John 5:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 27
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 27
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κύριε
Sir
G2962
Κύριε
Sir
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 27
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 27
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
10 of 27
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βάλλῃ
put
G906
βάλλῃ
put
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
14 of 27
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κολυμβήθραν·
the pool
G2861
κολυμβήθραν·
the pool
Strong's:
G2861
Word #:
18 of 27
a diving-place, i.e., pond for bathing (or swimming)
ᾧ
G3739
ᾧ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
20 of 27
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔρχομαι
am coming
G2064
ἔρχομαι
am coming
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
22 of 27
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 72:12For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.Deuteronomy 32:36For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.1 Corinthians 9:24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.Psalms 142:4I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.Romans 5:6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Historical Context
The answer reveals the man's worldview: healing depends on the pool, timing, and human assistance. He lacks all three. Jesus' healing won't require any of them—not the pool's water, not the water's movement, not human help. Grace transcends religious mechanisms.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we sometimes focus on religious mechanisms while missing Christ's direct power?
- What excuses keep people from experiencing Christ's healing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The man responds with excuses: '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.' He explains why the pool hasn't healed him—no helper, too slow. His answer reveals he's still looking to the pool, not to Jesus. His hope is in the water; his problem is competition. Jesus will bypass the pool entirely, showing He needs no such mechanism.