John 5:6

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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?”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
John 5:6 captures a pivotal moment at the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus, demonstrating profound divine insight, approaches a man who has suffered from an infirmity for thirty-eight years. Without being prompted, Jesus directly confronts the man with a question that transcends mere physical healing, probing the depths of his will and desire for true wholeness, setting the stage for a miraculous restoration and a significant theological confrontation concerning Jesus' authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem, specifically following His healing of the nobleman's son in Capernaum (John 4:46-54). The setting shifts to Jerusalem for a feast, where Jesus encounters a multitude of sick people at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-4). The immediate context describes the man's long-standing illness (John 5:5) and the popular belief in the pool's intermittent healing power. Jesus' encounter with this man, His subsequent healing on the Sabbath (John 5:9), and the ensuing controversy with the Jewish authorities (John 5:10-18) highlight His divine authority over both human suffering and religious tradition, leading into His discourse on His relationship with the Father and His role as judge (John 5:19-47).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Pool of Bethesda, identified as a double pool with five porticoes, was a known gathering place for the infirm in first-century Jerusalem. The belief that an angel stirred the water, and the first to enter would be healed, reflects a blend of popular superstition and a deep yearning for divine intervention within Jewish culture. Such beliefs were common in the ancient world, where physical ailments were often attributed to spiritual causes or seen as opportunities for miraculous cures. The Sabbath controversy that immediately follows this healing (John 5:9-10) underscores the rigid adherence to Mosaic Law interpretations by the Jewish religious leaders, particularly regarding what constituted "work" on the Sabbath, setting up a direct clash with Jesus' compassionate actions and His assertion of divine prerogative.
* **Key Themes:** John 5:6 contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the Gospel of John. It powerfully demonstrates Jesus' **divine omniscience and initiative**, as He "knew" the man's condition without being told, actively seeking him out among the crowd, rather than waiting to be approached. This contrasts sharply with the passive expectation of the sick at the pool. The verse also introduces the theme of **true healing versus superficial remedies**, as Jesus' question, "Wilt thou be made whole?", challenges the man's resignation to his condition and the ineffective system he relied upon, inviting him to a deeper, more complete restoration. Furthermore, this miracle, like others in John, serves as a "sign" (as seen in [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - First Sign at Cana")) that reveals Jesus' **authority as the Son of God**, particularly His authority over sickness and the Sabbath, setting the stage for the escalating conflict with the Jewish leaders that permeates [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Controversy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This word, often translated as "to see," implies more than mere physical observation. In the perfect tense, as used here, it carries the nuance of "to know" or "to perceive with understanding." Jesus' "seeing" was not just an external glance but an internal, comprehensive awareness of the man's long-term suffering and the full extent of his condition. It speaks to Jesus' divine insight, discerning the man's history and spiritual state.
* **knew (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This term denotes a deep, experiential knowledge, often implying a personal relationship or intimate understanding. When applied to Jesus, it underscores His omniscience – He did not need to be informed of the man's thirty-eight years of infirmity; He inherently possessed this knowledge. This divine knowing is a recurring motif in John, emphasizing Jesus' unique connection to the Father and His divine nature.
* **whole (Greek, _hygiḗs'_):** This adjective means "healthy," "sound," or "well." It implies a state of complete physical soundness, not merely the absence of disease but a restoration to full function and well-being. The question "Wilt thou be made whole?" (using `ginomai` "to become" with `hygiēs`) therefore asks if the man desires a comprehensive restoration, encompassing not just his physical body but potentially his entire being—his hope, his spirit, and his place in society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Jesus saw him lie":** Jesus actively observes the man's predicament. This is not a casual glance but a focused, compassionate gaze that precedes His divine intervention. It highlights Jesus' initiative in seeking out those in need, rather than waiting to be approached.
* **"and knew that he had been now a long time [in that case]":** This clause reveals Jesus' supernatural knowledge. He possessed an inherent awareness of the man's prolonged suffering—thirty-eight years, as mentioned in the preceding verse. The KJV's interpretive addition "[in that case]" clarifies the object of the "long time," referring to his state of infirmity. This divine insight underscores Jesus' unique identity and power.
* **"he saith unto him":** This simple phrase marks the direct, personal engagement Jesus initiates. Unlike the general expectation of the pool's healing, Jesus' approach is personal and intentional, singling out the man from the multitude.
* **"Wilt thou be made whole?":** This is the central, provocative question of the verse. It appears paradoxical given the man's obvious desire for healing. However, it probes deeper than the physical, challenging the man's will, his resignation, and his readiness to move beyond a long-established state of dependency and suffering. It invites an active response of faith and a willingness to embrace a new, complete state of being.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Irony** and **Rhetorical Question**. The **Rhetorical Question**, "Wilt thou be made whole?", is ironic because, on the surface, it seems absurd to ask a chronically ill man if he desires health. However, its purpose is not to elicit information but to provoke thought, expose the man's spiritual condition, and challenge his passive acceptance of his fate. It subtly reveals the man's potential resignation or perhaps his reliance on the ritualistic, unreliable healing of the pool rather than a direct, powerful intervention. This question forces the man to articulate his desire, moving him from a state of passive waiting to an active engagement with Jesus. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' direct engagement and the subsequent healing on the Sabbath set the stage for the intense conflict with the Jewish authorities that dominates the rest of [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Controversy"), highlighting Jesus' sovereign authority over both human suffering and religious law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:6 profoundly illustrates Jesus' divine nature, revealing His perfect knowledge of human suffering and His proactive compassion. His question, "Wilt thou be made whole?", transcends a simple inquiry about physical health, delving into the man's will and spiritual readiness for a complete transformation. This interaction highlights that true healing, as offered by Christ, often requires a willingness to abandon old patterns, dependencies, and even long-held identities forged in suffering. It challenges the notion that healing is merely a passive reception of a miracle, suggesting instead an active participation of the will in embracing God's restorative power. This divine initiative and the probing question serve as a theological statement about Jesus' authority not only over physical ailments but over the human spirit and will.

* [Mark 2:17](/mark/2-17 "Mark 2:17 - Jesus Calls Sinners")
* [Luke 13:10-17](/luke/13-10-17 "Luke 13:10-17 - Healing on the Sabbath")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - God's Omniscience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 5:6 compels us to examine our own lives, particularly areas of long-standing struggle, brokenness, or spiritual complacency. Jesus' question, "Wilt thou be made whole?", pierces through our defenses and rationalizations, asking if we truly desire a comprehensive, transformative healing, or if we have grown comfortable, perhaps even defined by, our "case." It challenges us to consider whether we are passively waiting for circumstances to change or for a "stirring of the waters," rather than actively engaging with Christ, who offers true and complete wholeness. Our willingness to be made whole implies a readiness to surrender our self-sufficiency, our coping mechanisms, and even our identity rooted in our brokenness, to embrace the radical new life Jesus offers. It calls for an honest self-assessment: are we truly ready to let go of what has become familiar, even if it is painful, to step into the liberating and sometimes challenging path of complete restoration?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "long time" conditions or struggles in my life might Jesus be asking me about today, "Wilt thou be made whole?"**
* **Am I truly willing to be made "whole" in every aspect—physically, emotionally, spiritually—even if it means letting go of familiar patterns or identities?**
* **How might my passive waiting for external circumstances to change prevent me from actively engaging with Jesus' transformative power?**
* **In what ways do I, like the man at Bethesda, rely on ineffective systems or superstitions instead of direct, personal encounter with Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask, "Wilt thou be made whole?" when the man was clearly sick?**

Answer: Jesus' question was not born of ignorance but of profound insight. On the surface, it seems redundant, as any sick person would desire healing. However, the question probes deeper than physical ailment, challenging the man's will and spiritual state. Having been ill for 38 years, the man may have developed a sense of resignation, dependency, or even an identity tied to his infirmity. The question forces him to confront his true desire for a complete transformation, not just a temporary fix. It invites an active response of faith and a willingness to step out of his long-held state of dependency and into a new life offered by Jesus, rather than relying on the superstitious belief in the pool's power (as implied in [John 5:4](/john/5-4 "John 5:4 - The Stirring of the Water")). It's a call to active participation in his own healing process, moving beyond passive expectation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 5:6, with Jesus' penetrating question, "Wilt thou be made whole?", finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the comprehensive and redemptive work of Jesus as the ultimate Healer and Restorer of humanity. The man's 38-year infirmity symbolizes the long-standing spiritual brokenness and captivity to sin that afflicts all humanity, a condition from which we are utterly powerless to free ourselves. Just as Jesus knew the man's condition without being told, He intimately knows the depth of humanity's fallen state and our desperate need for salvation (as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Understands Our Weaknesses")). His proactive approach to the man at Bethesda mirrors His divine initiative in coming to earth not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (as described in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The "wholeness" Jesus offers transcends mere physical healing; it encompasses spiritual regeneration, reconciliation with God, and restoration to our intended purpose. This comprehensive healing, or "salvation" (often linked to the Greek word `sōzō`, meaning "to save" or "to make whole"), is made possible through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection, which conquered sin and death (as celebrated in [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - New Life in Christ")). Thus, Jesus' question to the man at Bethesda echoes His ongoing invitation to all humanity: to desire and receive the complete spiritual and eternal wholeness found only in Him, the source of all life and true healing (as declared in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the 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

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]?