He was a son of Lord Otto of Arkel and his wife, Elisabeth of Bar-Pierrepont.

When he inherited Arkel from his father in 1396, he became a member of the court council of the Count of Holland.

During the reign of Albert I, the county suffered from a series of conflicts known as the Hook and Cod wars.

However, during a campaign in West Frisia, John V came into conflict with Albert's son, William VI, who sided with the Hooks.

The murder of Aleid van Poelgeest may also have played a role in their animosity.