John 5:4
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 5:4 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse comes from the gospel of John, chapter 5, verse 4, and describes a miraculous event that took place at the pool of Bethesda. According to the verse, an angel would go down to the pool at a certain season and trouble the waters. The belief was that the first person to enter the water after it was troubled would be healed of any disease they had. This passage demonstrates the power of faith and the belief in divine intervention in healing. It also highlights the importance of timing and being ready to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. The story of the pool of Bethesda serves as a reminder that miracles can happen, and that belief and perseverance can lead to healing and restoration. It is a testament to the compassion and mercy of the divine, and the willingness of spiritual beings to intervene in the lives of believers.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the verse from John 5:4 suggests that the angel who troubled the water symbolizes divine intervention and healing. The angel's appearance at a certain season highlights the idea of God's timing in bringing about miraculous healings for those in need. The troubling of the water can be seen as a symbol of God's power and presence, stirring things up to bring about transformation and restoration. The concept of the first person to step into the water being healed speaks to the importance of faith and initiative in receiving God's healing and blessings. Word studies on the verse can reveal insights into the original Greek text, shedding light on the nuances of language and cultural context that may enhance our understanding of the verse. These studies can provide deeper meanings and connections to other biblical passages, enriching our overall interpretation of the verse.
John 5:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
(Ommitted)
World English Bible
for an angel went down at certain times into the pool, and stirred up the water. Whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had.
Douay-Rheims
And an angel of the Lord descended at certain times into the pond and the water was moved. And he that went down first into the pond after the motion of the water was made whole of whatsoever infirmity he lay under.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For an Angel went downe at a certaine season into the poole, and troubled the water: whosoeuer then first, after the stirring of the water, stepped in, was made whole of whatsoeuer disease he had.