John 5:13

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

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}.

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

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

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

John 5:13 KJV is a brief but insightful verse that highlights Jesus' actions immediately after performing a significant miracle at the Pool of Bethesda, and the initial ignorance of the man who was healed.

Context

This verse follows the remarkable healing of an invalid man who had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9). Jesus commanded the man to "rise, take up thy bed, and walk," which the man immediately did. This act, performed on the Sabbath, immediately sparked controversy with the Jewish religious authorities, as carrying a bed was considered work. John 5:13 explains why the healed man couldn't identify his healer when later questioned by these authorities.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Humility and Discretion: Jesus often performed miracles without seeking immediate public acclaim or personal recognition. His withdrawal (a pattern seen elsewhere, like after feeding the five thousand) demonstrates His focus on God's glory rather than His own, and His strategic timing in avoiding premature confrontation with hostile religious leaders.
  • Initial Spiritual Unawareness: The phrase "he that was healed wist not who it was" (meaning "did not know who it was") underscores the man's physical restoration without immediate spiritual enlightenment. He received a profound gift but was initially unaware of the divine source. This sets the stage for Jesus to later reveal Himself to the man (John 5:14).
  • The Nature of Jesus' Ministry: Jesus did not always operate with fanfare. His quiet departure amidst the "multitude" shows His control over the situation and His desire to avoid sensationalism, letting the miracle itself speak rather than His immediate presence.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "wist not" is an archaic form meaning "knew not" or "did not know." The Greek verb for "conveyed himself away" is exeneusen (ἐξένευσεν), which literally means "slipped away," "withdrew," or "stepped aside." It suggests a subtle, deliberate movement, emphasizing Jesus' intentional and discreet departure from the busy scene, rather than a hurried flight.

Practical Application

John 5:13 reminds us that God often works in our lives in ways we may not immediately recognize or attribute to Him. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate benefits and seek to know the Benefactor. Furthermore, it teaches us that true service and miraculous intervention don't always require public applause or personal recognition; sometimes, the greatest impact is made quietly and discreetly, allowing the work itself to testify.

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.

  • 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?

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back