King James Version

What Does John 5:11 Mean?

John 5:11 in the King James Version says “He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. — study this verse from John chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

John 5:11 · KJV


Context

9

And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

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.

11

He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

12

Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

13

And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. a multitude: or, from the multitude that was


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The healed man's answer 'He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk' shifts responsibility to Jesus while acknowledging His authority to heal. His obedience to Jesus' command despite Sabbath prohibition shows prioritizing the Healer's word over religious tradition. Christ's authority supersedes ceremonial law.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish tradition prohibited carrying burdens on the Sabbath (Jeremiah 17:21-22). The Pharisees expanded this to include even a mat. The healed man's defense appeals to Jesus' authority as the one who effected the miracle.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we navigate tension between Christ's commands and human religious traditions?
  2. What does this man's answer reveal about the relationship between experiencing Christ's power and submitting to His authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἀπεκρίθη1 of 15

He answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

αὐτοῖς2 of 15

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

3 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποιήσας4 of 15

He that made

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

με5 of 15

me

G3165

me

ὑγιῆ6 of 15

whole

G5199

healthy, i.e., well (in body); figuratively, true (in doctrine)

ἐκεῖνός7 of 15

the same

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

μοι8 of 15

unto me

G3427

to me

εἰπεν9 of 15

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἆρον10 of 15

Take up

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

τὸν11 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κράββατον12 of 15

bed

G2895

a mattress

σου13 of 15

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ14 of 15

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

περιπάτει15 of 15

walk

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 5:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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