John 5:8
What does John 5:8 mean?
A plain-English look at John 5:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 5:8 means
Jesus bypasses the pool and commands with sovereign authority: “Arise, take up thy bed, and walk.” His word creates the reality it orders. The threefold command calls for immediate, visible obedience, turning a passive sufferer into an active walker who bears witness by carrying his mat. The focus shifts from human effort to divine initiative. This shows that Jesus is greater than sacred places and rituals; He heals by His own power. The imperative tests trust—obedience becomes the means by which grace is displayed. Christ’s authority over bodily weakness hints at His larger authority to speak life, which He will soon claim openly in His discourse.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus saith unto him, Arise, take up thy bed, and walk.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus saith unto him, Arise, take up thy bed, and walk.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said to him, Get up, take your bed and go.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus saith to him, `Rise, take up thy couch, and be walking;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus saith to him: Arise, take up thy bed and walk.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus says to him, Arise, take up thy couch and walk.
Context
After the man’s expression of helplessness (verse 7), Jesus issues a direct command without any ritual or assistance, leading to the instantaneous healing of verse 9. The order to carry the bed, though a sign of healing, becomes the flashpoint for the Sabbath controversy (verses 9–10). This moment bridges the miracle and the ensuing debate about lawfulness and authority. It sets up the healed man’s defense (verse 11) and the leaders’ demand to identify the healer (verse 12), culminating in their hostility toward Jesus (verses 16–18). The authoritative word here anticipates Jesus’ claims about giving life and executing judgment (verses 21–27).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 5:24
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (he said unto him that was palsied), I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go unto thy house.
- Acts 9:34
And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee: arise, and make thy bed. And straightway he arose.
- Matthew 9:6
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins (then saith he to the sick of the palsy), Arise, and take up thy bed, and go unto thy house.
- Mark 2:11
I say unto thee, Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thy house.
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