Devine Scripture

John 5:10

What does John 5:10 mean?

A plain-English look at John 5:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 5:10 means

Instead of rejoicing, the Jewish leaders rebuke the healed man: “It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for thee to take up thy bed.” They see a rule violation, not a miracle of mercy. This exposes a heart more zealous for boundary-keeping than for God’s restorative purpose in Sabbath. The man’s light burden—once a symbol of bondage—now becomes evidence against him in their eyes. Such reaction shows how rigid tradition can obscure the works of God. Their concern is not fabricated; Sabbath law mattered. But their application misses the Lord of the Sabbath standing behind the healing, whose goodness defines true rest and whose authority rightly interprets the day.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

So the Jews said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for thee to take up thy bed.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

So the Jews said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for thee to take up thy bed.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So the Jews said to the man who had been made well, It is the Sabbath; and it is against the law for you to take up your bed.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

the Jews then said to him that hath been healed, `It is a sabbath; it is not lawful to thee to take up the couch.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The Jews therefore said to him that was healed: It is the sabbath. It is not lawful for thee to take up thy bed.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The Jews therefore said to the healed [man], It is sabbath, it is not permitted thee to take up thy couch.

Context

The immediate aftermath of the healing (verse 9) brings confrontation. Leaders object to the man’s carrying his bed on the Sabbath, setting the stage for his defense (verse 11) and their demand to identify the one who commanded him (verse 12). This conflict shifts attention from the healed man to Jesus, whom the leaders will soon oppose more directly (verses 16–18). The scene illustrates the pattern repeated throughout the Gospel: a sign that reveals Jesus’ glory, followed by misunderstanding or hostility, which then prompts a deeper revelation through teaching (verses 19–47) about His relationship with the Father and His authority to give life and judge.

v.9And straightway the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked. Now it was the sabbath on that day.

v.10This passage

v.11But he answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Jeremiah 17:27

    But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden and enter in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.

  • Matthew 12:2

    But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which it is not lawful to do upon the sabbath.

  • Mark 2:24

    And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?

  • Mark 3:4

    And he saith unto them, Is it lawful on the sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? to save a life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

  • John 5:16

    And for this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did these things on the sabbath.

  • Jeremiah 17:21

    Thus saith Jehovah, Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore John 5

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 5.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to John 5:10.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary