King James Version

What Does John 5:4 Mean?

John 5:4 in the King James Version says “For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubli... — study this verse from John chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 5:4 · KJV


Context

2

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. market: or, gate

3

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

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

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

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?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse (omitted in many manuscripts) explains the troubling of the water. Whether original or not, it reflects first-century beliefs about angelic intervention in natural phenomena. The theological point remains: people sought healing through ritual means, but Christ offers healing through relationship. Reformed theology emphasizes that ceremonies point beyond themselves to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Bethesda's pool had five porches where invalids waited for the water's movement, believing it brought healing. Archaeological excavations have confirmed the pool's existence and structure, validating John's geographical precision.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we sometimes trust in religious rituals or special moments rather than Christ Himself?
  2. What does this passage teach about God's sovereignty over nature versus superstitious beliefs?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ἄγγελος1 of 27

an angel

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

γὰρ2 of 27

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

κατὰ3 of 27

at

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

καιρὸν4 of 27

a certain season

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

κατέβαινεν5 of 27

went down

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἐν6 of 27

into

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ7 of 27
G3588

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

κολυμβήθρᾳ,8 of 27

the pool

G2861

a diving-place, i.e., pond for bathing (or swimming)

καὶ9 of 27

and

G2532

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

ἐτάρασσεν10 of 27

troubled

G5015

to stir or agitate (roil water)

τὸ11 of 27
G3588

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

ὕδατος,12 of 27

of the water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

13 of 27
G3588

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

οὖν14 of 27

whosoever then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πρῶτος15 of 27

first

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἐμβὰς16 of 27

stepped in

G1684

to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)

μετὰ17 of 27

after

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τὴν18 of 27
G3588

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

ταραχὴν19 of 27

the troubling

G5016

disturbance, i.e., (of water) roiling, or (of a mob) sedition

τοῦ20 of 27
G3588

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

ὕδατος,21 of 27

of the water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

ὑγιὴς22 of 27

whole

G5199

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

ἐγίνετο,23 of 27

was made

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

24 of 27

of

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δήποτε25 of 27

whatsoever

G1221

a particle of generalization; indeed, at any time

κατειχετο26 of 27

he had

G2722

to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)

νοσήματι27 of 27

disease

G3553

an ailment


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 5:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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