The man at the pool
John 5:1–18FocusHealing and Sabbath conflict
Connection to the wholeThe healing leads to controversy about the Sabbath and Jesus' words about His Father, setting up the explanation that follows.
interpretation John 5:25
KJVVerily, 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.
Read it in context
Life and judgment
Start reading at John 5:19 (John 5:19 to John 5:29).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus' answer develops the relationship of His works to the Father and His authority concerning life, resurrection, and judgment.
- 5:19 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.
- 5:20 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.
- 5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
- 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
- 5:23 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.
- 5:24 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.
- 5:25 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.
- 5:26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
- 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
- 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
- 5:29 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 5:1–5:47): Jesus heals a disabled man at Bethesda and answers the Jewish opponents who challenge His Sabbath action and His claims. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Life and judgment. Read John 5:19 through John 5:29 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus' answer develops the relationship of His works to the Father and His authority concerning life, resurrection, and judgment. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Life and judgment (John 5:19 to John 5:29). Start reading at John 5:19. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 5:19, John 5:29, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- The hour John 4:23 John 13:1 John 17:1
- when John 5:21,28 Luke 9:60 Luke 15:24,32 Rom 6:4 Eph 2:1,5 Eph 5:14 Col 2:13 Rev 3:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 5
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
FocusThe Son's works
Connection to the wholeJesus' answer develops the relationship of His works to the Father and His authority concerning life, resurrection, and judgment.
interpretation Witnesses and unbelief
John 5:30–47FocusTestimony that is refused
Connection to the wholeAppeals to John, the works, the Father, and Scripture expose a refusal to come to Jesus despite the testimony available.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.