What does John 5:11 mean?

Explanation

John 5:11 is part of the narrative in the Gospel of John where Jesus performs a healing miracle at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem.

The verse captures the response of the healed man when questioned by the Jews about who had healed him on the Sabbath, which was considered a violation of the law as it was regarded as work.

The healed man refers to Jesus, although at this point, he may not know Jesus' name, as "He that made me whole." He justifies his actions by stating that the one with the power to heal him also commanded him to "Take up thy bed, and walk." The verse highlights the authority of Jesus over the conventional understanding of the Sabbath laws and the obedience of the healed man to Jesus' command.

Historical Context

At the time of this narrative, Jesus was in Jerusalem during a Jewish feast.

The Pool of Bethesda is described as having five porches and was believed to have healing properties when an angel "troubled the water." The setting of the miracle is significant because the healing occurs on the Sabbath, a day which, according to Jewish law, required rest and prohibited work.

The man in question had been invalid for thirty-eight years and was healed instantaneously by Jesus.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer various insights into this verse.

From a traditional Christian viewpoint, the healing represents Jesus' authority over physical infirmity and his lordship over the Sabbath, emphasizing that compassionate acts of healing are in harmony with God's will, even on the Sabbath.

Some theologians might see it as a sign of the in-breaking of the Kingdom of God, where Jesus, as the Son of God, overturns old patterns of religious understanding and introduces a new way of relating to God's laws.

Others might suggest that the theology of the verse supports the idea that obeying Jesus' command brings wholeness and restoration, despite existing religious or societal restrictions.

Practical Applications

The teachings of John 5:11 can be applied in daily life through the understanding that faith in and obedience to Jesus' words can lead to transformation and healing.

It also encourages believers to prioritize compassion and mercy over rigid adherence to religious regulations.

There is an application for understanding the importance of responding to divine instruction, regardless of societal norms and expectations.

Cross-References

• John 5:8-9: "Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the Sabbath."

• Mark 2:27-28: "And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath."
• Matthew 12:11-12: "And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days."

Language Study

The key phrase in this verse in the original Greek text is "ὁ ποιήσας με ὑγιῆ" ("he that made me whole" – ho poiēsas me hygiēs).

The verb "ποιήσας" (poiēsas) is a form of "ποιέω" (poieō), meaning "to make" or "to do." "ὑγιῆ" (hygiēs) is the accusative singular of "ὑγιής" (hygiēs), meaning "healthy" or "whole." Together, they emphasize the miraculous healing act performed by Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, various cultures had stories of gods or demi-gods who performed miraculous healings. For instance, in Greek mythology, Asclepius was considered the god of medicine and healing.

However, unlike these myths, the Gospel narratives attest to a real historical figure, Jesus, who demonstrates power over illness and defies existing religious customs for the benefit of individuals in need.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific viewpoint, the healing described in this verse and the immediate ability of the man to walk would be considered miraculous, defying known medical explanations.

Without a naturalistic explanation, such an event challenges the boundaries of empirical evidence and scientific validation, and thus is often approached as a matter of faith rather than scientific scrutiny.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have offered various interpretations of this verse.

Some emphasize Jesus' role in redefining the observance of the Sabbath, focusing on the spirit of the law rather than the letter.

Others highlight the significance of Jesus' healing power and the man's immediate obedience.

Notably, Matthew Henry's Commentary points out that the man did not know who Jesus was at the time, reflecting a common experience where individuals may be touched by Jesus' influence without fully understanding the source of their transformation.