John 5:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 5:11 records the immediate and direct response of the man healed by Jesus at the Pool of Bethesda when confronted by the Jewish religious authorities. Having been infirm for 38 years, the man had just been commanded by Jesus to "Take up thy bed, and walk." His answer serves as a straightforward defense of his action, which was deemed unlawful by the Jewish leaders due to its occurrence on the Sabbath day, effectively shifting the focus from his perceived transgression to the undeniable authority and power of his Healer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a pivotal narrative in [John Chapter 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath and Claims Divine Authority"), which highlights Jesus' divine authority and sparks significant conflict with the Jewish religious establishment. The chapter opens with Jesus' visit to Jerusalem for a feast, where He encounters a man who has been ill for 38 years at the Pool of Bethesda ([John 5:1-5](/john/5-1-5 "John 5:1-5 - The Pool of Bethesda")). Without any apparent request from the man, Jesus miraculously heals him with a simple command: "[Rise, take up thy bed, and walk](/john/5-8 "John 5:8 - Jesus Heals the Invalid")." The man's immediate obedience and subsequent carrying of his mat on the Sabbath ([John 5:9](/john/5-9 "John 5:9 - The Man Walks")) immediately draw the attention and condemnation of "the Jews" (referring to the opposing religious leaders), who question his actions ([John 5:10](/john/5-10 "John 5:10 - The Jews Confront the Man")). The healed man's response in [John 5:11](/john/5-11 "John 5:11 - The Man's Defense") directly attributes his actions to the one who healed him, setting the stage for the subsequent theological discourse where Jesus defends His actions and asserts His equality with God ([John 5:17-47](/john/5-17-47 "John 5:17-47 - Jesus' Defense and Discourse")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of this event in Jerusalem, particularly at the Pool of Bethesda, is significant. The pool was believed to have healing properties, especially when its waters were stirred, leading many infirm people to gather there. The core of the conflict, however, revolves around the observance of the Sabbath. According to Mosaic Law, the Sabbath was a day of rest, consecrated to the Lord, during which no work was to be done ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")). Over centuries, rabbinic traditions and oral laws (later codified in the Mishnah) had expanded upon these biblical commands, meticulously defining what constituted "work." Carrying a burden, even a mat, was considered a violation of the Sabbath according to these traditions ([Jeremiah 17:21-22](/jeremiah/17-21-22 "Jeremiah 17:21-22 - Bearing Burdens on the Sabbath")). The Jewish leaders' reaction was rooted in their strict interpretation of these laws, prioritizing external adherence to tradition over the profound miracle of healing and the compassion demonstrated by Jesus. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between Jesus' emphasis on the spirit of the law and the religious leaders' focus on its letter.
* **Key Themes:** [John 5:11](/john/5-11 "John 5:11 - The Man's Defense") contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Jesus' Divine Authority**; the man's simple statement attributes both his healing and the controversial command directly to Jesus, implicitly acknowledging His right to supersede traditional interpretations of the law. Secondly, it exemplifies **Obedience to Christ**, as the healed man's immediate and unquestioning compliance with Jesus' instruction, even when it led to confrontation, demonstrates a faith expressed through action. Thirdly, the verse intensifies the **Conflict Over Sabbath Observance**, a recurring theme in the Gospels where Jesus consistently challenges the rigid legalism of the religious leaders by performing acts of compassion and healing on the Sabbath, asserting that "The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath day" ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Lord of the Sabbath")). Finally, the man's straightforward declaration serves as a powerful **Simple Testimony** to Jesus' transformative power, pointing directly to his Healer as the source of his new life and the authority behind his actions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **whole (Greek, _hygiḗs_):** This word signifies a state of being "healthy," "sound," or "well" in body. Its use here emphasizes not merely a temporary alleviation of symptoms but a complete and perfect restoration of physical soundness. The man was not just relieved of his paralysis; he was made entirely whole, underscoring the profound and comprehensive nature of Jesus' miracle.
* **said (Greek, _épō_):** This primary verb means "to speak" or "to say," often implying a direct command or declaration. In this context, it highlights the authoritative nature of Jesus' instruction. The man's defense rests on the fact that he was simply obeying a direct utterance from the one who had demonstrated supreme power over his infirmity. It implies a divine imperative, not a mere suggestion.
* **Take up (Greek, _aírō_):** This root word means "to lift up" or "to take up/away." It directly refers to the physical act of lifting and carrying the mat. The command to "take up thy bed" was not incidental; it was a specific, tangible instruction that immediately demonstrated the man's complete healing and simultaneously challenged the prevailing Sabbath regulations, thereby serving as a direct point of contention with the Jewish authorities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He answered them,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the context of a confrontation. "He" refers to the man who had just been healed, and "them" refers to "the Jews," the religious leaders who were questioning his actions on the Sabbath. His answer is not an apology or an excuse, but a direct and confident declaration.
* **"He that made me whole,"**: This is the core of the man's defense and testimony. He identifies the source of his actions not as his own will or desire to break the law, but as the one who performed an undeniable miracle in his life. The phrase "made me whole" emphasizes the profound and complete nature of his healing, attributing it to a specific, powerful individual. This points to Jesus' authority and power as the ultimate justification for the man's actions.
* **"the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk."**: This clause directly quotes Jesus' command from [John 5:8](/john/5-8 "John 5:8 - Jesus Heals the Invalid"). By stating that "the same" person who healed him also gave the instruction, the man links the miraculous power to the authoritative command. His obedience is presented as a direct consequence of the divine authority of his healer. This simple, unembellished statement serves as both a testimony to Jesus' power and a challenge to the legalistic objections of the Jewish leaders.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Speech**, presenting the healed man's exact words. This technique lends authenticity and immediacy to the narrative, allowing the reader to hear the man's straightforward and unadorned testimony. Furthermore, the phrase "He that made me whole" functions as an **Epithet** for Jesus, defining Him by His powerful and compassionate action. This epithet highlights Jesus' identity through His work, emphasizing His ability to restore life and health. There is also an underlying **Irony** in the scene: the religious leaders, who should have rejoiced at a miraculous healing, are instead preoccupied with a minor infraction of their oral traditions, demonstrating their spiritual blindness and misplaced priorities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:11 powerfully illustrates the clash between divine authority and human tradition, a recurring theme in Jesus' ministry. The healed man's response highlights that true obedience is directed toward the one who possesses ultimate power and gives life, rather than to rigid interpretations of external rules. His simple testimony underscores that genuine transformation by Christ compels a response that may defy human expectations or legalistic frameworks. This passage invites believers to consider where their ultimate allegiance lies and to prioritize the life-giving commands of Christ over human-made regulations that may hinder compassion or the manifestation of God's power. It also foreshadows the broader theological truth that Jesus, as the Lord of the Sabbath, has the authority to redefine and fulfill the law, moving beyond mere external observance to the heart of God's redemptive purpose.
* [Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Lord of the Sabbath")
* [Mark 2:11-12](/mark/2-11-12 "The Paralytic Healed")
* [Luke 6:9](/luke/6-9 "Jesus' Question About Sabbath Healing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The healed man's unwavering response in [John 5:11](/john/5-11 "John 5:11 - The Man's Defense") provides profound lessons for believers today. His immediate and public obedience to Jesus' command, even when it contradicted deeply ingrained religious customs and invited scrutiny, challenges us to examine the source of our own authority and the nature of our allegiance. Are we more concerned with human approval or God's will? This passage calls us to prioritize Christ's directives above all else, recognizing that the one who has the power to make us spiritually and physically whole also has the right to command our lives. Furthermore, the man's simple, direct testimony serves as a powerful model for sharing our faith. We are not called to debate theology or defend ourselves with eloquent arguments, but to simply declare what Jesus has done for us, pointing others to the transformative power of the One who makes us whole. This involves courage, for our obedience and testimony may sometimes put us at odds with societal norms or even religious expectations. Ultimately, [John 5:11](/john/5-11 "John 5:11 - The Man's Defense") encourages us to live lives of bold, Christ-centered obedience and testimony, trusting in the authority of our Healer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing human traditions or societal expectations over the clear commands of Christ?**
* **How can I cultivate a more immediate and unwavering obedience to Jesus, even when it might lead to discomfort or opposition?**
* **What is my "bed" that Jesus is calling me to "take up" and walk with, demonstrating His transforming power in my life?**
* **How can I offer a simple, direct, and powerful testimony of what Jesus has done for me, much like the healed man in this passage?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Jewish leaders so upset about the man carrying his bed on the Sabbath?**

Answer: The Jewish leaders' anger stemmed from their interpretation of Sabbath law, which had evolved significantly beyond the basic Mosaic commands. While the Old Testament prohibits "work" on the Sabbath ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")), rabbinic traditions, particularly those codified later in the Mishnah, meticulously defined 39 categories of forbidden work. "Carrying a burden" was one such category, stemming from passages like [Jeremiah 17:21-22](/jeremiah/17-21-22 "Jeremiah 17:21-22 - Bearing Burdens on the Sabbath") which warned against bringing burdens out of houses on the Sabbath. For the religious leaders, the man's act of carrying his mat, regardless of the miraculous healing, was a blatant public violation of this deeply ingrained tradition. Their focus was on the letter of their expanded law, rather than the spirit of compassion or the divine power displayed by Jesus. This incident highlights their legalistic mindset, which often prioritized human rules over God's redemptive work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The man's declaration in [John 5:11](/john/5-11 "John 5:11 - The Man's Defense"), "He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk," profoundly points to Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus' authority to heal and to command actions that seemingly transgress human interpretations of the Sabbath law reveals His divine nature and His ultimate lordship over creation and the law itself. He is not merely a prophet or a healer, but the one who embodies true "wholeness" ([hygiḗs](/john/5-11 "John 5:11 - The Man's Defense")), offering not just physical restoration but spiritual redemption. This miracle foreshadows Jesus' greater work of making humanity spiritually whole, freeing us from the paralysis of sin and enabling us to "walk" in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). His command to "take up thy bed" symbolizes the casting off of the old life of infirmity and dependence, embracing the active life of faith and obedience that only Christ can empower. Ultimately, Jesus, as the Lord of the Sabbath ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Lord of the Sabbath")), demonstrates that the true rest and fulfillment of the law are found in Him ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Entering God's Rest")), not in rigid adherence to external regulations. He is the source of all life and wholeness, who came that we "might have life, and that [we] might have it more abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Abundant Life")).

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

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.