John 5:6
What does John 5:6 mean?
A plain-English look at John 5:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 5:6 means
Jesus sees, knows, and speaks. He recognizes how long the man has suffered and asks, “Wouldest thou be made whole?” His question is not ignorance but invitation. He draws out the man’s desire and exposes misplaced hopes. Divine compassion takes initiative; Jesus approaches the helpless. The question tests whether the man wants more than proximity to a pool—whether he is ready for genuine restoration that comes by the Lord’s word. Christ’s knowledge of the man’s history shows His divine insight. His manner dignifies the sufferer as a person, not a case, and prepares him to respond in faith-filled obedience to a command that will soon exceed all natural possibility.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000When Jesus saw him lying, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wouldest thou be made whole?
KJV
King James Version · 1611When 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?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901When Jesus saw him lying, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wouldest thou be made whole?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When Jesus saw him there on the floor it was clear to him that he had been now a long time in that condition, and so he said to the man, Is it your desire to get well?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862him Jesus having seen lying, and having known that he is already a long time, he saith to him, `Dost thou wish to become whole?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Him when Jesus had seen lying, and knew that he had been now a long time, he saith to him: Wilt thou be made whole?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus seeing this [man] lying [there], and knowing that he was [in that state] now a great length of time, says to him, Wouldest thou become well?
Context
Having introduced the man’s long infirmity (verse 5), John portrays Jesus initiating the encounter. This question sets up the man’s response about lacking help to enter the pool (verse 7), revealing the futility of his strategy. The dialogue prepares for Jesus’ authoritative command (verse 8) and the immediate healing (verse 9). The personal exchange also frames the later controversy: the man’s obedience to carry his bed on the Sabbath (verses 9–10) flows from taking Jesus seriously. This early emphasis on Jesus’ knowledge and initiative anticipates His later claims about seeing and doing what the Father does (verses 19–20) and giving life (verses 21–26).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 65:1
I am inquired of by them that asked notfor me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
- Hebrews 4:15
For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
- Hebrews 4:13
And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
- Jeremiah 13:27
I have seen thine abominations, even thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, on the hills in the field. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! thou wilt not be made clean; how long shall it yet be?
- John 21:17
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
- Psalms 142:3
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walk Have they hidden a snare for me.
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