King James Version

What Does John 5:7 Mean?

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 c... — study this verse from John chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 5:7 · King James Version


Context

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.

9

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


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The man responds with excuses: '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.' He explains why the pool hasn't healed him—no helper, too slow. His answer reveals he's still looking to the pool, not to Jesus. His hope is in the water; his problem is competition. Jesus will bypass the pool entirely, showing He needs no such mechanism.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The answer reveals the man's worldview: healing depends on the pool, timing, and human assistance. He lacks all three. Jesus' healing won't require any of them—not the pool's water, not the water's movement, not human help. Grace transcends religious mechanisms.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we sometimes focus on religious mechanisms while missing Christ's direct power?
  2. What excuses keep people from experiencing Christ's healing?
KS
Written by KJV Study CommentaryBiblical Commentary

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ἀπεκρίθη
1 of 27

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)
αὐτῷ
2 of 27

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
3 of 27
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀσθενῶν
4 of 27

The impotent man

G770
to be feeble (in any sense)
Κύριε
5 of 27

Sir

G2962
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἄνθρωπον
6 of 27

man

G444
man-faced, i.e., a human being
οὐκ
7 of 27

no

G3756
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἔχω
8 of 27

I have

G2192
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἵνα
9 of 27

to

G2443
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
ὅταν
10 of 27

when

G3752
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ταραχθῇ
11 of 27

is troubled

G5015
to stir or agitate (roil water)
τὸ
12 of 27
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὕδωρ
13 of 27

the water

G5204
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
βάλλῃ
14 of 27

put

G906
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
με
15 of 27

me

G3165
me
εἰς
16 of 27

into

G1519
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
17 of 27
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κολυμβήθραν·
18 of 27

the pool

G2861
a diving-place, i.e., pond for bathing (or swimming)
ἐν
19 of 27

while

G1722
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
20 of 27
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
δὲ
21 of 27

but

G1161
but, and, etc
ἔρχομαι
22 of 27

am coming

G2064
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐγὼ
23 of 27

I

G1473
i, me
ἄλλος
24 of 27

another

G243
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
πρὸ
25 of 27

before

G4253
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
ἐμοῦ
26 of 27

me

G1700
of me
καταβαίνει
27 of 27

steppeth down

G2597
to descend (literally or figuratively)

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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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