John 5:6

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time [in that case], he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

When Jesus {G2424} saw {G1492} him {G5126} lie {G2621}, and {G2532} knew {G1097} that {G3754} he had been {G2192} now {G2235} a long {G4183} time {G5550} in that case, he saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Wilt thou {G2309} be made {G1096} whole {G5199}?

Yeshua, seeing this man and knowing that he had been there a long time, said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”

When Jesus saw him lying there and realized that he had spent a long time in this condition, He asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

When Jesus saw him lying, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wouldest thou be made whole?

Commentary

John 5:6 KJV is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jesus' ministry at the Pool of Bethesda, revealing His divine insight and compassionate approach to human suffering.

Context of John 5:6: The Pool of Bethesda

This verse is set at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, a place where many sick, blind, lame, and withered people gathered, believing that an angel occasionally stirred the water, and the first person to enter afterwards would be healed. Among them was a man who had been an invalid for 38 years (John 5:5). Jesus, not waiting to be asked, initiates the encounter.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Knowledge and Initiative: Jesus "knew that he had been now a long time [in that case]," demonstrating His omniscience. He didn't need to be told; He already understood the depth and duration of the man's suffering. This highlights Jesus' unique insight into human conditions, far beyond mere observation, and His proactive approach to healing.
  • The Provocative Question: "Wilt thou be made whole?" This is perhaps the most striking aspect of the verse. Given the man's obvious condition, the question seems redundant. However, it probes deeper than physical ailment. It challenges the man's will, his resignation, and his reliance on a superstitious system rather than divine power. It asks if he truly desires a complete transformation, not just a temporary fix. It invites a response of faith and a willingness to step out of his long-held state of dependency.
  • Beyond Physical Healing: The word "whole" (Greek: hygiēs) often implies more than just physical soundness. It encompasses well-being, completeness, and spiritual health. Jesus' question suggests a desire to restore the man fully, addressing not only his physical infirmity but also the spiritual and emotional aspects of his life that had been impacted by 38 years of illness and hopelessness. The subsequent healing on the Sabbath (John 5:9) also ignites a controversy, emphasizing Jesus' authority over religious traditions.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "in that case" for "now a long time" is an interpretive addition, clarifying that Jesus knew the man's condition had persisted for an extended period. The original Greek simply states "long time having it" (ἔχων πολὺν χρόνον), referring to his infirmity. The word "whole" (Greek: hygiēs) is significant, implying a state of health and soundness, not just the absence of disease. It suggests a restoration to a complete state of being.

Practical Application

John 5:6 challenges us to consider our own desires for healing and transformation. Are we truly willing to be made "whole" in all aspects of our lives—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—or are we comfortable in our long-held conditions, even if they bring suffering? Jesus often asks us to participate in our own healing by exercising faith and making a choice to step into new life. His question reminds us that divine intervention often requires our active response and a willingness to move beyond our comfort zones or perceived limitations.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, 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.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Luke 18:41

    Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

  • Hebrews 4:15

    For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.

  • Hebrews 4:13

    Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

  • John 21:17

    He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

  • Isaiah 65:1

    ¶ I am sought of [them that] asked not [for me]; I am found of [them that] sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation [that] was not called by my name.

  • Psalms 142:3

    When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

  • Jeremiah 13:27

    I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, [and] thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when [shall it] once [be]?
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