John 5:16
And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διὰ
therefore
G1223
διὰ
therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
2 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἐδίωκον
did
G1377
ἐδίωκον
did
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
4 of 17
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐζήτουν
sought
G2212
ἐζήτουν
sought
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
10 of 17
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 17
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
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
13 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
Historical Context
This persecution marks escalating opposition that will climax in crucifixion. The Pharisaic interpretation of Sabbath law had expanded God's command into elaborate restrictions that undermined the Sabbath's redemptive purpose (rest, restoration, worship).
Questions for Reflection
- How do human additions to God's law sometimes contradict His gracious purposes?
- What does Jesus' Sabbath healing teach about the Sabbath's true meaning and purpose?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Jews' persecution of Jesus 'because he had done these things on the sabbath day' reveals the conflict between Christ's redemptive mission and religious traditionalism. Their focus on 'these things' (healing, commanding to carry a bed) rather than the miracle's compassionate purpose shows how externalism corrupts true religion. Christ came to fulfill, not abolish, the Sabbath's purpose.