John 5:6
When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
Original Language Analysis
ἰδὼν
saw
G1492
ἰδὼν
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
When Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
When Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
κατακείμενον
lie
G2621
κατακείμενον
lie
Strong's:
G2621
Word #:
5 of 17
to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γνοὺς
knew
G1097
γνοὺς
knew
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
7 of 17
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πολὺν
a long
G4183
πολὺν
a long
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
9 of 17
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
χρόνον
time
G5550
χρόνον
time
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
11 of 17
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
ἔχει
he had been
G2192
ἔχει
he had been
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
12 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
λέγει
in that case he saith
G3004
λέγει
in that case he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 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
Θέλεις
Wilt thou
G2309
Θέλεις
Wilt thou
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
15 of 17
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
Cross References
Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.Luke 18:41Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.Hebrews 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.John 21:17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.Isaiah 65:1I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.Psalms 142:3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
Historical Context
The question parallels Jesus' frequent inquiry about faith before healing. It distinguishes passive waiting from active desire for change. The man's response (verse 7) reveals complaint rather than faith—yet Jesus heals anyway, demonstrating grace that precedes faith.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus ask about willingness when the need seems obvious?
- How can long-term suffering produce resignation that resists healing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' question seems strange: 'Wilt thou be made whole?' After 38 years, wouldn't the answer be obvious? Yet Jesus probes the man's desire and will. Long illness can produce resignation; some become identified with their condition. True healing requires willingness to change. The question also invites faith—recognizing Jesus as one who can heal. Before acting, Jesus engages the man's will.