John 5:5

KJV

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} a certain {G5100} man {G444} was {G2258} there {G1563}, which had {G2192} an infirmity {G1722}{G769} thirty {G5144} and eight {G3638} years {G2094}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years.

Berean Standard Bible

One man there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.

American Standard Version

And a certain man was there, who had been thirty and eight years in his infirmity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 5:5 introduces a man who had suffered from an infirmity for a remarkable thirty-eight years, setting the stage for one of Jesus' most striking miracles. This verse, situated at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, highlights the extreme duration of human suffering and despair, providing a vivid backdrop against which Jesus' divine authority and compassionate power to heal will be profoundly demonstrated, transcending the limitations of traditional remedies and human expectation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the description of the Pool of Bethesda in [John 5:1-4](/john/5-1-4 "John 5:1-4 - The Pool of Bethesda"). John 5:1 establishes Jesus' presence in Jerusalem for an unnamed Jewish feast, providing the setting for the subsequent events. [John 5:2-4](/john/5-2-4 "John 5:2-4 - Description of Bethesda") vividly portrays the pool as a gathering place for a multitude of sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed individuals, all waiting for the traditional stirring of the water, believed to be caused by an angel, which would grant healing to the first person to enter. John 5:5 then singles out one particular individual from this large crowd, drawing the reader's attention to his exceptionally long-standing affliction, thereby intensifying the dramatic impact of Jesus' forthcoming encounter and miraculous intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Pool of Bethesda was a real location in Jerusalem, near the Sheep Gate, with archaeological evidence supporting its existence and function as a healing center. Its five porches (or colonnades) would have provided shelter for the many infirm people who gathered there. The belief in the periodic stirring of the water and subsequent healing, though not explicitly endorsed by John as a divine act, reflects the prevailing folk traditions and desperate hope of the time. People sought healing through various means, often combining natural remedies with spiritual beliefs. The man's thirty-eight years of infirmity underscores the lack of effective medical treatment for chronic conditions in that era, making his situation particularly dire and seemingly hopeless within the cultural understanding of healing.

* **Key Themes:** John 5:5 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of John. Firstly, it emphasizes the **depth of human suffering and helplessness**, particularly chronic suffering that seems to defy all natural remedies, as seen in the man's decades-long infirmity. Secondly, it highlights the **contrast between human limitations and divine power**, setting up Jesus' miraculous healing as a demonstration of His unique authority, which far surpasses the superstitious or limited healing associated with the pool. This prepares the reader for the broader theme of Jesus as the ultimate source of life and healing, not just physical, but spiritual, as explored further in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Life-Giving Power"). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine initiative and compassion**, as Jesus, rather than waiting to be approached, actively seeks out and identifies this specific individual among the multitude, foreshadowing His active pursuit of those in need, as He later declares in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This term (G444) refers to a human being, a "man-faced" individual. In this context, it simply identifies the subject as a person, emphasizing his humanity and the universality of suffering. The use of "a certain man" (G5100, _tìs_) further highlights that he is one specific individual among many, chosen by the narrator (and by Jesus) for particular focus.
* **infirmity (Greek, _asthéneia'_):** Derived from G769, this word signifies "feebleness (of mind or body)," "malady," or "frailty." It perfectly describes a state of profound weakness, sickness, or lack of strength. It is a broad term that encompasses various physical ailments, indicating that the man's condition was one of chronic physical incapacitation, not merely a temporary illness.
* **years (Greek, _étos'_):** This simple word (G2094) for "year" carries immense weight in this verse. The precise duration of "thirty and eight years" (G5144, _triákonta_ and G3638, _oktṓ_) emphasizes the extreme, long-standing nature of the man's suffering, making his case particularly poignant and the subsequent healing all the more remarkable and undeniable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a certain man was there":** This clause introduces the specific individual who will be the focus of the narrative. The Greek conjunction "And" (G1161, _dé_) serves as a continuative, linking this new character to the previously described scene at the Pool of Bethesda. The phrase "a certain man" (G5100, _tìs_ and G444, _ánthrōpos_) indicates that he is one among many, yet singled out by the divine narrator for a specific purpose. "Was there" (G2258, _ēn_ and G1563, _ekeî_) firmly places him within the chaotic and hopeful setting of the pool.
* **"which had an infirmity":** This phrase describes the man's condition. The verb "had" (G2192, _échō_) denotes possession or being in a certain state, indicating that this infirmity was a persistent part of his life. The noun "infirmity" (G769, _asthéneia_) signifies his chronic physical weakness or sickness, a condition that rendered him unable to help himself.
* **"thirty and eight years":** This precise temporal detail is crucial. It quantifies the duration of his suffering, emphasizing its chronic and seemingly incurable nature. This long period underscores the depth of his despair and the futility of any human efforts or traditional remedies, setting the stage for a truly miraculous and divine intervention that transcends all human limitations.

#### Literary Devices
John 5:5 employs several literary devices to heighten the narrative's impact. The most prominent is **Emphasis** through the specific detail of "thirty and eight years." This precise, exceptionally long duration is not merely incidental; it serves to underscore the man's profound and chronic suffering, making his case particularly desperate and the subsequent healing all the more astonishing. This detail also elicits **Pathos**, evoking deep sympathy from the reader for a man who has endured such a prolonged and debilitating condition. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine authority. By presenting a case that is clearly beyond human remedy or the limited power of the pool, the narrative sets the stage for Jesus to reveal Himself as the ultimate source of healing and life, contrasting His direct, authoritative command with the passive, superstitious waiting of the crowd.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:5, in its stark portrayal of long-term suffering, resonates deeply with biblical themes of human brokenness and the sovereign power of God. The man's thirty-eight years of infirmity symbolize the pervasive nature of sin and its debilitating effects on humanity, a spiritual "infirmity" that no human effort or religious ritual can truly cure. Just as this man was utterly dependent on an external power for healing, so too is humanity utterly dependent on God's grace for spiritual restoration. The verse sets the stage for Jesus to reveal Himself as the one who possesses inherent, life-giving power, not reliant on external conditions or human traditions, but acting out of divine initiative and compassion. This foreshadows the ultimate healing Jesus offers—salvation from sin and spiritual death—which transcends any physical ailment.

* [Psalm 38:17](/psalms/38-17 "Psalm 38:17 - For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.")
* [Luke 13:16](/luke/13-16 "Luke 13:16 - A Daughter of Abraham Bound by Satan")
* [Romans 5:6](/romans/5-6 "Romans 5:6 - Christ Died for the Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The man's thirty-eight years of infirmity in John 5:5 serve as a profound mirror for our own lives and the chronic struggles we face. Whether it's a persistent physical ailment, a long-standing emotional wound, a deeply entrenched sin pattern, or a spiritual dryness that seems to last forever, this verse reminds us that God sees the full duration and depth of our suffering. It challenges us to consider where we have been "infirm" for a long time, perhaps even losing hope that change or healing is possible. The narrative implicitly invites us to lay bare our chronic conditions before Jesus, recognizing that His power is not limited by time, severity, or our own diminishing expectations. It encourages us to remain open to His divine initiative, knowing that He often steps into our seemingly hopeless situations not because we earned it or sought Him perfectly, but out of His profound compassion and sovereign will to bring life and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "infirmity" in your life, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, feels like it has lasted "thirty and eight years," causing you to lose hope?**
* **How does the precise detail of the man's long suffering encourage you about God's awareness of your own prolonged struggles?**
* **In what ways might you be waiting for a "stirring of the waters" (a specific condition or event) for healing, rather than looking for Jesus' direct and sovereign intervention?**

### FAQ

**Why is the specific duration of "thirty and eight years" so important in this verse?**

Answer: The detail of "thirty and eight years" is crucial because it profoundly emphasizes the man's chronic and seemingly incurable condition. This extreme duration highlights the depth of human suffering and the futility of any traditional or natural remedies. It sets up a dramatic contrast, making Jesus' subsequent, immediate healing all the more remarkable and undeniable. The length of his suffering also evokes deep pathos, drawing the reader's sympathy and underscoring the desperate need for divine intervention, which only Jesus can provide. It's a testament to the fact that no matter how long or entrenched a problem, it is not beyond the reach of Christ's power.

**Does this verse imply that the man was waiting for the "stirring of the water" like the others at the Pool of Bethesda?**

Answer: While John 5:5 doesn't explicitly state the man's personal belief in the tradition, the context of [John 5:2-4](/john/5-2-4 "John 5:2-4 - The Pool of Bethesda") indicates that he was among the "multitude of impotent folk" who gathered there, waiting for the water to be stirred. His presence at the pool for such a long time strongly suggests he was participating in the common hope of healing through this tradition. However, the narrative then shifts focus to Jesus' direct and unprompted approach to the man, highlighting that Jesus' power operates independently of and superior to such traditions, offering a true and lasting healing that the pool could not provide.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 5:5, though seemingly a simple introduction, powerfully sets the stage for a profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The man's thirty-eight years of chronic infirmity serves as a vivid metaphor for humanity's spiritual condition apart from Christ—a long-standing, debilitating sickness of sin that no human effort, religious ritual, or traditional remedy can cure. Just as this man was utterly helpless and without strength, so too is humanity "without strength" (as [Romans 5:6](/romans/5-6 "Romans 5:6 - Christ Died for the Weak") declares) to overcome the spiritual disease that leads to death. Jesus' subsequent encounter with this man, where He initiates the healing and commands him to "Rise, take up your bed, and walk!" ([John 5:8](/john/5-8 "John 5:8 - Jesus Heals the Man")), demonstrates His inherent divine authority as the true source of life and healing. This miracle is not merely a physical cure but a powerful sign that Jesus is the one in whom "was life; and the life was the light of men" ([John 1:4](/john/1-4 "John 1:4 - In Him was life")). He offers a complete restoration—physical, emotional, and spiritual—that transcends the limited and superstitious hopes of the world. Jesus' compassionate initiative towards this long-suffering man foreshadows His ultimate mission to seek and save the lost, offering abundant and eternal life to all who are spiritually infirm and helpless ([John 10:10](/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

Acts 3:2

And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

Luke 8:43

And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,

Mark 9:21

And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

Acts 14:8

¶ And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

Luke 13:16

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

Acts 9:33

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

John 5:14

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.