King James Version
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 · King James Version
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.
And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
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?
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.
Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
“saw”
G1492used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
“When Jesus”
G2424jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
“lie”
G2621to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“knew”
G1097to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
“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
“time”
G5550a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
“he had been”
G2192to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
“in that case he saith”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
“unto him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“Wilt thou”
G2309to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
“be made”
G1096to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
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.
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.
Verses related to John 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge