17 In his defense Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working."
17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I am working."
17 But Jesus defended himself. "My Father is working straight through, even on the Sabbath. So am I."
17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working."
17 But Jesus replied, "My Father is always working, and so am I."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 5:17
Commentary on John 5:17-23
(Read John 5:17-23)
The Divine power of the miracle proved Jesus to be the Son of God, and he declared that he worked with, and like unto his Father, as he saw good. These ancient enemies of Christ understood him, and became more violent, charging him not only with sabbath-breaking, but blasphemy, in calling God his own Father, and making himself equal with God. But all things now, and at the final judgment, are committed to the Son, purposely that all men might honour the Son, as they honour the Father; and every one who does not thus honour the Son, whatever he may think or pretend, does not honour the Father who sent him.