The Greek word used for mat in this verse (krabbatos) is a colloquial term for the pallet or mattress that the poor had for bedding. It is used elsewhere in the New Testament only in Mark 2.4,9,11,12; 6.55; Acts 5.15; 9.33. It always refers to the bed of a sick person.

In some languages it may be important to distinguish between “walking around,” as a kind of demonstration of one’s ability to walk, and “walking away” or “going someplace.” It is true that the ability to walk was to be demonstrated by the lame man, but the import of what Jesus has to say would refer to his ability to walk away healed, carrying his own mat.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .