John 5:16

KJV

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} therefore {G1223}{G5124} did {G1377} the Jews {G2453} persecute {G1377} Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} sought {G2212} to slay {G615} him {G846}, because {G3754} he had done {G4160} these things {G5023} on {G1722} the sabbath day {G4521}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and on account of this, the Judeans began harassing Yeshua because he did these things on Shabbat.

Berean Standard Bible

Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews began to persecute Him.

American Standard Version

And for this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did these things on the sabbath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 5:16 marks a critical turning point in the Gospel narrative, revealing the escalating hostility of the Jewish religious authorities towards Jesus. Following His miraculous healing of an invalid man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, this verse explicitly states that "the Jews" began to actively persecute Jesus and sought to kill Him, precisely because His actions on the sacred day were perceived as a direct violation of their meticulously interpreted Sabbath laws. This incident underscores the deep chasm between Jesus' compassionate, life-giving ministry and the rigid legalism of His opponents, setting the stage for profound theological conflicts regarding His identity and authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 5:16 immediately follows Jesus' 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 - Healing at the Pool of Bethesda")). Jesus not only healed the man but also instructed him to pick up his mat and walk, an act explicitly forbidden by the rabbinic interpretations of Sabbath law, which considered carrying a burden "work" ([John 5:10](/john/5-10 "John 5:10 - Carrying the Mat on Sabbath")). The man's subsequent testimony to the Jewish leaders that "It was Jesus who made me well" ([John 5:15](/john/5-15 "John 5:15 - The Healed Man's Testimony")) directly implicates Jesus, shifting the focus from the healed man's perceived transgression to Jesus' authority. This verse, therefore, serves as a direct consequence of Jesus' actions and the man's disclosure, initiating the overt persecution that would intensify throughout John's Gospel. It also sets the stage for Jesus' profound defense of His actions and His divine Sonship in the subsequent verses ([John 5:17-47](/john/5-17-47 "John 5:17-47 - Jesus' Defense and Claims of Divine Authority")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sabbath was a foundational institution in ancient Israel, established by God as a day of rest and worship, commemorating His rest after creation ([Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")) and serving as a sign of the covenant ([Ezekiel 20:12](/ezekiel/20-12 "Ezekiel 20:12 - The Sabbath as a Sign")). Over centuries, particularly during the Second Temple period, rabbinic traditions and oral laws (later codified in the Mishnah) developed an intricate system of prohibitions and permissions regarding Sabbath observance. These traditions, while intended to safeguard the divine command, often became burdensome and legalistic, defining 39 categories of forbidden "work" (melakhah) with numerous sub-categories. Healing, unless life-threatening, was generally prohibited by these traditions. Jesus' act of healing and instructing the man to carry his mat was thus a direct challenge not to the divine law of the Sabbath itself, but to the authoritative, man-made interpretations that governed its observance. The Jewish leaders' reaction stems from their zeal to uphold these traditions, which they viewed as equally binding as the written Torah.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is pivotal in highlighting several recurring themes within John's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Sabbath Controversy**, a recurring point of contention between Jesus and the religious authorities ([Matthew 12:1-14](/matthew/12-1-14 "Matthew 12:1-14 - Lord of the Sabbath")). Jesus consistently demonstrated that the Sabbath was intended for humanity's benefit and that acts of mercy and compassion were always permissible, asserting His authority as "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")). Secondly, it marks a significant escalation in the **Opposition to Jesus**, moving from mere questioning or theological debate to active "persecution" and a declared intent to "slay him." This foreshadows the ultimate conflict that will lead to Jesus' crucifixion. Thirdly, it starkly contrasts **Religious Legalism with Divine Compassion**. The leaders' rigid adherence to their traditions blinded them to the profound miracle and the compassionate act of healing a man who had suffered for nearly four decades. Their zeal for the law, as they understood it, overshadowed the very purpose of God's law—to bring life and blessing. Finally, the incident implicitly raises questions about **Jesus' Authority and Identity**. Their anger was not solely about the Sabbath "violation" but also about the implicit claim of authority Jesus exercised, an authority that allowed Him to seemingly transgress their interpretations of the law. This challenge to their established authority and understanding of God's law would lead to Jesus' profound claims of equality with God in the verses immediately following ([John 5:17-18](/john/5-17-18 "John 5:17-18 - Jesus' Claim to Equality with God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **persecute (Greek, _diṓkō'_):** From G1377, this word means "to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute." It suggests an active, hostile pursuit, harassment, or oppression, not merely passive disapproval. In this context, it indicates that the Jewish leaders were not simply disagreeing with Jesus but were actively seeking to harm or oppress Him, initiating a campaign against Him.
* **sought (Greek, _zētéō'_):** From G2212, meaning "to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)." Here, it is used in the bad sense, indicating a deliberate and active plotting or scheming against Jesus' life. It highlights their determined and malicious intent.
* **slay (Greek, _apokteínō'_):** From G615, meaning "to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy." This word unequivocally states their ultimate goal: to put Jesus to death. Coupled with "sought," it emphasizes the gravity and murderous intent of their opposition, moving beyond mere theological disagreement to a desire for His physical elimination.
* **sabbath day (Greek, _sábbaton'_):** From G4521, meaning "the Sabbath (i.e. Shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself)." This word identifies the specific context and the perceived transgression. It is the very institution meant for rest and worship that becomes the flashpoint for persecution, revealing the extent to which human traditions had distorted divine intent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus,"**: This clause establishes the direct causal link between Jesus' actions (healing on the Sabbath) and the response of "the Jews" (referring here specifically to the religious authorities in Jerusalem, particularly those opposing Jesus). The persecution was not a random act but a deliberate, active campaign of harassment and opposition, initiated by His perceived violation of their Sabbath regulations.
* **"and sought to slay him,"**: This phrase reveals the extreme and murderous intent behind their persecution. Their goal was not merely to silence Jesus or discredit Him, but to terminate His life. This signifies a dangerous escalation, indicating that their opposition had moved beyond legal or theological debate to a desire for His physical elimination. The seeking implies a deliberate plotting and planning.
* **"because he had done these things on the sabbath day."**: This final clause provides the explicit reason for their deadly animosity. The "things" refer to the healing of the invalid man and the instruction to carry his mat, both considered breaches of their Sabbath laws. This highlights the profound irony: they sought to kill the Giver of Life for an act of life-giving mercy, all in the name of upholding a law intended to promote life and holiness. Their rigid adherence to tradition blinded them to the divine authority and compassionate nature of Jesus' actions.

#### Literary Devices
John 5:16 employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the religious leaders, who are ostensibly devout and upholders of God's law, seek to kill the Son of God for an act of mercy performed on the very day meant for rest and blessing. Their zeal for the law, as they interpreted it, leads them to commit a grave injustice. This verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the expressed desire to "slay him" clearly points towards the ultimate crucifixion of Jesus. It signals the beginning of the end, where the conflict between Jesus and the authorities will inevitably lead to His death. Furthermore, the verse establishes a clear **Conflict** or **Antagonism** between Jesus and "the Jews" (the religious establishment), which is a recurring motif throughout John's Gospel. This conflict is not just theological but existential, culminating in a struggle for authority and truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:16 profoundly illustrates the clash between genuine divine authority and human legalism, a central theme in the Gospels. Jesus' actions on the Sabbath consistently demonstrated that the law was given for humanity's benefit, not as an oppressive burden, and that acts of compassion and life-giving mercy always supersede rigid interpretations of rules. The Jewish leaders' response reveals the spiritual blindness that can result from prioritizing human traditions over God's heart, leading them to reject the very Messiah they claimed to await. This verse, therefore, serves as a stark reminder that true righteousness is found not in external adherence to rules, but in a heart aligned with God's love and compassion, as perfectly embodied by Jesus.

* [Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath"): "For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day."
* [Mark 3:6](/mark/3-6 "Mark 3:6 - Pharisees Plot Against Jesus"): "And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him."
* [John 7:1](/john/7-1 "John 7:1 - Jesus Avoids Judea"): "After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 5:16 offers a sobering reflection on the dangers of religious legalism and the importance of prioritizing God's heart of compassion. It challenges us to examine our own faith practices: are we so focused on external rules and traditions that we miss opportunities for genuine love and mercy? Are we quick to judge others based on our interpretations, rather than seeking to understand God's broader purposes? This verse reminds us that true worship and obedience are not about rigid adherence to a checklist, but about embodying the spirit of God's law—which is love. Just as Jesus faced persecution for doing good, believers may also encounter opposition when their actions, guided by compassion and truth, challenge established norms or comfortable traditions. This should not deter us but rather reaffirm our commitment to follow Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, who consistently valued life and mercy above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing human traditions or rigid rules over God's compassion and mercy?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that seeks to bring healing and life, even if it means challenging established norms or facing criticism?**
* **What does Jesus' example in this passage teach me about responding to opposition or persecution when I am seeking to do good?**

### FAQ

**Why was healing on the Sabbath so controversial for the Jewish leaders?**
Answer: While the Old Testament law prohibited "work" on the Sabbath ([Exodus 20:10](/exodus/20-10 "Exodus 20:10 - The Sabbath Commandment")), it did not explicitly define all forms of work. Over centuries, rabbinic traditions developed an extensive body of oral law, meticulously detailing 39 categories of forbidden activities, with numerous sub-categories. These traditions considered healing, unless it was a life-threatening emergency, to be a form of "work" and therefore prohibited on the Sabbath. Jesus' act of healing the invalid man and instructing him to carry his mat directly violated these man-made interpretations, though not the foundational divine law itself. For the Jewish leaders, upholding these traditions was paramount to their understanding of piety and obedience to God.

**Who are "the Jews" mentioned in this verse?**
Answer: In John's Gospel, the phrase "the Jews" (οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι, _hoi Ioudaioi_) often refers not to the entire Jewish people, but specifically to the religious and political leaders in Jerusalem who opposed Jesus. This includes groups like the Pharisees, Sadducees, and members of the Sanhedrin. It distinguishes them from the general populace, many of whom followed or believed in Jesus. In this context, it signifies the official, institutional opposition to Jesus' ministry and claims.

**What "things" had Jesus done on the Sabbath that provoked such a severe reaction?**
Answer: The "things" Jesus had done refer specifically to two actions described in the preceding verses of [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Healing at Bethesda"): first, His miraculous healing of the invalid man at the Pool of Bethesda ([John 5:8](/john/5-8 "John 5:8 - Jesus Heals the Invalid")); and second, His instruction to the healed man to "Take up thy bed, and walk" ([John 5:8](/john/5-8 "John 5:8 - Jesus Instructs the Man")). The act of carrying a mat was considered a form of "bearing a burden" and was explicitly forbidden on the Sabbath according to rabbinic interpretations of the law ([Jeremiah 17:21-22](/jeremiah/17-21-22 "Jeremiah 17:21-22 - Bearing Burdens on the Sabbath")). These two actions, performed on the Sabbath, were seen as direct challenges to the religious authorities' interpretation and enforcement of the law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 5:16, though describing the initial escalation of persecution against Jesus, profoundly points to His Christ-centered fulfillment. The very reason for the Jewish leaders' animosity—Jesus' actions on the Sabbath—underscores His divine authority as the "Lord of the Sabbath" ([Matthew 12:8](/matthew/12-8 "Matthew 12:8 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")). He did not abolish the Sabbath but revealed its true purpose: to bring rest, healing, and life, demonstrating that acts of mercy are always in line with God's will. The fact that they "sought to slay him" for doing good foreshadows His ultimate mission as the Suffering Servant, prophesied in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, would indeed be persecuted and slain, not for His own sin, but as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His willingness to face this escalating hostility, culminating in the cross, demonstrates His unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father's will and bringing salvation to a broken world. Thus, the persecution described in [John 5:16](/john/5-16 "John 5:16 - Persecution for Sabbath Healing") is not merely a historical event, but a vital step in the divine plan for Christ's redemptive work, leading to His glorious resurrection and the offer of eternal life to all who believe.

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 10:39

¶ Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

Mark 3:6

And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

John 7:25

Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?

Acts 9:4

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Acts 9:5

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

John 7:19

Did not Moses give you the law, and [yet] none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?

John 7:20

The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?