5:4a

For: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible footnote translates as For here introduces an explanation. The explanation explains why the sick and disabled people were waiting for the stirring of the water. They believed that an angel stirred the water and that they could be healed by stepping into the pool.

Here is another way to translate this word:

because

from time to time: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible footnote translates literally as from time to time means “occasionally.” For example:

…would sometimes come down to stir it… (Contemporary English Version footnote)

an angel: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible footnote translates as an angel here refers to a spirit being who serves God. See Key Biblical Terms. Here are some ways to translate this phrase:

• Use a descriptive word or phrase. For example:

a messenger ⌊from God/heaven⌋
-or-
a ⌊good/holy⌋ spirit-being

• Use a local term that fits the biblical meaning.

• In some areas the churches may already use a borrowed term or a transliterated word for “angel.” Be sure that this term fits the biblical meaning. If the term does not communicate the right meaning, you may need to indicate the meaning in some way. For example:

an angelos messenger ⌊from God⌋
-or-
a sacred angelos spirit

descended into the pool and stirred the water: In this phrase the verb descended means “used to come down.”

People believed that an angel sometimes came down from God to stir or move the water. This was tradition or a story that the people believed. Translate this phrase so that you imply that this may not be fact. For example:

⌊they thought that⌋ an angel from God would come down and stir up the water

5:4b

the first to enter the pool: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible footnote translates as the first to enter refers to the person who entered the water before the other sick and disabled people. In some languages it may be natural to make that clear. For example:

the person who entered the water before the others

would be healed: This is a passive clause. In some languages it is more natural to use an active verb. For example:

he would become well/healthy

of his disease: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as disease also includes physical conditions such as blindness that make one disabled. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

from his physical problem
-or-
from whatever illness or disability that he was suffering

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