What does John 5:17 mean?

Explanation

John 5:17 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible. In this passage, Jesus is speaking in response to criticism from the Jews who were accusing him of breaking the Sabbath by performing healings.

The verse "[But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.]" signifies that Jesus is justifying his actions by putting them in the context of God's continuing work in the world.

The use of "My Father" is an intimate form of address that denotes Jesus's unique relationship with God.

The phrase suggests that, unlike humans, whose work is limited by the Sabbath, God's providential care and governance of the world continue unabated, even on the Sabbath.

By claiming to be working just as His Father does, Jesus implicitly states His divine nature and authority to act outside the constraints of the Jewish law regarding the Sabbath.

Historical Context

John 5:17 occurs during an incident in the Gospel of John where Jesus heals a man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath.

According to Jewish law, performing work on the Sabbath was prohibited, and the religious leaders considered healing to be a form of work.

By acting on the Sabbath, Jesus challenged the prevailing interpretations of the law and the authority of the religious leaders of the time, leading to conflict.

This specific exchange reflects broader themes in the Gospels where Jesus's actions and teachings often clashed with the established norms and expectations of Jewish religious leaders.

Theological Insights

Different Christian traditions have interpreted this verse to mean various things:

• Traditional Trinitarian Christians often see this verse as a testament to Jesus's divine nature, indicating his equality with God the Father.
• Others emphasize the continuity of God's work in the world.

They see Jesus as asserting that the Sabbath does not constrain God’s actions, which include acts of mercy and healing.

• Some might argue that Jesus is inviting reconsideration of the true purpose of the Sabbath: not merely rest, but restoration and doing God's will.

Practical Applications

John 5:17 can be seen as encouraging believers to understand and prioritize the spirit of religious laws over their literal interpretation.

In practical terms, this can lead to an emphasis on compassion and mercy over strict adherence to rituals or traditions when the two come into conflict.

It advocates for the need to act in the interest of doing good and furthering God's work, even if it means challenging traditional norms.

Cross-References

• Matthew 12:8 - "For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day."
• 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."
• John 9:4 - "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key terms are notable:

• "worketh" (ἐργάζεται, ergazetai): This present indicative verb suggests a continuous action; God is always at work.
• "hitherto" (ἕως, heōs): Implying "until now" or "continuously."
• "I work" (ἐγώ ἐργάζομαι, egō ergazomai): The use of “I” (ἐγώ, egō) is emphatic in Greek, drawing particular attention to Jesus's own action.

These terms reinforce the ongoing nature of God's work and Jesus's active participation in it.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparable themes can be seen in other cultures and religions where divinity is seen as above human norms and laws.

For instance, in mythology, gods often act in ways that are not allowed for mortals.

In other monotheistic religions, such as Islam, God's laws are considered perfect and continuous but are also balanced with the need for compassion.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly intersect with any scientific perspectives.

However, it does pose the question about the nature of rest and activity from a human perspective.

In modern times, the understanding of human productivity and rest is a subject of scientific study, considering how non-stop work culture often contradicts the need for rest and recovery within natural human rhythms.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer interpretations of John 5:17:

• William Barclay suggests that Jesus’s statement is a claim of equality with God because he does the same continuous work as God.
• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes that God has always been governing the world and that Jesus, as God's envoy, is continuing this work, hence lawful on the Sabbath.
• The New Interpreter's Bible posits that by saying “I work,” Jesus not only claims a special relationship with God but places his actions within the context of divine necessity and mission.

These commentaries depict the diverse theological significance of the verse and highlight its centrality in understanding Jesus' identity and mission.