John 5:6

Authorized King James Version

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?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τοῦτον
G5126
him
this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)
#2
ἰδὼν
G1492
saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#3
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰησοῦς
G2424
When Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
κατακείμενον
G2621
lie
to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal
#6
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
γνοὺς
G1097
knew
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#8
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#9
πολὺν
G4183
a long
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#10
ἤδη
G2235
now
even now
#11
χρόνον
G5550
time
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
#12
ἔχει
G2192
he had been
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#13
λέγει
G3004
in that case he saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#14
αὐτῷ
G846
unto him
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
#15
Θέλεις
G2309
Wilt thou
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#16
ὑγιὴς
G5199
whole
healthy, i.e., well (in body); figuratively, true (in doctrine)
#17
γενέσθαι
G1096
be made
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through simile or metaphorical language. 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

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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