King James Version

What Does John 5:6 Mean?

John 5:6 in the King James Version says “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 who... — study this verse from John chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

John 5:6 · KJV


Context

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?

7

The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

8

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' question seems strange: 'Wilt thou be made whole?' After 38 years, wouldn't the answer be obvious? Yet Jesus probes the man's desire and will. Long illness can produce resignation; some become identified with their condition. True healing requires willingness to change. The question also invites faith—recognizing Jesus as one who can heal. Before acting, Jesus engages the man's will.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The question parallels Jesus' frequent inquiry about faith before healing. It distinguishes passive waiting from active desire for change. The man's response (verse 7) reveals complaint rather than faith—yet Jesus heals anyway, demonstrating grace that precedes faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus ask about willingness when the need seems obvious?
  2. How can long-term suffering produce resignation that resists healing?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
τοῦτον1 of 17

him

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

ἰδὼν2 of 17

saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

3 of 17
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 17

When Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

κατακείμενον5 of 17

lie

G2621

to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal

καὶ6 of 17

and

G2532

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

γνοὺς7 of 17

knew

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὅτι8 of 17

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πολὺν9 of 17

a long

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἤδη10 of 17

now

G2235

even now

χρόνον11 of 17

time

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

ἔχει12 of 17

he had been

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

λέγει13 of 17

in that case he saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ14 of 17

unto him

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

Θέλεις15 of 17

Wilt thou

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ὑγιὴς16 of 17

whole

G5199

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

γενέσθαι17 of 17

be made

G1096

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


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 5:6 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 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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