For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

JOHN 5:4KJV
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John 5:4 (KJV)

What does John 5:4 mean?

John 5:4 describes a tradition at the pool of Bethesda, where it was believed that an angel would come down at certain times, stir the water, and the first person to step in afterward would be healed of any disease. This verse explains why many sick people gathered at the pool, hoping for a miraculous cure.

The verse is part of a story where Jesus visits Jerusalem and encounters a man who had been disabled for thirty-eight years. The belief about the angel and the stirring of the water sets the scene for why the pool was crowded with people seeking healing. John 5:4 gives background for the man’s hope and disappointment, making Jesus’ later healing of him even more striking.

The Greek behind John 5:4

  • ἄγγελος (angelos): This word means "messenger" or "angel." In this verse, it refers to a supernatural being believed to cause the stirring of the water, which was thought to bring healing.
  • ἐτάρασσεν (etarassen): This verb means "troubled" or "stirred up." The idea is that the water was visibly moved or agitated, signaling the moment when healing was possible.
  • καιρῷ (kairō): This word means "season" or "appointed time." It suggests that the event happened at specific, perhaps unpredictable, times, adding to the anticipation and uncertainty for those waiting by the pool.

Why John 5:4 matters

  • John 5:4 helps explain the local belief and the reason for the crowd at the pool, clarifying the setting for the miracle Jesus performs in the following verses.
  • The verse highlights the sense of competition and desperation among the sick, as only the first person into the water after it was stirred was thought to be healed.
  • Understanding this background makes Jesus’ healing of the man—without him needing to enter the pool—stand out as an act of compassion and divine authority, distinct from the popular tradition.

Where else these words appear

“troubling” Greek G5016 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.

“pool” Greek G2861 · used in 5 verses

  • John 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
  • John 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
  • John 9:7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam,(which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

“whole” Greek G5199 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 12:13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
  • Luke 6:10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
  • 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.

“troubled” Greek G5015 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
  • John 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
  • John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.