John 5:14
What does John 5:14 mean?
A plain-English look at John 5:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 5:14 means
Jesus finds the man in the temple and says, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing befall thee.” Healing is followed by holiness. Jesus affirms the gift received, then warns of danger greater than bodily affliction. Not all suffering directly results from specific sin, but Jesus addresses this man personally, calling him to repentance and a changed life. The “worse thing” likely points to judgment, reminding us that restored bodies are not the ultimate goal; right standing with God is. Jesus cares for the soul as well as the body. Grace not only lifts burdens; it calls us away from what brought ruin.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing befall thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing befall thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949After a time Jesus came across him in the Temple and said to him, See, you are well and strong; do no more sin for fear a worse thing comes to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862After these things, Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said to him, `Lo, thou hast become whole; sin no more, lest something worse may happen to thee.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Afterwards, Jesus findeth him in the temple and saith to him: Behold thou art made whole: sin no more, lest some worse thing happen to thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890After these things Jesus finds him in the temple, and said to him, Behold, thou art become well: sin no more, that something worse do not happen to thee.
Context
After the man’s healing and the leaders’ inquiry (verses 9–13), Jesus seeks him in the temple, indicating concern for more than physical recovery. This second encounter provides moral and spiritual instruction, positioning the man to identify Jesus to the Jews (verse 15). That report, in turn, leads to overt persecution of Jesus for Sabbath actions (verse 16), prompting Jesus’ defense and self-revelation (verses 17–18, 19–47). The temple setting underscores the religious stakes: the One who heals also claims authority to direct life and warn of judgment, themes that will dominate the discourse about the Son’s power to give life and to judge (verses 21–27).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 107:20
He sendeth his word, and healeth them, And delivereth them from their destructions.
- Isaiah 38:20
Jehovah isreadyto save me: Therefore we will sing my songs with stringed instruments All the days of our life in the house of Jehovah.
- Mark 2:5
And Jesus seeing their faith saith unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins are forgiven.
- Psalms 27:6
And now shall my head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me; And I will offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto Jehovah.
- 1 Peter 4:3
For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles, and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries:
- Psalms 116:12
What shall I render unto Jehovah For all his benefits toward me?
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