Bible Trivia Question
What's the Answer?
How long had the infirm man lain at the pool of Bethesda?
12 years
25 years
1 year
Find this question in our The Gospel of John Bible Quiz
Click to reveal the answerThe answer is: 38 years
John 5:5
In the Gospel of John, we encounter a compelling narrative about a man who had been sitting by the Pool of Bethesda for a staggering 38 years, waiting for healing. This setting is particularly intriguing since it unveils vivid images from Jewish history, where Bethesda translates to "house of mercy." People flocked there under hope; the belief was that the waters were sometimes stirred by an angel's presence, enabling the first one who could manage to slip in for a chance at physical healing.
Interestingly, the number 38 also surfaces elsewhere in the Bible. For instance, the Israelites wandered in the desert for 38 years after leaving Egypt due to their doubts and disobedience (see Numbers 14:33-34). This association of the number may hint at a deep catalytic cycle—of struggle, endurance, and hopefully, salvation. Just like the Jewish people experiencing prolonged hardship, our vedicated invalid faced extended suffering and longing.
Jesus predicts change when He approaches the man, asking him if he wants to be made well. It’s an invitation to hope and renewal. In a way, it challenges us, too: What are the "pools" in our lives where we’re just sitting and waiting for change to be stirred? The narrative stirs a profound question of faith in our individual journeys of healing and wholeness.
Similar Bible Trivia Questions
How long had the man at the pool of Bethesda been ill for, before Jesus healed him?
40 years
38 years
5 years
(Age when Moses died) plus (years of infirmity of the man at the Pool of Bethesda)
He was given the Holy Spirit
He spoke in tongues
He was healed of any illness
Which king of Judah is recorded as building a pool, a conduit and brought water into Jerusalem?
Jehoram
Jehoshaphat
Asa
Under the Law, for how long was a newly wed man free from public duties?
6 Months
1 Month
1 Year
How long was it to be before the city Jonah had a message for was overthrown?
1 week
1 year
1 month
Who had a bed 13.5 foot long by 6 foot wide?
Ahab
Goliath
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Elisha had long hair that reached his waist
False
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, who was the first man to pass by the wounded man?
Samaritan
Pharisee
Priest