John 5:10
The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
Original Language Analysis
ἔλεγον
said
G3004
ἔλεγον
said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 14
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τεθεραπευμένῳ
unto him that was cured
G2323
τεθεραπευμένῳ
unto him that was cured
Strong's:
G2323
Word #:
6 of 14
to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)
Σάββατόν
the sabbath day
G4521
Σάββατόν
the sabbath day
Strong's:
G4521
Word #:
7 of 14
the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,
ἔξεστίν
it is
G1832
ἔξεστίν
it is
Strong's:
G1832
Word #:
10 of 14
so also ???? <pronunciation strongs="ex-on'"/> neuter present participle of the same (with or without some form of g1510 expressed); impersonally, it
ἆραι
to carry
G142
ἆραι
to carry
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
12 of 14
to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh
Cross References
Jeremiah 17:21Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;John 9:16Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.Mark 3:4And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.Luke 6:2And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?Luke 13:14And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.Mark 2:24And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?John 5:16And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
Historical Context
The Pharisaic tradition developed 39 categories of 'work' forbidden on Sabbath, including carrying burdens. This interpretation extended beyond Torah's actual commands. Jesus challenged these traditions, asserting that Sabbath was made for man, not man for Sabbath (Mark 2:27).
Questions for Reflection
- How do religious traditions sometimes blind people to God's actual work?
- What modern equivalents might prioritize rule-keeping over recognizing God's mercy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Jews challenge the healed man: 'It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.' Their first response to a 38-year paralytic walking is legal accusation. Religious bureaucracy sees violation before miracle. The irony is sharp: they care more about mat-carrying than man-healing. Law without love produces this blindness—missing divine work because it doesn't fit categories.