John 5:12
New International Version
So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?”

New Living Translation
“Who said such a thing as that?” they demanded.

English Standard Version
They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?”

Berean Standard Bible
“Who is this man who told you to pick it up and walk?” they asked.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore they asked him, “Who is the man having said to you, ‘Take it up and walk’?”

King James Bible
Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

New King James Version
Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?”

New American Standard Bible
They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Pick it up and walk’?”

NASB 1995
They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk ‘?”

NASB 1977
They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your pallet, and walk’?”

Legacy Standard Bible
They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Pick up your mat and walk’?”

Amplified Bible
They asked him, “Who is the Man who told you, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk’?”

Berean Annotated Bible
“Who is this man who told you to pick it up and walk? they asked.

Christian Standard Bible
“Who is this man who told you, ‘Pick up your mat and walk’? ” they asked.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Who is this man who told you, Pick up your mat and walk?” they asked.

American Standard Version
They asked him, Who is the man that said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

Contemporary English Version
They asked him, "Who is this man that told you to pick up your mat and walk?"

English Revised Version
They asked him, Who is the man that said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Jews asked him, "Who is the man who told you to pick it up and walk?"

Good News Translation
They asked him, "Who is the man who told you to do this?"

International Standard Version
They asked him, "Who is the man who told you, 'Pick it up and walk'?"

NET Bible
They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Pick up your mat and walk'?"

New Heart English Bible
Then they asked him, "Who is the man who said to you to pick it up and walk?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Then they asked him, What man is that who said to thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

Weymouth New Testament
"Who is it," they asked, "that said to you, 'Take up your mat and walk'?"
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“Who is this man who told you to pick up your mat and walk?” they asked.

World English Bible
Then they asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your mat and walk’?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
they questioned him, then, “Who is the Man who is saying to you, Take up your bed and be walking?”

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore they asked him, “Who is the man having said to you, ‘Take it up and walk’?”

Young's Literal Translation
they questioned him, then, 'Who is the man who is saying to thee, Take up thy couch and be walking?'

Smith's Literal Translation
Then they asked him, Who is the man having said to thee, Lift up thy couch, and walk?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
They asked him therefore: Who is that man who said to thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, they questioned him, “Who is that man, who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk?’ ”

New American Bible
They asked him, “Who is the man who told you, ‘Take it up and walk’?”

New Revised Standard Version
They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take it up and walk’?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they asked him, Who is this man who said to you, Take up your quilt-bed, and walk?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they asked him: “Who is this man who said to you, 'Take up your bed and walk?'”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then they asked him: Who is he that said to you, Take up your bed and walk?

Godbey New Testament
They asked him, Who is the man who said to thee, Take thy bed, and walk about?

Haweis New Testament
Then they asked him, Who is the man that said to thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

Mace New Testament
then they asked him, who is he that said to you take up your bed and walk?

Weymouth New Testament
"Who is it," they asked, "that said to you, 'Take up your mat and walk'?"

Worrell New Testament
They asked him, "Who is the Man That said to you, 'Take up your bed, and walk?'"

Worsley New Testament
Therefore they asked him, Who is the man that said to thee, Take up thy bed and walk?

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Pool of Bethesda
11But he answered, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ” 12“Who is this man who told you to pick it up and walk?” they asked. 13But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while the crowd was there.…

Cross References
“Who is this man”

Luke 7:49
But those at the table began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Mark 4:41
Overwhelmed with fear, they asked one another, “Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”

Matthew 21:10
When Jesus had entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
“who told you”

John 9:11
He answered, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and anointed my eyes, and He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed and received my sight.”

John 9:7
Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing.

Luke 17:14
When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed.
“to pick it up and walk?”

Mark 2:11
“I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”

Luke 5:24
But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on the earth to forgive sins…” He said to the paralytic, “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”

Matthew 9:6
But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”
they asked.

John 9:26
“What did He do to you?” they asked. “How did He open your eyes?”

John 9:15
So the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. The man answered, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.”

John 9:19
and asked, “Is this your son, the one you say was born blind? So how is it that he can now see?”
John 9:16
Because of this, some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man perform such signs?” And there was division among them.

John 7:23
If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses will not be broken, why are you angry with Me for making the whole man well on the Sabbath?

Mark 2:9-12
“Which is easier: to say to a paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and walk’? / But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” He said to the paralytic, / “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.” …

Matthew 12:10-12
and a man with a withered hand was there. In order to accuse Jesus, they asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” / He replied, “If one of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? / How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”


Treasury of Scripture

Then asked they him, What man is that which said to you, Take up your bed, and walk?

What.

Judges 6:29
And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.

1 Samuel 14:38
And Saul said, Draw ye near hither, all the chief of the people: and know and see wherein this sin hath been this day.

Matthew 21:23
And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

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John 5
1. Jesus on the Sabbath day cures him who was diseased thirty-eight years.
10. The Jews therefore object, and persecute him for it.
17. He answers for himself, and reproves them, showing by the testimony of his Father,
31. of John,
36. of his works,
39. and of the Scriptures, who he is.












“Who is this man

The leaders demanded to know the identity of the one who had commanded the healed man to act contrary to their Sabbath restrictions. Their concern centered on authority rather than the restoration of a man who had been disabled for thirty-eight years.

Luk 7:49 But those at the table began to say to themselves,…
Mrk 4:41 Overwhelmed with fear, they asked one another,…
Mat 21:10 When Jesus had entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred…

who told you

They recognized that someone had given the command and sought to identify him. Jesus’ authority would become the central issue in the growing conflict between Him and the Jewish leaders.

Jhn 9:11 “The man they call Jesus made some mud and anointed my eyes,”…
Jhn 9:7 Then he told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam”…
Luk 17:14 When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves…

to pick it up and walk?” they asked.

Carrying the mat was regarded as work and therefore forbidden on the Sabbath under the accepted religious regulations. The leaders focused on the man’s obedience to Jesus’ command instead of the miracle that had made him whole.

Mrk 2:11 “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”
Luk 5:24 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority……
Mat 9:6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
- The central figure in this passage, Jesus performs a miraculous healing at the Pool of Bethesda, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion.

2. The Healed Man
- A man who had been an invalid for 38 years, healed by Jesus, and instructed to pick up his mat and walk, which he does, sparking controversy.

3. The Jewish Leaders
- Religious authorities who question the healed man about carrying his mat on the Sabbath, reflecting their strict adherence to the law and their opposition to Jesus' actions.

4. The Pool of Bethesda
- A place in Jerusalem known for its healing waters, where the invalid man had been waiting for healing.

5. The Sabbath
- The day of rest in Jewish tradition, which becomes a point of contention as the healing occurs on this day, challenging traditional interpretations of the law.
Teaching Points
Understanding Authority
Jesus demonstrates His authority over physical ailments and religious traditions, reminding us to recognize His lordship in all areas of life.

Compassion Over Legalism
The healing at Bethesda highlights the importance of compassion and mercy over rigid adherence to rules, encouraging believers to prioritize love and grace.

Faith and Obedience
The healed man's response to Jesus' command illustrates the importance of faith and obedience, even when it challenges societal norms or expectations.

Sabbath Rest
This passage invites reflection on the true purpose of the Sabbath as a time for restoration and connection with God, rather than mere rule-following.

Witnessing Through Transformation
The healed man's testimony serves as a witness to Jesus' power, encouraging believers to share their own accounts of transformation.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of John 5:12?

2. How does John 5:12 challenge us to discern authority in our lives?

3. What does John 5:12 reveal about obedience to God's commands versus man's rules?

4. How can we apply the lesson of John 5:12 in modern-day situations?

5. What scriptural connections exist between John 5:12 and Acts 5:29 on obedience?

6. How does John 5:12 encourage us to prioritize God's will over societal norms?

7. How does John 5:12 challenge the authority of religious leaders?

8. What historical context influences the interpretation of John 5:12?

9. How does John 5:12 reflect Jesus' relationship with Jewish law?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from John 5?


(12) What man is that which said unto thee . . .?--They pass over the giving of the power, and quote only the command which comes under their technical prohibition. The life and strength of once-palsied limb is as nothing; the fact that this man was breaking their tradition is secondary. The real motive is a charge against Him whose power the body of the Jewish people was feeling as a life-current, quickening deadened energies, and rousing men to a sense of God's presence in their midst. Aye, and these Jews of Judaism feel the thrill of this current all around them, though their will tries to isolate them by the coldness of unbelief from a power which they have not directed, and which they refuse to be directed by. Men and women who have been all their lives lying in moral helplessness, waiting and looking for God, yet never helped by God's priests and rulers, are now standing and moving in the strength that their new Teacher gives. They cannot deny it, but can they prevent it? This spirit is life, but there is still the letter which killeth. It cuts them to the heart to see His power in their midst, but there is the body of Rabbinic precept and oral law. He has now crossed that. They will apply it to stamp out His work and kill Him.

Take up thy bed, and walk.--Omit "thy bed," with the best MSS. It is inserted from the previous verse. Their passionate question expresses itself in the fewest words.

Verse 12. - [Then] they asked him, Who is the man (contemptuous use of ἄνθρωπος, as distinct from God's great messengers, or the legislators and prophets of the olden time, who have laid down the eternal Law of God) that said unto thee, Take up [thy bed], and walk? "The Jews" here ignore the work of healing and mercy, and seek to fasten a charge of overt criminality against some person unknown. A technical offence has been clone against the honour of their sacred place. The work of healing is an insignificant compensation for such a disgrace. They would be even with the heretical healer. Saving men by questionable methods is not to be endured. "Who is the man?" "Men and women lying in moral helplessness, not helped by God's priests and rulers, are now standing and moving in the strength their new Teacher has given. They cannot deny it; but can they prevent it? The rabbinic precept which he has crossed shall be applied to stamp out his work and kill him" (Watkins).

John 5:12 captures a pivotal moment: religious leaders confront a once-crippled man, asking who dared override their Sabbath rules. Each phrase underscores key truths—Jesus’ divine identity, His unrivaled authority, the completeness of His healing, and the predictably skeptical reaction of legalistic minds. The verse reminds believers that when Jesus speaks, His word breaks bondage, commands action, and reveals His glory, regardless of human opposition.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Who
Τίς (Tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

[this]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

man
ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

who
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

told
εἰπών (eipōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

you
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

to pick [it] up
Ἆρον (Aron)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 142: To raise, lift up, take away, remove.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

walk?”
περιπάτει (peripatei)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4043: From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.

they asked.
Ἠρώτησαν (Ērōtēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2065: Apparently from ereo; to interrogate; by implication, to request.


Additonal Resources
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NT Gospels: John 5:12 Then they asked him Who (Jhn Jo Jn)

John 5:11
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