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?

JOHN 5:6KJV
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John 5:6 (KJV)

What does John 5:6 mean?

John 5:6 shows Jesus noticing a man who had been sick for a long time and asking him, “Do you want to be made well?” This question invites the man to consider his own desire and readiness for healing, rather than assuming he simply wants to be cured.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a man lying by the pool of Bethesda, a place where many sick people hoped to be healed. The verse highlights that Jesus was aware the man had suffered for a long time, and his question is both compassionate and probing. Jesus’ words draw attention to the man’s personal will and the deeper issues behind his condition, setting the stage for what follows in the story.

The Greek behind John 5:6

  • ἤδη (ēdē, “now” or “already”): This word shows that Jesus recognized the man’s condition had lasted a significant amount of time, emphasizing the depth of his suffering.
  • θέλεις (theleis, “do you want”): The Greek word for “want” or “wish” underlines that Jesus is not just offering a miracle, but inviting the man to express his own desire and willingness to be changed.
  • ὑγιὴς (hugiēs, “whole” or “healthy”): This word means more than just physical healing; it can carry the sense of being sound or restored, hinting at a fuller kind of wellness.

Why John 5:6 matters

  • John 5:6 corrects the idea that everyone who is suffering automatically wants to be healed; Jesus’ question shows respect for the man’s agency and readiness.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ awareness and personal attention, as he knows the man’s long history and addresses him directly.
  • This moment sets up the rest of the story, where Jesus’ healing is not just about physical change but also about engaging the heart and will of the person involved.

Where else these words appear

“lie” Greek G2621 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 1:30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.
  • Mark 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
  • John 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

“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.

“time” Greek G5550 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
  • Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

“now” Greek G2235 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
  • John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.