John 5:4
For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
Original Language Analysis
ἄγγελος
an angel
G32
ἄγγελος
an angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
1 of 27
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 27
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κατὰ
at
G2596
κατὰ
at
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 27
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κολυμβήθρᾳ,
the pool
G2861
κολυμβήθρᾳ,
the pool
Strong's:
G2861
Word #:
8 of 27
a diving-place, i.e., pond for bathing (or swimming)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὖν
whosoever then
G3767
οὖν
whosoever then
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
14 of 27
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἐμβὰς
stepped in
G1684
ἐμβὰς
stepped in
Strong's:
G1684
Word #:
16 of 27
to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)
μετὰ
after
G3326
μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
17 of 27
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταραχὴν
the troubling
G5016
ταραχὴν
the troubling
Strong's:
G5016
Word #:
19 of 27
disturbance, i.e., (of water) roiling, or (of a mob) sedition
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑγιὴς
whole
G5199
ὑγιὴς
whole
Strong's:
G5199
Word #:
22 of 27
healthy, i.e., well (in body); figuratively, true (in doctrine)
ἐγίνετο,
was made
G1096
ἐγίνετο,
was made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
23 of 27
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ᾧ
of
G3739
ᾧ
of
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
24 of 27
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
δήποτε
whatsoever
G1221
δήποτε
whatsoever
Strong's:
G1221
Word #:
25 of 27
a particle of generalization; indeed, at any time
Historical Context
Bethesda's pool had five porches where invalids waited for the water's movement, believing it brought healing. Archaeological excavations have confirmed the pool's existence and structure, validating John's geographical precision.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we sometimes trust in religious rituals or special moments rather than Christ Himself?
- What does this passage teach about God's sovereignty over nature versus superstitious beliefs?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse (omitted in many manuscripts) explains the troubling of the water. Whether original or not, it reflects first-century beliefs about angelic intervention in natural phenomena. The theological point remains: people sought healing through ritual means, but Christ offers healing through relationship. Reformed theology emphasizes that ceremonies point beyond themselves to Christ.