John 5:3
In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
Original Language Analysis
ταύταις
G3778
ταύταις
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
2 of 15
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
κατέκειτο
lay
G2621
κατέκειτο
lay
Strong's:
G2621
Word #:
3 of 15
to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal
πολὺ
a great
G4183
πολὺ
a great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
5 of 15
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τυφλῶν
of blind
G5185
τυφλῶν
of blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
8 of 15
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
ξηρῶν
withered
G3584
ξηρῶν
withered
Strong's:
G3584
Word #:
10 of 15
arid; by implication, shrunken, earth (as opposed to water)
ἐκδεχομένων
waiting for
G1551
ἐκδεχομένων
waiting for
Strong's:
G1551
Word #:
11 of 15
to accept from some source, i.e., (by implication) to await
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 15:30And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:Luke 7:22Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
Historical Context
The belief that an angel periodically troubled the water (verse 4, omitted in some manuscripts as possible later addition) reflects popular superstition. First-century medicine offered little for such conditions. These were society's outcasts, dependent on charity, waiting for uncertain deliverance that rarely came.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this scene of desperate waiting picture humanity's condition without Christ?
- What false hopes do people pursue today in place of true divine healing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.' The scene is desperate—blind, lame, paralyzed people waiting for an uncertain cure. The 'moving of the water' refers to periodic disturbance, superstitiously believed to have healing properties. Religion without power produces waiting, not healing. The multitude represents humanity's hopeless condition apart from divine intervention.