John 5:15

KJV

The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

KJV (with Strong's)

The man {G444} departed {G565}, and {G2532} told {G312} the Jews {G2453} that {G3754} it was {G2076} Jesus {G2424}, which {G3588} had made {G4160} him {G846} whole {G5199}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The man went off and told the Judeans it was Yeshua who had healed him;

Berean Standard Bible

And the man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

American Standard Version

The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him whole.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse details the immediate consequence of Jesus' miraculous healing of the invalid man at the Pool of Bethesda. Having been restored to full health, the man, encountered by Jesus later in the temple, departs to inform the Jewish authorities that it was Jesus who had performed the healing and made him whole. This act of revelation, while a simple statement of fact, serves as a critical turning point, directly precipitating the escalating conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leaders over His identity and authority, particularly concerning His actions on the Sabbath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal juncture within John chapter 5, following the dramatic healing of a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years at the Pool of Bethesda ([John 5:1-9](/john/5-1-9 "John 5:1-9 - The Healing at the Pool of Bethesda")). The narrative immediately highlights the controversy sparked by this healing occurring on the Sabbath, as the Jewish leaders question the man for carrying his mat ([John 5:10](/john/5-10 "John 5:10 - The Man is Questioned")). Jesus then encounters the man again in the temple and issues a profound warning, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you" ([John 5:14](/john/5-14 "John 5:14 - Jesus' Warning to the Healed Man")). It is directly after this encounter that the man goes and reveals Jesus' identity, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent discourse on His divine authority and relationship with the Father ([John 5:19-47](/john/5-19-47 "John 5:19-47 - Jesus' Authority and Witness")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, specifically around the Pool of Bethesda and later the temple, during a Jewish feast (likely Passover, Pentecost, or Tabernacles, though not specified). The core of the conflict revolves around the Jewish interpretation of Sabbath law, particularly the prohibition of work. Rabbinic traditions had developed intricate rules defining what constituted "work," which included carrying objects. While the Mosaic Law commanded rest on the Sabbath ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")), the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders had added numerous oral traditions that often overshadowed the spirit of the law, emphasizing outward observance over compassion and divine prerogative. Jesus' healing and command to carry the mat were seen as direct violations of these traditions, challenging their established authority and understanding of God's law.

* **Key Themes:** John 5:15 contributes significantly to several major themes in the Gospel of John. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Jesus' Divine Authority and Identity**, as His miraculous power to heal is undeniably demonstrated. Secondly, it intensifies the **Sabbath Controversy**, a recurring motif in the Gospels, highlighting the clash between Jesus' divine compassion and the rigid legalism of the Jewish religious establishment. This conflict reveals the Jewish leaders' spiritual blindness to Jesus' true identity as the Son of God, who is "Lord even of the Sabbath" ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath")). Thirdly, the man's action introduces the theme of **Witness and Testimony**, as his declaration, though leading to opposition, serves as a factual report of Jesus' work. This foreshadows the broader struggle between light and darkness, truth and unbelief, that permeates John's Gospel, where those who encounter Jesus are faced with a choice to believe or reject Him ([John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **told (Greek, _anangéllō'_):** This verb (G312) means "to announce (in detail), declare, report, show, speak, tell." It implies a full and explicit declaration. The man didn't just hint or suggest; he "told" or "reported" clearly and precisely who had healed him. This is a direct, unambiguous testimony, setting the stage for the Jewish leaders' direct confrontation with Jesus.
* **Jews (Greek, _Ioudaîos'_):** This term (G2453) refers to "Judæan, i.e., belonging to Jehudah," but in John's Gospel, it often carries a specific theological nuance, referring not just to ethnic identity but to the religious authorities in Jerusalem who oppose Jesus. Here, "the Jews" are specifically the religious leaders who had questioned the man about carrying his mat on the Sabbath, representing the established religious power structure that would become Jesus' primary antagonists.
* **whole (Greek, _hygiḗs'_):** This adjective (G5199) means "healthy, sound, well (in body); figuratively, true (in doctrine)." In this context, it emphasizes the complete and perfect physical restoration of the man. Jesus did not merely alleviate symptoms; He made the man entirely "whole," signifying the comprehensive and authoritative nature of His healing power. This word highlights the undeniable evidence of Jesus' miraculous work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The man departed,"**: This clause signifies the man's immediate action after his second encounter with Jesus in the temple. Having received a warning to "sin no more," he leaves that place, presumably to communicate what he knows. His departure is a volitional act that leads directly to the subsequent revelation.
* **"and told the Jews"**: This is the pivotal action of the verse. The man, now fully restored, actively seeks out or encounters the very religious authorities who had previously questioned him about carrying his mat. His decision to "tell" them is a direct response to their initial inquiry and sets the stage for the unfolding conflict.
* **"that it was Jesus,"**: This identifies the healer. The man provides the specific name of the one who performed the miracle. This is a clear, unambiguous statement of identity, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation regarding the source of his healing.
* **"which had made him whole."**: This final phrase clarifies the nature of Jesus' action. It emphasizes the complete and comprehensive healing the man received, reiterating the miracle's profound impact and the undeniable power of Jesus. This statement serves as the factual basis for the man's testimony and the subsequent Jewish persecution of Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the man's truthful testimony, intended to identify his benefactor, inadvertently leads to severe persecution for Jesus, rather than commendation. The very act of revealing the truth about Jesus' benevolent power becomes the catalyst for opposition. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this incident marks a significant escalation in the antagonism between Jesus and the Jewish authorities, setting the stage for future confrontations and ultimately, His crucifixion. The man's action also functions as a form of **Testimony** or **Witness**, a recurring theme in John's Gospel. While the man's motivation for telling "the Jews" is open to interpretation (perhaps out of gratitude, or perhaps to deflect blame for carrying his mat on the Sabbath), his statement undeniably serves as a factual witness to Jesus' miraculous power, even if it has unintended negative consequences for Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:15 is a crucial link in the chain of events that highlights Jesus' divine authority and the growing opposition to Him. The man's testimony, though seemingly simple, forces the Jewish leaders to confront Jesus' identity and actions directly. This incident underscores that Jesus' works are not merely acts of compassion but also profound declarations of His unique relationship with God and His authority over the Law, including the Sabbath. The subsequent persecution of Jesus by "the Jews" ([John 5:16](/john/5-16 "John 5:16 - The Jews Persecute Jesus")) reveals their spiritual blindness and their preference for rigid tradition over the living truth embodied in Jesus. This conflict sets a pattern for how divine truth, when it challenges human systems and traditions, often elicits resistance and even hostility.

* [John 9:1-7](/john/9-1-7 "John 9:1-7 - Healing of the Man Born Blind"): Another instance of Jesus healing on the Sabbath, leading to intense questioning and controversy from the Jewish authorities, who again demonstrate their spiritual blindness.
* [Matthew 12:9-14](/matthew/12-9-14 "Matthew 12:9-14 - Jesus Heals on the Sabbath"): Jesus explicitly defends His right to heal on the Sabbath, emphasizing that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, further illustrating the clash between His divine perspective and the legalistic interpretations of the Pharisees.
* [Acts 4:18-20](/acts/4-18-20 "Acts 4:18-20 - Peter and John's Bold Testimony"): Peter and John, facing similar religious opposition, declare their inability to stop speaking about what they have seen and heard, echoing the principle of bearing witness to Christ's power despite threats.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 5:15 invites us to consider the implications of encountering Jesus and the responsibility that comes with knowing His truth. The healed man's action, whether driven by gratitude, fear, or a desire for vindication, demonstrates that a genuine encounter with Christ's transformative power is difficult to keep silent. For us today, this verse challenges us to reflect on our own willingness to bear witness to Jesus. Do we readily acknowledge Him as the source of our healing, wholeness, and transformation, even when such an acknowledgment might be inconvenient, unpopular, or provoke opposition from those who resist His authority? This passage reminds us that living out our faith often means standing for truth in the face of established norms or hostile environments. It also serves as a cautionary tale: while we are called to testify, we must also discern the context and potential consequences, trusting God with the outcome. Ultimately, our focus should be on glorifying Christ, regardless of the world's response.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the man's testimony in John 5:15 challenge or affirm your understanding of sharing your faith?**
* **In what ways might revealing Jesus' work in your life lead to opposition or discomfort in your own context?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the tension between divine compassion and human legalism, and how might this apply to contemporary religious practices?**
* **How can we ensure that our testimony about Jesus is both truthful and wise, considering the potential consequences?**

### FAQ
**Why did the man tell the Jews it was Jesus who healed him? Was it out of gratitude or to deflect blame?**

Answer: The text itself does not explicitly state the man's motivation, leading to various interpretations. Some scholars suggest he might have been genuinely grateful and wanted to give credit to his healer. Others propose he was trying to deflect blame from himself for carrying his mat on the Sabbath, by identifying the one who commanded him to do so. Given that Jesus had just warned him to "sin no more" ([John 5:14](/john/5-14 "John 5:14 - Jesus' Warning to the Healed Man")), it's plausible the man felt a need to explain his actions to the authorities. Regardless of his personal motivation, his revelation served a crucial narrative purpose in John's Gospel: it directly precipitated the Jewish leaders' persecution of Jesus, setting the stage for Jesus' profound discourse on His divine identity and authority in the subsequent verses ([John 5:16-47](/john/5-16-47 "John 5:16-47 - Jesus' Authority and the Jews' Unbelief")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 5:15, though seemingly a simple report, profoundly points to Christ's identity and His ultimate mission. The man's declaration that "it was Jesus, which had made him whole" highlights Jesus as the unique source of complete restoration. This physical healing foreshadows the spiritual wholeness that Jesus, as the Son of God, offers to all humanity. The controversy that immediately erupts over Jesus' Sabbath healing reveals His divine authority, for He is not merely a healer but the Lord of the Sabbath itself ([Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Lord of the Sabbath")). This incident is a microcosm of the larger conflict between the rigid legalism of fallen humanity and the liberating grace embodied in Christ. Jesus' works, like this healing, are signs pointing to His true identity as the promised Messiah, the one sent by the Father to give life ([John 5:21](/john/5-21 "John 5:21 - The Son Gives Life")). Ultimately, the persecution Jesus faces for this act of compassion prefigures His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He would become 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")), offering not just physical healing, but eternal wholeness and reconciliation with God. Thus, the man's simple testimony, by identifying Jesus, inadvertently sets in motion the events that reveal Christ's redemptive purpose and His supremacy over all human traditions and disease.

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

John 4:29

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

John 5:12

Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

John 9:30

The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and [yet] he hath opened mine eyes.

John 9:11

He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

John 9:12

Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.

John 9:34

They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

Mark 1:45

But he went out, and began to publish [it] much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.