suffering physically and spiritually.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_jesus_over_tradition.htm">The Power of Jesus Over Tradition</a></b><br>Jesus' healing on the Sabbath challenges traditional interpretations of the law, emphasizing mercy over ritual. Believers should prioritize love and compassion over legalism.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_paralysis.htm">Spiritual Paralysis</a></b><br>The physical ailments at Bethesda can symbolize spiritual paralysis. Christians are encouraged to seek Jesus for spiritual renewal and strength to overcome sin and stagnation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_omitting_john_5_3-4_affect_reliability.htm">Does the omitted verse about an angel stirring the water (John 5:3–4 in some manuscripts) undermine the text’s reliability and consistency? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_was_jesus'_purpose_on_earth.htm">What was Jesus' purpose on Earth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'god_is_a_healer'_mean.htm">What does 1 John 5:3 mean about commandments?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_john_3_5_mean_historically.htm">In John 3:5, what does being born of water and the Spirit mean, and is there historical proof that first-century listeners understood this uniquely?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">In these lay a great multitude.</span>--The word "great" before multitude, and the latter clause of the verse "waiting for the moving of the water," and the whole of <a href="/john/5-4.htm" title="For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatever disease he had.">John 5:4</a>, is omitted by most of the oldest MSS., including the Sinaitic and the Vatican, and is judged to be no part of the original text by a consensus of modern editors, including Tischendorf, Tregelles, Alford, and Westcott and Hort. It is interesting to note how a gloss like this has found its way into the narrative, and, for ninety-nine out of every hundred readers, is now regarded as an integral part of St. John's Gospel. We meet with it very early. It is found in the Alexandrian MS., and in the Latin and early Syrian versions. Tertullian refers to it. This points to a wide acceptance from the second century downwards, and points doubtless to the popular interpretation of that day. It explains the man's own view in <a href="/john/5-7.htm" title="The weak 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 steps down before me.">John 5:7</a>, and the fact of the multitude assembled round the pool (<a href="/john/5-3.htm" title="In these lay a great multitude of weak folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.">John 5:3</a>). The bubbling water moving as it were with life, and in its healing power seeming to convey new energy to blind and halt and lame, was to them as the presence of a living messenger of God. They knew not its constituent elements, and could not trace the law of its action, but they knew the Source of all good, who gave intellect to man and healing influence to matter, effect to the remedy and skill to the physician, and they accepted the gift as direct from Him. Scientists of the present century will smile at these Christians of the second century. The Biblical critic is glad that he can remove these words from the record, and cannot be called upon to explain them. But it may be fairly asked, which is most truly scientific--to grasp the Ultimate Cause of all, even without the knowledge of intermediate links; or to trace these links, and express them in so-called laws, and make these abstract laws lifeless representatives of the living God? There is a <span class= "ital">via media</span> which, here as elsewhere, wisdom will seek rather than either extreme. All true theology must be, in the best sense, scientific; and all true science must be, in the best sense, religious.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 3, 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">In these</span> (porches) <span class="cmt_word">lay a multitude of sick folk, blind, lame,</span> <span class="cmt_word">withered,</span> [<span class="cmt_word">waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel went down season by season into the pool, and troubled the waters: he then that first stepped in after the troubling</span> <span class="cmt_word">of the water became whole of whatsoever disease he had].</span> The interesting gloss discussed below conveys the idea of magical cure, without moral significance, and attributes such cure to angelic ministry. This is the natural and popular explanation of the Bethesda healings, and would easily occur to a copyist who has not taken pains to use New Testament diction. Wunsche quotes from 'Chullin,' fol. 105, <span class="accented">b</span>, a testimony that "deadly qualities of water were attributed to demons, and healing ones to the angels." The crowds which gather in all countries round medicinal and intermittent springs are still unable to explain their curative quality by scientific analogies; and there is nothing more likely to have suggested itself to the mind of a copyist than the intervention of an angel. The absence from Scripture elsewhere of non-moral miracles is powerful internal reason for the lack of authenticity for the poetic gloss. The text. when deprived of this dubious gloss, loses all character that is inconsistent with the authenticity of the narrative. The close of ver. 3, "waiting for the moving of the waters," is far better attested than ver. 4, and, moreover, is consistent with John's manner, and with well ascertained matters of fact; and the clause would give authentic ground for the gloss that fellows. Hoffmann and Hengstenberg defend the passage, and believe that the angel at "the waters" in the Apocalypse betrays the same hand. But there can be no fair comparison between an historical fact and a symbolical figure. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/5-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">On</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">these [ walkways ]</span><br /><span class="grk">ταύταις</span> <span class="translit">(tautais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">lay</span><br /><span class="grk">κατέκειτο</span> <span class="translit">(katekeito)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2621.htm">Strong's 2621: </a> </span><span class="str2">From kata and keimai; to lie down, i.e. be sick; specially, to recline at a meal.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a great number</span><br /><span class="grk">πλῆθος</span> <span class="translit">(plēthos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4128.htm">Strong's 4128: </a> </span><span class="str2">A multitude, crowd, great number, assemblage. From pletho; a fulness, i.e. A large number, throng, populace.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sick,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀσθενούντων</span> <span class="translit">(asthenountōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_770.htm">Strong's 770: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be weak (physically: then morally), To be sick. From asthenes; to be feeble.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] blind,</span><br /><span class="grk">τυφλῶν</span> <span class="translit">(typhlōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5185.htm">Strong's 5185: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] lame,</span><br /><span class="grk">χωλῶν</span> <span class="translit">(chōlōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5560.htm">Strong's 5560: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lame, deprived of a foot, limping. Apparently a primary word; 'halt', i.e. Limping.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and the] paralyzed.</span><br /><span class="grk">ξηρῶν</span> <span class="translit">(xērōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3584.htm">Strong's 3584: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dry, withered; noun: dry land. From the base of xestes; arid; by implication, shrunken, earth.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/5-3.htm">John 5:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/5-3.htm">John 5:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/5-3.htm">John 5:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/5-3.htm">John 5:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/5-3.htm">John 5:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/5-3.htm">John 5:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/5-3.htm">John 5:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/5-3.htm">John 5:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/5-3.htm">John 5:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/5-3.htm">John 5:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/5-3.htm">NT Gospels: John 5:3 In these lay a great multitude (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/5-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 5:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 5:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/5-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 5:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 5:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>