After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

JOHN 5:1KJV
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John 5:1 (KJV)

What does John 5:1 mean?

John 5:1 describes Jesus traveling to Jerusalem for a Jewish feast after earlier events. The verse sets the scene for what follows by noting that Jesus went up to Jerusalem because of this special occasion.

In the Gospel of John, the writer is narrating events from Jesus’ life. Here, the focus is on a particular moment when Jesus joins many others in Jerusalem for a religious festival. The verse does not specify which feast it was, but it marks a transition to a new episode in Jesus’ ministry, preparing the reader for the events that will take place in Jerusalem.

The Greek behind John 5:1

  • ἑορτή (heortē, "feast"): This word refers to one of the major Jewish festivals, times when many people would travel to Jerusalem. The use of this word signals that the following events happen during a significant religious gathering.
  • ἀνέβη (anebē, "went up"): The Greek word here literally means "to go up," which fits the geography—Jerusalem is on higher ground, so travelers are often described as "going up" to the city. This also highlights the importance of the city and the journey.

Why John 5:1 matters

  • John 5:1 helps the reader understand the timing and setting for the miracles and teachings that follow, showing that Jesus’ actions often took place during important public gatherings.
  • The mention of a feast connects Jesus’ ministry to the rhythms of Jewish religious life, emphasizing his participation in communal worship and tradition.
  • By noting that Jesus "went up to Jerusalem," the verse signals a shift in location and focus, preparing the reader for a new sequence of events centered in the holy city.

Where else these words appear

“feast” Greek G1859 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 26:5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
  • John 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
  • John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

“Jerusalem” Greek G2414 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Mark 15:41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.
  • Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

“up” Greek G305 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • John 1:51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
  • Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.