John 5:11

He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

He answered {G611} them {G846}, He that made {G4160} me {G3165} whole {G5199}, the same {G1565} said {G2036} unto me {G3427}, Take up {G142} thy {G4675} bed {G2895}, and {G2532} walk {G4043}.

But he answered them, “The man who healed me — he’s the one who told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”

But he answered, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”

But he answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

John 5:11 captures the immediate response of the man healed by Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda, facing scrutiny from the Jewish religious authorities. After 38 years of infirmity, Jesus commanded him to "Take up thy bed, and walk." The man's simple, direct answer here explains his action, which was deemed unlawful by some because it was the Sabbath day.

Context

This verse is part of a significant narrative in John Chapter 5, where Jesus performs a miraculous healing on the Sabbath in Jerusalem. The healed man, when confronted by "the Jews" (referring to the religious leaders who opposed Jesus), offers this defense. Their concern was not the incredible miracle of healing, but the perceived breach of Sabbath law by carrying a mat. The man's reply points directly to the source of his healing and the authority behind the command, shifting the focus from his action to the identity and power of the one who made him whole. The questioning from the religious leaders is detailed in John 5:10, setting the stage for this defense.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority: The man's statement highlights Jesus' unquestionable authority. He performed a miracle and issued a command that superseded the traditional interpretations of Sabbath law. The man recognized that the one who could heal him also had the right to tell him what to do.
  • Obedience to Christ: The healed man's immediate and unquestioning obedience to Jesus' command, even when it put him at odds with religious custom, is a central theme. His faith was demonstrated through his action.
  • Conflict Over Sabbath Observance: This passage intensifies the ongoing conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leaders regarding the true meaning and purpose of the Sabbath. Jesus consistently demonstrated that compassion and divine activity were not bound by rigid interpretations of the law.
  • Simple Testimony: The man's answer is a straightforward, unembellished testimony to what Jesus had done for him. He pointed directly to his Healer as the one who commanded his actions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "made me whole" comes from the Greek word hygiēs (ὑγιής), which means "healthy," "sound," or "whole." It emphasizes not just a temporary relief of symptoms but a complete and perfect restoration of health. This underscores the profound nature of the miracle Jesus performed, restoring the man to full physical soundness after 38 years of paralysis.

Practical Application

John 5:11 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Prioritizing God's Will: Like the healed man, we are called to obey Christ's commands, even when they conflict with human traditions, societal norms, or personal convenience. Our ultimate allegiance is to the one who makes us whole.
  • Bearing Witness: We are encouraged to give simple, direct testimony to what Jesus has done in our lives. Our experiences of God's healing and transformation are powerful witnesses to His authority and love.
  • Understanding True Righteousness: This passage challenges us to look beyond rigid legalism to the heart of God's law, which is love, compassion, and the restoration of life. Jesus' actions consistently demonstrated that God's desire is for human flourishing, not merely adherence to rules.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 2:9

    Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, [Thy] sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

  • Mark 2:11

    I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

  • John 9:16

    Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back