John 5:7

Authorized King James Version

The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀπεκρίθη
G611
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#2
αὐτῷ
G846
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
#3
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἀσθενῶν
G770
The impotent man
to be feeble (in any sense)
#5
Κύριε
G2962
Sir
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#6
ἄνθρωπον
G444
man
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#7
οὐκ
G3756
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#8
ἔχω
G2192
I have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#9
ἵνα
G2443
to
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#10
ὅταν
G3752
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#11
ταραχθῇ
G5015
is troubled
to stir or agitate (roil water)
#12
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ὕδωρ
G5204
the water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#14
βάλλῃ
G906
put
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#15
με
G3165
me
me
#16
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#17
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
κολυμβήθραν·
G2861
the pool
a diving-place, i.e., pond for bathing (or swimming)
#19
ἐν
G1722
while
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#20
ᾧ
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#21
δὲ
G1161
but
but, and, etc
#22
ἔρχομαι
G2064
am coming
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#23
ἐγὼ
G1473
I
i, me
#24
ἄλλος
G243
another
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#25
πρὸ
G4253
before
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
#26
ἐμοῦ
G1700
me
of me
#27
καταβαίνει
G2597
steppeth down
to descend (literally or figuratively)

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources