John 5:13

KJV

And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in [that] place.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he that was healed {G2390} wist {G1492} not {G3756} who {G5101} it was {G2076}: for {G1063} Jesus {G2424} had conveyed himself away {G1593}, a multitude {G3793} being {G5607} in {G1722} that place {G5117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the man who had been healed didn’t know who it was, because Yeshua had slipped away into the crowd.

Berean Standard Bible

But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while the crowd was there.

American Standard Version

But he that was healed knew not who it was; for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in the place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
serves as a crucial narrative interlude, explaining why the man miraculously healed at the Pool of Bethesda was initially unable to identify Jesus. This verse highlights Jesus' intentional and discreet withdrawal from the scene amidst the large crowd, a strategic move that underscores His humility, avoids premature confrontation with hostile religious authorities, and sets the stage for a later, more personal revelation to the healed man. It subtly emphasizes Jesus' control over the timing and public perception of His ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic healing of a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years at the Pool of Bethesda, as recounted in [John 5:1-9](/john/5-1-9 "John 5:1-9 - The Healing at the Pool of Bethesda"). Jesus' command to "rise, take up thy bed, and walk" ([John 5:8](/john/5-8 "John 5:8 - Jesus Commands the Man to Walk")) was instantly obeyed, leading to the man's complete restoration. However, this miracle occurred on the Sabbath, directly violating the Jewish religious leaders' interpretation of Sabbath laws regarding carrying burdens. The subsequent verses ([John 5:10-12](/john/5-10-12 "John 5:10-12 - The Jews Question the Healed Man")) describe the immediate confrontation between the healed man and these authorities, who question him about carrying his mat on the Sabbath. [John 5:13](/john/5-13 "John 5:13 - The Healed Man's Unawareness") provides the crucial explanation for the man's inability to name his healer, which becomes significant when the authorities press him further.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, specifically near the Pool of Bethesda, a place known for its healing properties, likely due to intermittent springs. The Jewish religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees, held strict interpretations of the Mosaic Law, especially concerning the Sabbath. Carrying a mat or bed was considered "work" and thus forbidden. Jesus' deliberate act of healing on the Sabbath, and His instruction to carry the mat, was a direct challenge to their legalistic traditions, setting the stage for significant conflict that escalates throughout [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Conflict"). The "multitude" mentioned in the verse speaks to the common practice of large gatherings at such pools, especially during festivals, and the general public's interest in miraculous healings, which could easily turn into a chaotic or politically charged situation.

* **Key Themes:** [John 5:13](/john/5-13 "John 5:13 - The Healed Man's Unawareness") contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' divine authority and sovereignty**, demonstrating His ability to heal instantly and His control over His own movements, even amidst a crowd. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **spiritual blindness versus physical sight**, as the man receives physical healing but initially lacks spiritual insight into the identity of his divine Healer. This sets up the later encounter where Jesus reveals Himself to the man in [John 5:14](/john/5-14 "John 5:14 - Jesus Finds the Man in the Temple"). Thirdly, it illustrates **Jesus' strategic discretion and humility**, as He often withdrew after performing miracles to avoid premature public acclaim or confrontation, a pattern seen in passages like [John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Withdraws After Feeding the Five Thousand") and [Matthew 12:15-16](/matthew/12-15-16 "Matthew 12:15-16 - Jesus Heals Many and Charges Them Not to Make Him Known"). This discretion allowed Him to control the timing and nature of His revelation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wist (Greek, _eídō'_):** This archaic English word, derived from the Greek verb _eídō_ (G1492), means "to know" or "to perceive." When combined with the negative particle "not" (G3756, _ou_), it clearly indicates that "he that was healed knew not who it was." This highlights the man's initial ignorance not of the fact of his healing, but of the identity of his Healer, underscoring a significant spiritual disconnect despite a profound physical miracle.
* **healed (Greek, _iáomai'_):** The Greek verb _iáomai_ (G2390) specifically means "to cure" or "to make whole," emphasizing the complete and immediate restoration of the man's physical condition. The passive voice, "he that was healed," correctly attributes the action to an external agent, Jesus, even though the man was unaware of His identity at that moment.
* **conveyed himself away (Greek, _ekneúō'_):** The Greek verb _ekneúō_ (G1593) is a compound word meaning "to slip off," "to withdraw quietly," or "to step aside." This precise term conveys Jesus' intentional and discreet departure from the bustling scene. It suggests a subtle, deliberate movement rather than a panicked flight, emphasizing Jesus' control and purpose in avoiding immediate recognition or premature public fanfare.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he that was healed wist not who it was:"** This clause immediately establishes the man's ignorance regarding the identity of his healer. Despite experiencing a profound, life-altering miracle, his awareness was limited to the physical benefit received, not extending to the divine source. This sets up a narrative tension and highlights the initial spiritual unawareness of the recipient.
* **"for Jesus had conveyed himself away,"** This explanatory clause provides the reason for the man's ignorance. Jesus' deliberate action of withdrawing from the scene prevented the healed man from identifying Him. The use of "for" (Greek: _gár_, G1063) indicates a causal relationship, directly linking Jesus' departure to the man's lack of knowledge.
* **"a multitude being in [that] place."** This final clause offers the contextual backdrop for Jesus' discreet withdrawal. The presence of a large crowd (Greek: _óchlos_, G3793) made it easy for Jesus to slip away unnoticed. It also suggests a potential reason for His departure: to avoid sensationalism, premature confrontation, or being overwhelmed by the crowd's demands, which was a common pattern in His ministry.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning. **Narrative Detail** is prominent, as this seemingly minor detail about Jesus' departure is crucial for understanding the subsequent interaction between the healed man and the Jewish authorities. There is a subtle **Irony** present: the man who receives a miraculous physical healing remains spiritually "blind" to the identity of his Healer. This contrasts sharply with the physical sight he has just gained. The text also uses **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' strategic withdrawal here anticipates His later movements to avoid capture or premature death before His appointed time, a recurring theme in John's Gospel. Finally, the **Contrast** between the public spectacle of the healing and Jesus' quiet, almost unnoticed departure highlights His humility and control over His ministry's pace and revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 5:13](/john/5-13 "John 5:13 - The Healed Man's Unawareness") profoundly illustrates Jesus' intentional humility and strategic control over His public ministry. His quiet withdrawal after performing a major miracle demonstrates a pattern of avoiding sensationalism and premature confrontation with the authorities, ensuring His mission unfolded according to divine timing rather than human acclaim or opposition. This act also sets the stage for a more personal encounter with the healed man, suggesting that true spiritual understanding often requires more than just witnessing a miracle; it requires a personal revelation of Christ. The verse thus subtly emphasizes that while God's power is manifest, His methods are often discreet, and His ultimate goal is a deeper relationship, not just physical benefits.

* [Matthew 12:15-16](/matthew/12-15-16 "Matthew 12:15-16 - Jesus Heals Many and Charges Them Not to Make Him Known")
* [John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Avoids Being Made King")
* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The Natural Man Cannot Understand the Things of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 5:13](/john/5-13 "John 5:13 - The Healed Man's Unawareness") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as the healed man initially knew not who had made him whole, we too can sometimes receive blessings, provision, or healing in our lives without immediately recognizing the hand of God. This verse challenges us to cultivate a deeper awareness, to look beyond the immediate benefit and seek the Benefactor. It reminds us that God often works in quiet, unassuming ways, not always seeking fanfare or public recognition for His deeds. For those who serve, Jesus' example of discreet withdrawal teaches us the value of humility in ministry. Our focus should be on God's glory and the impact of the work, rather than personal acclaim. True service often involves stepping back, allowing the miracle or the message to speak for itself, and trusting God with the outcome. It encourages us to perform acts of kindness and service without needing to be seen or praised, reflecting the quiet, powerful work of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might God be working, even if I haven't fully recognized His hand or attributed the blessing to Him?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence and activity in my daily life, moving beyond mere physical benefits to spiritual recognition?**
* **Am I prone to seeking recognition for my good deeds, or can I serve humbly and discreetly, allowing God to receive all the glory?**
* **What does Jesus' strategic withdrawal teach me about the timing and nature of God's work, both in my life and in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus "convey himself away" after healing the man?**

Answer: Jesus' immediate departure after healing the invalid man at the Pool of Bethesda was a strategic and intentional act. Firstly, it demonstrated His humility; He was not seeking immediate public acclaim or personal recognition for the miracle. Secondly, it allowed Him to avoid a premature confrontation with the Jewish religious authorities, who were already scrutinizing His actions, especially His healing on the Sabbath. By slipping away, Jesus maintained control over the timing and circumstances of His public revelation and avoided being made a spectacle or a political figure by the "multitude" ([John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Avoids Being Made King")). This discretion was a consistent pattern in His ministry, ensuring that His mission unfolded according to God's divine plan, not human expectations or opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 5:13](/john/5-13 "John 5:13 - The Healed Man's Unawareness") subtly foreshadows the deeper, spiritual healing that Jesus ultimately provides through His atoning work. While the man received physical restoration, his initial ignorance of Jesus' identity highlights humanity's spiritual blindness to the true source of life and salvation. Jesus, the ultimate Healer, came not just to mend physical ailments but to address the far more profound sickness of sin, which had incapacitated humanity for far longer than thirty-eight years. His discreet withdrawal in this verse, a pattern observed throughout His ministry, points to His sovereign control over His mission and His ultimate purpose: to lay down His life voluntarily, as He declares in [John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - No One Takes My Life From Me"). The physical healing at Bethesda, though significant, was merely a sign pointing to the spiritual healing available through faith in Him, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus fully reveals Himself as the one who makes us truly whole, granting not just physical restoration but eternal life and spiritual sight, fulfilling the prophetic promise that [by His wounds we are healed](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed") and [by His stripes we are healed](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Were Healed").

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

Luke 24:31

And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

Luke 4:30

But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

John 8:59

Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

John 14:9

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father?