Devine Scripture

John 5:12

What does John 5:12 mean?

A plain-English look at John 5:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 5:12 means

The leaders ask, “Who is the man that said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?” Notice they do not ask, “Who healed you?” They fixate on the command that offends their Sabbath understanding rather than the mercy displayed. This reveals their priorities: guarding regulations over recognizing God’s work. Yet their question is the right one in another sense—everything hinges on who Jesus is. John uses their hostility to move the narrative toward Jesus’ identity and authority. Even opposition becomes a means to reveal the truth. Their inquiry anticipates the confrontation to come, where Jesus will claim equality with the Father and divine prerogatives.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

They asked him, Who is the man that said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

They asked him, Who is the man that said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then they put to him the question: Who is the man who said to you, Take it up and go?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

they questioned him, then, `Who is the man who is saying to thee, Take up thy couch and be walking?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

They asked him therefore: Who is that man who said to thee: Take up thy bed and walk?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

They asked him [therefore], Who is the man who said to thee, Take up thy couch and walk?

Context

In response to the healed man’s defense (verse 11), the leaders demand the name of the One who authorized carrying the bed on the Sabbath. Their investigation narrows from the act to the Actor, aligning with John’s aim. Because Jesus had slipped away (verse 13), the question remains unanswered for the moment, maintaining tension. This delay allows for a second encounter between Jesus and the healed man (verse 14), which leads to the disclosure of Jesus’ identity to the leaders (verse 15). Their knowledge becomes the basis for active persecution (verse 16) and the theological showdown that follows (verses 17–18, 19–47).

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

v.12This passage

v.13But he that was healed knew not who it was; for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in the place.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 21:23

    And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

  • Judges 6:29

    And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.

  • Romans 10:2

    For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

  • 1 Samuel 14:38

    And Saul said, Draw nigh hither, all ye chiefs of the people; and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

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 5:12.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary