John 5:1

KJV

¶ After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

After {G3326} this {G5023} there was {G2258} a feast {G1859} of the Jews {G2453}; and {G2532} Jesus {G2424} went up {G305} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After this, there was a Judean festival; and Yeshua went up to Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Some time later there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 5:1 marks a pivotal transition in Jesus' ministry within the Gospel of John, shifting the geographical focus from Galilee and Samaria back to Jerusalem. This verse serves as a crucial narrative bridge, connecting the events of chapter 4—including Jesus' profound encounter with the Samaritan woman and the miraculous healing of the nobleman's son—to a new phase of His public ministry in the Jewish capital. It establishes the setting for a series of significant miracles, teachings, and escalating confrontations with the religious authorities, all unfolding against the backdrop of a major Jewish festival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 5:1 immediately follows the conclusion of Jesus' ministry in Samaria and Galilee, where He revealed Himself as the "Savior of the world" to the Samaritans ([John 4:42](/john/4-42 "John 4:42 - Jesus, Savior of the World")) and performed a distant healing for a royal official's son in Capernaum ([John 4:46-54](/john/4-46-54 "John 4:46-54 - Healing the Royal Official's Son")). The phrase "After this" acts as a chronological marker, indicating a progression in Jesus' journey and mission. This verse sets the stage for the next major "sign" in John's Gospel—the healing of the invalid at the Pool of Bethesda—which, unlike previous miracles, directly provokes intense opposition from the Jewish leaders, initiating a new level of conflict that will define much of Jesus' subsequent ministry in Jerusalem, as seen in the extensive discourse on His divine authority in [John 5:19-47](/john/5-19-47 "John 5:19-47 - Jesus' Authority from the Father").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Jewish life was deeply intertwined with the annual pilgrimage feasts to Jerusalem, as mandated by the Mosaic Law. These feasts—Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles—were not merely religious observances but central expressions of national identity, communal worship, and historical remembrance. During these times, Jerusalem would swell with thousands of pilgrims from across Judea and the Diaspora, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of religious activity, commerce, and theological discussion. Jesus' "going up to Jerusalem" for "a feast of the Jews" indicates His participation in these deeply ingrained cultural and religious practices, underscoring His Jewish identity and His adherence to the Law, even as He prepared to reveal truths that would challenge the established interpretations of that Law. The specific feast is left unnamed, a detail that has led to much scholarly debate regarding the precise chronology of Jesus' ministry, but its significance lies in providing the necessary backdrop for His public actions and teachings.
* **Key Themes:** This seemingly simple transitional verse subtly introduces several profound themes that will be developed throughout the Gospel of John. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Observance of Jewish Law and Tradition**, demonstrating His fidelity to the divine institutions given to Israel, even as He transcends them. His pilgrimage underscores His rootedness in the covenant people, fulfilling rather than abolishing the Law, a concept echoed in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Purpose and Timing**, as Jesus' movements are never arbitrary but divinely orchestrated to reveal His identity and advance God's redemptive plan. This particular visit to Jerusalem is not merely a routine pilgrimage but a purposeful journey leading to a significant revelation of His authority over the Sabbath and life itself, as detailed in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Conflict in Jerusalem"). Lastly, the verse subtly begins **Setting the Stage for Conflict**, as Jesus' actions and claims during this feast will ignite fierce opposition from the Jewish religious leaders, particularly concerning His claims of equality with God and His authority over the Sabbath, a controversy that permeates the entire chapter, culminating in their desire to persecute and even kill Him ([John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - Jewish Leaders Seek to Kill Jesus")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **feast (Greek, _heortḗ'_):** This term refers to a religious festival or holy day. In the context of Jewish life, these were annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem, mandated by the Law, such as Passover, Pentecost, or Tabernacles. The use of the indefinite article "a" (implied in the Greek absence of the definite article) leaves the specific feast unnamed, which has implications for understanding the chronology of Jesus' ministry in John's Gospel. It signifies a significant gathering of people for religious observance.
* **went up (Greek, _anabaínō'_):** This verb literally means "to go up," "ascend," or "climb." It accurately describes the geographical reality of traveling to Jerusalem, which is situated on a plateau at a higher elevation than the surrounding regions, including Galilee. Beyond the literal ascent, it can also carry a figurative sense of going up to a place of importance or authority, fitting for Jerusalem as the religious and political capital.
* **Jerusalem (Greek, _Hierosólyma'_):** The capital city of ancient Judea, central to Jewish religious and national identity. It was the site of the Temple, the focal point of Jewish worship and sacrifice. Jesus' repeated visits to Jerusalem for feasts underscore its significance in His ministry as the place where He would ultimately fulfill His mission, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ After this":** This phrase serves as a chronological and narrative connector, indicating a sequence of events. It links the current narrative to the preceding events described in John chapter 4, particularly Jesus' ministry in Samaria and Galilee, including the healing of the nobleman's son. It signals a shift in geographical focus and a new phase of Jesus' public ministry.
* **"there was a feast of the Jews;":** This clause establishes the occasion for Jesus' journey. The "feast" refers to one of the major annual Jewish festivals requiring pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The indefinite nature of "a feast" (rather than "the feast") suggests that the specific identity of the festival is less important to the evangelist than the fact that it provided the context for Jesus' presence in Jerusalem and the subsequent events. The phrase "of the Jews" emphasizes the distinct cultural and religious context in which Jesus operated.
* **"and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.":** This final clause states Jesus' action and destination. His "going up" reflects the literal ascent in elevation to Jerusalem, which was situated on a hill. More broadly, it signifies His intentional participation in the Jewish religious life and His purposeful movement towards the center of Jewish religious and political power, where His ministry would increasingly confront the established authorities.

#### Literary Devices
John 5:1, though brief, employs several subtle literary devices. The phrase "**After this**" functions as a **transitional marker**, providing narrative continuity while signaling a shift in setting and the progression of events. The mention of "a feast of the Jews" uses **synecdoche**, where "feast" stands for the entire complex of religious pilgrimage, communal gathering, and ritual observance that characterized these festivals. The ambiguity of which specific feast is referenced creates **narrative suspense** and has fueled centuries of scholarly debate, inviting the reader to consider the broader implications rather than just the precise chronology. Finally, the simple statement "Jesus went up to Jerusalem" is a form of **foreshadowing**, as Jerusalem is consistently presented in the Gospels as the ultimate destination for Jesus' redemptive work and the site of His final confrontation with the authorities, leading to His crucifixion and resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:1, while seemingly a simple geographical and chronological marker, holds significant theological weight by placing Jesus squarely within the framework of Jewish religious life. His participation in the "feast of the Jews" underscores His faithfulness to the Mosaic Law and the covenant, demonstrating that He came not to abolish but to fulfill the Law. This adherence to traditional practices, however, serves as a prelude to His radical claims of divine authority and His reinterpretation of the Law, particularly concerning the Sabbath, which will immediately follow in this chapter. The tension between His observance of tradition and His transcendent authority becomes a central theme, highlighting His unique position as both the Son of God and the Messiah rooted in Israel's history. His intentional presence at these feasts also emphasizes God's sovereign timing and purpose in bringing Jesus to the heart of Jewish religious life to reveal His glory and initiate the ultimate conflict that would lead to the cross.

* [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")
* [Luke 2:41-42](/luke/2-41-42 "Luke 2:41-42 - Jesus at the Passover Feast")
* [John 7:10](/john/7-10 "John 7:10 - Jesus Goes to the Feast of Tabernacles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 5:1, though brief, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Jesus' deliberate participation in the "feast of the Jews" reminds us of the importance of communal worship and engagement with established spiritual traditions. Even as He brought forth a new covenant and challenged existing paradigms, Jesus honored the divine institutions of His people. For us, this encourages thoughtful participation in our faith communities, recognizing that God often works and reveals Himself within the context of corporate worship, sacraments, and shared spiritual practices. It challenges us to consider how we can honor our spiritual heritage while remaining open to the new ways God is moving. Furthermore, Jesus' purposeful journey to Jerusalem, knowing the conflict it would ignite, speaks to His unwavering commitment to God's will. This calls us to a similar intentionality in our spiritual walk, to pursue God's purposes even when they lead to challenging or uncomfortable situations, trusting that His timing and plan are perfect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' participation in the Jewish feasts challenge or affirm my understanding of engaging with religious traditions today?**
* **In what ways do I intentionally "go up" to places or gatherings that foster spiritual growth and communal worship in my life?**
* **How can I, like Jesus, demonstrate faithfulness to God's established ways while remaining open to His new revelations and challenges to my understanding?**

### FAQ

**Why is the specific feast not named in John 5:1?**

Answer: The Gospel of John often focuses on the theological significance of events rather than precise chronological details. While the unnamed feast has led to much scholarly debate (with suggestions like Passover, Pentecost, or Tabernacles), the evangelist's primary purpose in [John 5:1](/john/5-1 "John 5:1 - Jesus Goes to Jerusalem for a Feast") is to establish the setting for Jesus' next major public work and the escalating conflict with the Jewish authorities. The fact that it *is* a major Jewish feast requiring pilgrimage to Jerusalem is what matters for the narrative, as it explains Jesus' presence in the capital and provides the backdrop for the healing at the Pool of Bethesda and the subsequent controversy over the Sabbath. The ambiguity allows the focus to remain on Jesus' actions and teachings, rather than on a specific calendar date.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 5:1, by placing Jesus at "a feast of the Jews" in Jerusalem, subtly points to His ultimate role as the fulfillment of all Jewish feasts and the true Temple. While Jesus faithfully observed these Old Testament institutions, His presence and subsequent actions in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Conflict in Jerusalem") reveal that He is the substance to which these shadows pointed. The feasts, with their sacrifices and rituals, anticipated the coming of the Messiah. Jesus, by going up to Jerusalem, was not merely participating in a tradition but moving towards His destiny as the ultimate sacrifice, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His healing of the invalid at the Pool of Bethesda, performed on the Sabbath, demonstrates His authority over the Law and life itself, foreshadowing His power to give spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead ([John 5:21](/john/5-21 "John 5:21 - The Son Gives Life")). Ultimately, His journey to Jerusalem for this feast culminates in His being the true Passover Lamb, whose blood inaugurates the new covenant, making possible a perpetual feast of communion with God, far surpassing any earthly pilgrimage ([1 Corinthians 5:7-8](/1_corinthians/5-7-8 "1 Corinthians 5:7-8 - Christ, Our Passover Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 23:14

Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.

Exodus 23:17

Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.

Deuteronomy 16:16

Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

Exodus 34:23

Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.

Leviticus 23:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, [Concerning] the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim [to be] holy convocations, [even] these [are] my feasts.

Leviticus 23:4

¶ These [are] the feasts of the LORD, [even] holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.

John 2:13

And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,