John 5:13 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Jesus had conveyed himself away - Or, had withdrawn himself. And this he might easily do, as there was a crowd in the place. Some think the words indicate, that Jesus withdrew on seeing a multitude in the place, i.e. raising a tumult, because of the man's carrying his bed (margin: Or, from the multitude that was). He had not yet finished his work, and would not expose himself to the envy and malice of the Jewish rulers.