John 5:12
Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
Original Language Analysis
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Τίς
G5101
Τίς
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
4 of 16
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τὸν
that which
G3588
τὸν
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
that which
G3588
τὸν
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἆρον
Take up
G142
Ἆρον
Take up
Strong's:
G142
Word #:
11 of 16
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
τὸν
that which
G3588
τὸν
that which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The religious leaders' investigation reflects their role as guardians of Sabbath observance. Their question format seeks to identify and prosecute the 'lawbreaker' rather than understand the miracle's significance.
Questions for Reflection
- How can zeal for religious rules blind us to God's compassionate work among people?
- What does this question reveal about misplaced priorities in religious systems?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The interrogators' focus on 'What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?' reveals their priority—catching a Sabbath violator matters more than celebrating healing. This exemplifies how religious externalism can blind us to God's work. They care more about regulation than restoration.