And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.

JOHN 5:13KJV
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John 5:13 (KJV)

What does John 5:13 mean?

John 5:13 explains that the man who had been healed did not know who Jesus was, because Jesus had quietly slipped away into the crowd after healing him. The verse highlights that Jesus’ identity remained unknown to the man at that moment due to the presence of many people in the area.

John 5:13 is part of the story where Jesus heals a man at the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem. After the healing, the man is questioned by religious leaders about who healed him, but he cannot answer because Jesus had left the scene. The verse emphasizes both the crowded setting and Jesus’ deliberate withdrawal, keeping his identity hidden for the time being.

The Greek behind John 5:13

  • "Healed" (ἰάομαι, iaomai): This word means to be made whole or cured, underscoring the completeness of the man’s recovery.
  • "Wist" (οἶδα, oida): This Greek word means to know or to be aware. Its use here shows that the man genuinely had no knowledge of who had healed him.
  • "Conveyed himself away" (ἐκνεύω, ekneuō): This word carries the idea of turning aside or slipping away quietly, highlighting Jesus’ intentional effort to avoid drawing attention to himself in the crowd.
  • "Multitude" (ὄχλος, ochlos): This word refers to a large crowd or gathering, which helps explain why Jesus could leave unnoticed and why the man could not identify him.

Why John 5:13 matters

  • John 5:13 clarifies that the healed man was not being evasive or ungrateful; he simply did not know Jesus’ identity because Jesus had left quickly.
  • The verse sets up the tension in the story, as the religious leaders want to know who performed the healing, but the answer is not immediately available.
  • This detail about Jesus withdrawing into the crowd shows a pattern in the Gospel of John, where Jesus often avoids public recognition or confrontation until the right time.

Where else these words appear

“healed” Greek G2390 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
  • Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
  • John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

“place” Greek G5117 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.