King James BibleFor an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
New King James VersionFor an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.
New American Standard Bible
NASB 1995for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.
NASB 1977for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.]
Legacy Standard Biblefor an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever sickness with which he was afflicted.]
Amplified Biblefor an angel of the Lord went down into the pool at appointed seasons and stirred up the water; the first one to go in after the water was stirred was healed of his disease.]
Holman Christian Standard Biblebecause an angel would go down into the pool from time to time and stir up the water. Then the first one who got in after the water was stirred up recovered from whatever ailment he had.
American Standard Version- - -
English Revised Version
International Standard VersionAt certain times an angel of the Lord would go down into the pool and stir up the water, and whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and agitated the water: whoever then first after the stirring of the water stepped in, was cured of whatever disease he had.
Weymouth New TestamentMajority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor from time to time an angel descended into the pool and stirred the water. As soon as the water was stirred, the first to enter the pool would be healed of his disease.
World English Biblefor an angel went down at certain times into the pool and stirred up the water. Whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor a messenger at a set time was going down in the pool, and was troubling the water, the first then having gone in after the troubling of the water, became whole of whatever sickness he was held.]]
Young's Literal Translation for a messenger at a set time was going down in the pool, and was troubling the water, the first then having gone in after the troubling of the water, became whole of whatever sickness he was held.
Smith's Literal TranslationFor a messenger at a time went down into the pool, and troubled the water: then he having first stepped in after the troubling of the water became healthy, by whatever malady a long while since he was laid. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd an angel of the Lord descended at certain times into the pond; and the water was moved. And he that went down first into the pond after the motion of the water, was made whole, of whatsoever infirmity he lay under.
Catholic Public Domain VersionNow at times an Angel of the Lord would descend into the pool, and so the water was moved. And whoever descended first into the pool, after the motion of the water, he was healed of whatever infirmity held him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor an angel of God went down at a certain time to the baptismal pool and stirred up the water; and whoever went in first after the stirring of the water was healed of any disease he had.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor an Angel descended to the baptismal pool from time to time and moved the water for them; whoever first descended after the moving of the water was cured of all sickness whatever he had. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and stirred the water. Then he who entered first after the motion of the water, was cured of whatever disease he had.
Godbey New Testament
Haweis New Testament
For occasionally an angel descended into the pool, and put the water into commotion: he therefore who first stepped in after the commotion of the water became well, under whatever complaint he had laboured.
Mace New Testament
(for a messenger went down at certain times into the pool, and agitated the water: the first then that stepped in after this commotion of the water, was cured of whatever disease he had.)
Weymouth New Testament
Worrell New Testament
for an angel of the Lord went down at a certain period into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever, therefore, first, after the troubling of the water, stepped in, was healed of whatsoever disease he had].
Worsley New Testament
For an angel descended at a certain season into the pool, and moved the water; the first therefore that went in after the disturbing of the water, was cured of whatever malady he laboured under.
Additional Translations ...Audio Bible
Context The Pool of Bethesda……
Cross References John 9:6-7When Jesus had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes. / Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing.
Mark 2:3-12Then a paralytic was brought to Him, carried by four men. / Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat. / When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” ...
Luke 5:18-26Just then some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They tried to bring him inside to set him before Jesus, / but they could not find a way through the crowd. So they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. / When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” ...
Matthew 9:2-8Just then some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” / On seeing this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” / But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, “Why do you harbor evil in your hearts? ...
Acts 3:2-8And a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those entering the temple courts. / When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. / Peter looked directly at him, as did John. “Look at us!” said Peter. ...
2 Kings 5:10-14Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean.” / But Naaman went away angry, saying, “I thought that he would surely come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy. / Are not the Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not have washed in them and been cleansed?” So he turned and went away in a rage. ...
2 Kings 13:21Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders, so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. And as soon as his body touched the bones of Elisha, the man was revived and stood up on his feet.
John 7:23If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses will not be broken, why are you angry with Me for making the whole man well on the Sabbath?
John 9:14Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened his eyes was a Sabbath.
John 11:43-44After Jesus had said this, He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” / The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth. “Unwrap him and let him go,” Jesus told them.
Luke 13:11-13and a woman there had been disabled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was hunched over and could not stand up straight. / When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your disability.” / Then He placed His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and began to glorify God.
Matthew 12:10-13and a man with a withered hand was there. In order to accuse Jesus, they asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” / He replied, “If one of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? / How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” ...
Isaiah 35:5-6Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.
Isaiah 53:4-5Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
Ezekiel 47:9Wherever the river flows, there will be swarms of living creatures and a great number of fish, because it flows there and makes the waters fresh; so wherever the river flows, everything will flourish.
Treasury of Scripture For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatever disease he had. whosoever. first. Psalm 119:60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. Proverbs 6:4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. was made. 2 Kings 5:10-14 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean… Ezekiel 47:8 Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea:which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. Zechariah 13:1 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. Jump to Previous AgitatedAngelCuredDescendedDiseaseFirstHeldHoldenLabouredMessengerPoolSeasonSeasonsSicknessSteppedStirredStirringTimeTimesTroubledTroublingWaterWhateverWhatsoeverWholeJump to Next AgitatedAngelCuredDescendedDiseaseFirstHeldHoldenLabouredMessengerPoolSeasonSeasonsSicknessSteppedStirredStirringTimeTimesTroubledTroublingWaterWhateverWhatsoeverWholeJohn 5 1.Jesus on the Sabbath day cures him who was diseased thirty-eight years.10.The Jews therefore object, and persecute him for it.17.He answers for himself, and reproves them, showing by the testimony of his Father,31.of John,36.of his works,39.and of the Scriptures, who he is.For from time to time an angel descended into the poolThis phrase suggests a supernatural occurrence at the Pool of Bethesda, located in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate. The pool was believed to have healing properties, and the descent of an angel indicates divine intervention. The concept of angels as messengers and agents of God's will is consistent with other biblical accounts, such as in Genesis 28:12, where angels ascend and descend on Jacob's ladder. The belief in angelic activity reflects the Jewish understanding of God's interaction with the world, as seen in Psalm 91:11, where angels are described as protectors. and stirred the water
The stirring of the water signifies a miraculous event, believed to be the moment when healing power was imparted to the pool. This aligns with the biblical theme of water as a symbol of cleansing and renewal, as seen in the story of Naaman in2 Kings 5:10-14, where washing in the Jordan River leads to healing. The stirring could also symbolize the movement of the Holy Spirit, reminiscent ofGenesis 1:2, where the Spirit of God moves over the waters during creation. As soon as the water was stirred
The immediacy of the healing opportunity emphasizes the urgency and faith required to receive God's blessings. This reflects the biblical principle of seizing the moment of divine favor, as seen inIsaiah 55:6, which encourages seeking the Lord while He may be found. The stirring of the water serves as a test of faith and readiness, similar to the parable of the ten virgins inMatthew 25:1-13, where preparedness is crucial. the first to enter the pool would be healed of his disease
This phrase highlights the competitive nature of the healing process, where only the first to enter the pool receives the miracle. It underscores the theme of perseverance and determination in seeking God's intervention, as seen in the story of the woman with the issue of blood inMark 5:25-34, who pushes through the crowd to touch Jesus' garment. The healing of diseases through divine means is a recurring theme in the Gospels, pointing to Jesus' ministry of healing and His role as the ultimate healer, fulfilling prophecies likeIsaiah 53:5, which speaks of healing through His wounds. Persons / Places / Events 1. Pool of BethesdaA pool in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate, known for its healing properties. It was surrounded by five covered colonnades. 2. AngelAccording to the verse, an angel would come down at certain times to stir the waters of the pool, and the first person to enter the water after it was stirred would be healed of their disease. 3. InvalidsA multitude of sick people, including the blind, lame, and paralyzed, who lay by the pool hoping to be healed. 4. JesusThe central figure of the Gospel, who later heals a man who had been an invalid for 38 years, demonstrating His authority and compassion. 5. SabbathThe day of rest in Jewish law, which becomes a point of contention when Jesus heals the invalid on this day. Teaching Points Divine Sovereignty and HealingGod is sovereign over all creation, including sickness and health. The stirring of the waters by the angel symbolizes divine intervention and the hope of healing. Faith and ExpectationThe invalids at the pool demonstrate a form of faith and expectation, waiting for the moment of healing. Believers are encouraged to maintain faith in God's timing and methods. Jesus' Authority Over TraditionJesus' healing on the Sabbath challenges traditional interpretations of the law, emphasizing mercy and compassion over legalism. Spiritual HealingPhysical healing in the Bible often points to a deeper spiritual healing that Jesus offers, inviting believers to seek wholeness in Him. Hope for the HopelessThe account of the invalid at Bethesda is a reminder that Jesus brings hope to those who feel forgotten or beyond help. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 5:4?
2.How does John 5:4 illustrate God's power and mercy in healing?
3.What role does faith play in the healing described in John 5:4?
4.How can we apply the lesson of waiting on God's timing from John 5:4?
5.Compare John 5:4 with other healing miracles in the Gospels.
6.How does John 5:4 encourage us to seek God's intervention in our lives?
7.Why is John 5:4 omitted in many modern Bible translations?
8.Does the absence of John 5:4 affect the story's theological message?
9.What historical evidence supports the authenticity of John 5:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 5?
11.What are key themes in the Book of John?
12.How does faith lead to victory over the world?
13.What is the significance of the Pool of Bethesda?
14.Were the women informed about Jesus' body's fate? Yes, by a young man/angels (Mark 16:5; Luke 24:4; Matthew 28:7). No, Mary found the tomb empty and was confused (John 20:2).What Does John 5:4 Mean The immediate settingJohn 5 opens with Jesus arriving at “a pool, called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five colonnades” (John 5:2). Sick people flocked there “waiting for the moving of the water” (v. 3). This background frames verse 4 and shows why hope centered on that pool rather than any physician. Compare similar gatherings of the afflicted around Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17:22;2 Kings 4:34–36) where divine intervention, not human skill, brought relief.
An angel of the Lord went downVerse 4 states, “For from time to time an angel of the Lord would go down into the pool and stir up the water.” • Angels are literal messengers who carry out God’s assignments (Psalm 103:20;Acts 12:7). • Here the angel’s descent underscores that healing is God-initiated, not a superstition. Just as the Angel of the Lord guided Israel through the wilderness (Exodus 14:19), so this angel brought guidance and mercy to Bethesda’s sufferers. • The phrase “from time to time” reminds us that God acts according to His timing (Galatians 4:4 speaks similarly about Christ’s coming “in the fullness of time”).
The stirring of the waterThe angel “stir[red] up the water.” • Physical movement provided a visible sign, much like Moses’ raised staff before the Red Sea parted (Exodus 14:16, 21). God often attaches a tangible element to reassure faith (Numbers 21:8–9;John 9:6–7). • The stirrings were not random; they were purposeful acts of God’s compassion, echoing His promise, “I am the LORD, who heals you” (Exodus 15:26).
The first to enter was healed“The first one to enter the pool after the water was stirred would be healed of whatever diseases he had.” • This requirement pressed the sick toward alertness and expectancy, much like Israel had to step into the Jordan before it parted (Joshua 3:15–17). • It illustrated grace mingled with responsibility: God provided the miracle, yet individuals still had to respond (Mark 10:51–52). • The phrase “whatever diseases” shows the completeness of God’s power, paralleling Jesus’ blanket authority inMatthew 4:23 where He healed “every disease and sickness.”
Foreshadowing Christ the ultimate healerBy recording the angelic healings, Scripture prepares hearts to recognize a greater visitation: Jesus Himself. • The pool’s limited mercy (one person at a time) contrasts with Christ’s unlimited reach (Luke 4:40, “He laid His hands on each one”). • The disabled man inJohn 5 had no one to help him in quickly (v. 7), highlighting human helplessness apart from Christ, who then heals him instantly (vv. 8–9). • Thus verse 4 functions as a living parable: divine grace is available, yet the fullest, easiest access comes through Jesus alone (John 14:6).
Lessons for believers today• God is still sovereign and can use angels, medicine, or miracles according to His will (Hebrews 1:14;James 5:14–15). • Prompt obedience matters; when God stirs the “waters” of opportunity, faith should move without delay (Ephesians 5:15–16). • Compassion for the physically and spiritually wounded should mirror Christ’s example, not leaving them “with no one to help” (John 5:7;1 John 3:17).
summaryJohn 5:4 records a real, periodic miracle in which an angel stirred Bethesda’s pool so the first entrant was healed. The event underscores God’s direct, merciful intervention, calls sufferers to responsive faith, and foreshadows Jesus—whose arrival at the pool brings a superior, unrestricted healing that points to His authority as the Son of God.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For.duringκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:Genitive: against, down from, throughout, by; accusative: over against, among, daily, day-by-day, each day, according to, by way of.[a certain] seasonκαιρὸν(kairon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2540:Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time.an angelἄγγελος(angelos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 32:A messenger, generally a (supernatural) messenger from God, an angel, conveying news or behests from God to men.descendedκατέβαινεν(katebainen)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2597:To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend.intoἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among.theτῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article.poolκολυμβήθρᾳ(kolymbēthra)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2861:(literal: a diving or swimming place), a pool.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.stirredἐτάρασσε(etarasse)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5015:To disturb, agitate, stir up, trouble.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article.water.ὕδωρ(hydōr)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5204:Water.Thereforeοὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then.he whoὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article.firstπρῶτος(prōtos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4413:First, before, principal, most important.enteredἐμβὰς(embas)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1684:To step in; to go onboard a ship, embark.afterμετὰ(meta)Preposition
Strong's 3326:(a) genitive: with, in company with, (b) accusative: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article.stirringταραχὴν(tarachēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5016:A disturbance, tumult, sedition, trouble.of theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article.waterὕδατος(hydatos)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 5204:Water.was madeἐγίνετο(egineto)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096:To come into being, to be born, become, come about, happen.wellὑγιὴς(hygiēs)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5199:(a) sound, healthy, pure, whole, (b) wholesome.from whateverᾧ(hō)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.diseaseνοσήματι(nosēmati)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3553:A trouble, disease, sickness.he was held byκατείχετο(kateicheto)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2722:(a) to hold fast, bind, arrest, (b) to take possession of, lay hold of, (c) to hold back, detain, restrain, (d) to hold a ship, keep its head.at the time.δήποτε(dēpote)Particle
Strong's 1221:Even at that time, whenever.
Links John 5:4 NIVJohn 5:4 NLTJohn 5:4 ESVJohn 5:4 NASBJohn 5:4 KJV
John 5:4 BibleApps.comJohn 5:4 Biblia ParalelaJohn 5:4 Chinese BibleJohn 5:4 French BibleJohn 5:4 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: John 5:4 For an angel of the Lord went (Jhn Jo Jn) |
