John 5:7
What does John 5:7 mean?
A plain-English look at John 5:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 5:7 means
The man explains his predicament, not answering the question directly. He has no helper; when the water is stirred, others reach it first. His hope is tied to a moment he cannot seize, and to a means he cannot access. This highlights human helplessness and the inadequacy of impersonal systems. The man’s words also reveal isolation—no one to assist him. Into this inability, Jesus will speak a command that requires no competition, timing, or human aid. The verse clarifies the popular belief about the pool’s waters without endorsing it as the source of healing. It prepares us to see that the Lord’s word alone suffices where all human schemes fail.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The sick 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The sick 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The ill man said in answer, Sir, I have nobody to put me into the bath when the water is moving; and while I am on the way down some other person gets in before me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The ailing man answered him, `Sir, I have no man, that, when the water may be troubled, he may put me into the pool, and while I am coming, another doth go down before me.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The infirm man answered him: Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pond. For whilst I am coming, another goeth down before me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The infirm [man] answered him, Sir, I have not a man, in order, when the water has been troubled, to cast me into the pool; but while I am coming another descends before me.
Context
Jesus’ question (verse 6) elicits the man’s account of his long-frustrated attempts to be healed at the pool. This sets the contrast for Jesus’ response in verse 8, where no water or assistance is needed. The man’s inability underscores the miraculous character of the healing in verse 9 and supports the theological point that life and restoration come by Christ’s authority. The explanation about the stirred waters also explains the crowd’s presence (verse 3) and why Jesus could slip away unnoticed (verse 13). The immediate consequence of the healing—carrying the bed on the Sabbath—then triggers confrontation with the Jewish leaders (verses 10–12).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 5:3
In these lay a multitude of them that were sick, blind, halt, withered.
- Psalms 72:12
For he will deliver the needy when he crieth, And the poor, that hath no helper.
- Deuteronomy 32:36
For Jehovah will judge his people, And repent himself for his servants; When he seeth that their power is gone, And there is noneremaining, shut up or left at large.
- Psalms 142:4
Look onmy right hand, and see; For there is no man that knoweth me: Refuge hath failed me; No man careth for my soul.
- 2 Corinthians 1:8
For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which befell us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
- 1 Corinthians 9:24
Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain.
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