Joh 5:16 | RWP | e4.org | Persecute ( εδιωκον ). Inchoative imperfect, "began to persecute" and kept it up. They took this occasion as one excuse ( δια τουτο , because of this). They disliked Jesus when here first ( ) and were suspicious of his popularity ( ). Now they have cause for an open breach. Because he did ( οτ εποιε ). Imperfect active, not just this one act, but he was becoming a regular Sabbath-breaker. The Pharisees will watch his conduct on the Sabbath henceforth ( ; ).

‏ John 5:16

Persecute ( εδιωκον ). Inchoative imperfect, "began to persecute" and kept it up. They took this occasion as one excuse ( δια τουτο, because of this). They disliked Jesus when here first (2:18) and were suspicious of his popularity (4:1). Now they have cause for an open breach.

Because he did ( οτ εποιε ). Imperfect active, not just this one act, but he was becoming a regular Sabbath-breaker. The Pharisees will watch his conduct on the Sabbath henceforth (Mr 2:23; 3:2).