John 5:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἄγγελος
G32
an angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
κατὰ
G2596
at
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#4
καιρὸν
G2540
a certain season
an occasion, i.e., set or proper time
#5
κατέβαινεν
G2597
went down
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#6
ἐν
G1722
into
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
κολυμβήθρᾳ,
G2861
the pool
a diving-place, i.e., pond for bathing (or swimming)
#9
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ἐτάρασσεν
G5015
troubled
to stir or agitate (roil water)
#11
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ὕδατος,
G5204
of the water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#13
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
οὖν
G3767
whosoever then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#15
πρῶτος
G4413
first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#16
ἐμβὰς
G1684
stepped in
to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)
#17
μετὰ
G3326
after
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#18
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ταραχὴν
G5016
the troubling
disturbance, i.e., (of water) roiling, or (of a mob) sedition
#20
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ὕδατος,
G5204
of the water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#22
ὑγιὴς
G5199
whole
healthy, i.e., well (in body); figuratively, true (in doctrine)
#23
ἐγίνετο,
G1096
was made
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#24
ᾧ
G3739
of
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#25
δήποτε
G1221
whatsoever
a particle of generalization; indeed, at any time
#26
κατειχετο
G2722
he had
to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#27
νοσήματι
G3553
disease
an ailment

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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