John 5

After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.

There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.

Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

I receive not honour from men.

But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.

For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

What does John 5:25 mean?

Explanation

John 5:25, as spoken by Jesus, reflects a significant concept in Christian theology, the resurrection of the dead and the gift of eternal life through faith in Christ. When Jesus speaks of "the dead," He is referring to those who are spiritually dead in their sins.

The phrase "the hour is coming, and now is" suggests that the future kingdom of God is at that moment breaking into history through Jesus's ministry.

Jesus is emphasizing His role as the Son of God with the divine authority to impart life.

Those who "hear" His voice are those who respond to His call with faith and, as a result, transition from spiritual death to spiritual life.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

This verse comes from a passage in the Gospel of John, where Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath and is subsequently confronted by Jewish leaders.

Set in the context of Jesus's ministry in 1st century Palestine, His teachings and miraculous acts were often interpreted in light of Jewish expectations of the Messiah and the coming age.

John's Gospel frequently emphasizes Jesus's divinity and His role as the life-giver, which was a stark contrast to the prevailing Jewish understanding of the resurrection at the end of the age.

Theological Insights

Several theological insights emerge from this verse: 1.

Jesus’ divine authority: The ability to grant life to the dead indicates Jesus's divine nature. 2.

The already and not yet: The verse points to the present reality of spiritual resurrection and the future hope of physical resurrection. 3.

Hearing and responding: There is an emphasis on the need for individuals to hear (be receptive to) and respond to Jesus's message in order to attain eternal life.

Practical Applications

John 5:25 has several practical applications: 1.

Emphasis on spiritual awakening: Believers are encouraged to recognize their spiritual rebirth. 2.

Encouragement to evangelize: Followers of Jesus are motivated to share the gospel so that others might "hear" and "live." 3.

Assurance of salvation: Christians can find comfort and assurance in the promise of eternal life through Christ.

Cross-References

John 11:25-26: "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"
Ephesians 2:1: "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;"
1 Thessalonians 4:16: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:"

Language Study

"Verily, verily" (Greek: "ἀμὴν ἀμὴν"): This is a statement of solemn and emphatic truth, often translated as "truly, truly" or "amen, amen."
"The dead" (Greek: "οἱ νεκροί"): This phrase can refer to those physically dead but also spiritually dead.
"Hear" (Greek: "ἀκούσωσιν"): More than just physical hearing, this implies a receptive and understanding listening that leads to action.
"The Son of God" (Greek: "τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ"): This title affirms Jesus's divine sonship and authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of ancient Near Eastern religions and myths, the concept of gods having power over life and death is not unique.

However, the Christian claim of resurrection is distinct in its personal and accessible nature through Jesus. Unlike myths where only heroes or demigods obtain new life, Christianity presents a universal hope for all believers.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the idea of resurrection cannot be empirically validated, as it transcends natural processes. Science addresses phenomena that can be observed and tested, whereas resurrection is a matter of theological belief.

Therefore, this verse is taken on faith rather than scientific evidence.

Commentaries

Commentators have various interpretations of this verse: 1.

Campbell Morgan speaks to the spiritual regeneration that occurs when one comes to faith in Christ. 2.

John Calvin underscores the instantaneous nature of passing from death to life upon believing in Jesus. 3.

William Barclay emphasizes that the power of Jesus's life-giving word was not just future but already present and active during Jesus's earthly ministry.

John 5

John 5

What does John 5:25 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 5:25 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?