John 5:3

Authorized King James Version

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐν
In
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
ταύταις
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#3
κατέκειτο
lay
to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal
#4
πλῆθος
multitude
a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace
#5
πολὺ
a great
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#6
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἀσθενούντων
of impotent folk
to be feeble (in any sense)
#8
τυφλῶν
of blind
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
#9
χωλῶν
halt
"halt", i.e., limping
#10
ξηρῶν
withered
arid; by implication, shrunken, earth (as opposed to water)
#11
ἐκδεχομένων
waiting for
to accept from some source, i.e., (by implication) to await
#12
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ὕδατος
of the water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#15
κίνησιν
the moving
a stirring

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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