John 5:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the Father {G3962} loveth {G5368} the Son {G5207}, and {G2532} sheweth {G1166} him {G846} all things {G3956} that {G3739} himself {G846} doeth {G4160}: and {G2532} he will shew {G1166} him {G846} greater {G3187} works {G2041} than {G3187} these {G5130}, that {G2443} ye {G5210} may marvel {G2296}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he does; and he will show him even greater things than these, so that you will be amazed.

Berean Standard Bible

The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. And to your amazement, He will show Him even greater works than these.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 5:20 reveals the profound intimacy and unity between God the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ, serving as a foundational explanation for Jesus' divine authority and actions. It asserts that the Father's deep love for the Son results in a complete revelation of all His works, establishing the Son's perfect knowledge and participation in the divine will. Furthermore, the verse foreshadows even more astonishing demonstrations of God's power through the Son, intended to evoke wonder and belief in His unique identity and mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' defense and discourse following His healing of a paralytic on the Sabbath in [John 5:1-9](/john/5-1-9 "Jesus Heals a Paralytic at Bethesda"). The Jewish leaders' subsequent persecution and accusation of blasphemy, because Jesus not only healed on the Sabbath but also claimed God as His own Father, making Himself equal with God ([John 5:18](/john/5-18 "Jesus Claims Equality with God")), sets the stage. In [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "The Son Does Nothing of Himself"), Jesus declares His absolute dependence on the Father, stating He can do nothing of His own accord but only what He sees the Father doing. [John 5:20](/john/5-20 "The Father Loves the Son and Shows Him All Things") immediately follows, clarifying the *basis* for this dependence: not inferiority, but a relationship of perfect love and complete, ongoing revelation. This verse then transitions into Jesus' claims of authority over life and judgment ([John 5:21-29](/john/5-21-29 "The Son Gives Life and Judges")), further substantiating His divine prerogative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, likely near the Pool of Bethesda, during a Jewish feast. The Jewish leaders' strict interpretation of Sabbath law, which prohibited healing work, is central to their conflict with Jesus. Their accusation of blasphemy stemmed from Jesus' claim of divine sonship, which they understood as an assertion of equality with God. In their monotheistic framework, such a claim was anathema unless proven by undeniable divine authority. Jesus' discourse in [John 5](/john/5 "John Chapter 5 - Jesus' Authority") directly challenges their understanding of God and the Messiah, asserting a unique, intimate relationship with the Father that transcends their legalistic interpretations and hierarchical structures. The concept of a "Son of God" was known in Jewish thought, but Jesus' specific claim of inherent equality and shared divine prerogatives was revolutionary and deeply offensive to those who did not recognize His true identity.
* **Key Themes:** [John 5:20](/john/5-20 "The Father Loves the Son and Shows Him All Things") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of John. Firstly, it underscores the **unity and intimacy within the Godhead**, portraying a relationship of perfect love and mutual knowledge between the Father and the Son. This contrasts sharply with the Jewish leaders' rigid, external understanding of God. Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' divine authority and identity** as the Son who perfectly reveals and executes the Father's will. His actions are not independent but are direct manifestations of divine purpose, making Him the ultimate revealer of God, as seen throughout John's Gospel, particularly in passages like [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "No One Has Seen God; The Son Has Revealed Him"). Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **"greater works,"** foreshadowing future, more profound demonstrations of Jesus' divine power, culminating in His triumph over death and His role as judge, which are elaborated upon in [John 5:21-29](/john/5-21-29 "The Son Gives Life and Judges"). This theme emphasizes the progressive revelation of God's power through Christ, designed to elicit faith and wonder.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár_):** This primary particle serves to assign a reason or provide an explanation. In [John 5:20](/john/5-20 "The Father Loves the Son and Shows Him All Things"), it introduces the underlying basis for Jesus' preceding statement in [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "The Son Does Nothing of Himself") about His dependence on the Father. It signifies that the Father's love and complete revelation to the Son are the foundational reasons for the Son's perfect knowledge and ability to act in alignment with the Father's will.
* **loveth (Greek, _philéō_):** This verb signifies a deep affection, fondness, and personal attachment, denoting a relationship of intimate friendship and sentiment. In this context, it highlights the profound, warm, and reciprocal bond of affection between God the Father and God the Son. This intimate love is presented as the very foundation upon which the Father's complete trust and continuous revelation to the Son are built, emphasizing the relational essence of the Godhead.
* **sheweth (Greek, _deiknýō_):** This verb means "to show" or "to make known," whether literally or figuratively. Its use here indicates an ongoing and continuous process of revelation. The Father is not merely showing the Son a static set of instructions but is actively and perpetually disclosing all His works and plans. This underscores the Son's full and dynamic participation in the Father's divine activity and knowledge, affirming His unique position as the one who fully comprehends and executes the divine will.
* **greater (Greek, _meízōn_):** This word is the irregular comparative form of _megas_ (great), meaning "larger," "more significant," or "more important." In [John 5:20](/john/5-20 "The Father Loves the Son and Shows Him All Things"), it refers to works of a profoundly higher magnitude and impact than the physical healing Jesus had just performed. These "greater works" would involve the giving of spiritual and physical life, and the exercise of ultimate judgment, signifying a profound increase in the demonstration of divine power and authority, intended to evoke even greater wonder and belief.
* **marvel (Greek, _thaumázō_):** This verb means "to wonder," "to be astonished," or "to admire." The explicit purpose stated in the verse—"that ye may marvel"—indicates that the future, more astounding demonstrations of divine power through the Son are intended to elicit a response of awe and astonishment from observers. This wonder is meant to lead them to a recognition and acknowledgment of Jesus' divine nature, authority, and unique mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the Father loveth the Son":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental nature of the relationship within the Godhead: a profound, intimate, and active love. This love is not merely an emotion but the very essence of their being and the foundational principle for their perfect unity, trust, and cooperation. It highlights the relational and personal character of God.
* **"and sheweth him all things that himself doeth":** Building upon the Father's love, this clause explains its direct consequence: the Father continuously and completely reveals all His works, plans, and divine operations to the Son. There is no hidden knowledge or independent action between them; the Son is fully privy to and participates in every divine activity, underscoring His perfect knowledge and alignment with the Father's will.
* **"and he will shew him greater works than these":** This is a prophetic declaration, indicating that the Father will continue to reveal and empower the Son to perform even more significant and powerful demonstrations of divine activity. The "these" refers to the healing miracle Jesus had just performed, while "greater works" points to future acts of divine power, such as giving life to the dead and executing judgment, which transcend mere physical healing.
* **"that ye may marvel":** This concluding clause articulates the ultimate purpose behind the Father showing the Son these "greater works." They are intended to elicit astonishment, awe, and wonder from the observers, particularly the Jewish leaders who were challenging Jesus' authority. The goal is to lead them to a recognition and acknowledgment of Jesus' divine identity, authority, and the truth of His claims.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological impact. **Emphasis** is achieved through the direct assertion of the Father's profound love for the Son, presented as the foundational truth for all subsequent claims about Jesus' authority. The phrase "all things that himself doeth" utilizes **hyperbole** to convey the completeness and totality of the Father's revelation to the Son, underscoring the Son's perfect knowledge and full participation in the divine will. The statement "he will shew him greater works than these" functions as powerful **foreshadowing**, building anticipation for future, even more profound demonstrations of Jesus' divine power, such as raising the dead and executing judgment. This also creates a subtle **irony**, as the very individuals who are currently accusing Jesus of blasphemy will witness even more undeniable proofs of His divine authority. Finally, the explicit purpose "that ye may marvel" highlights the **didactic** intent of Jesus' discourse, aiming to evoke a response of awe and recognition of His true identity and divine nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:20 offers a profound glimpse into the Trinitarian nature of God, revealing a dynamic relationship of perfect love, complete transparency, and shared divine activity between the Father and the Son. It dismantles any notion of Jesus acting independently or being merely a prophet, asserting His inherent equality and intimate partnership with God the Father. This verse establishes that Jesus' authority and power are not derived in a secondary sense but flow from an eternal, loving communion within the Godhead, making Him the perfect revealer of God's character and will. The promise of "greater works" points to the progressive unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Christ, culminating in His ultimate triumph over sin and death.

* [John 3:35](/john/3-35 "The Father Loves the Son and Has Given All Things into His Hand")
* [Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "All Things Have Been Delivered to Me by My Father")
* [John 14:10](/john/14-10 "The Father Who Dwells in Me Does His Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 5:20 invites us to contemplate the breathtaking intimacy and unity within the Godhead, a relationship founded on perfect love and complete revelation. For believers, this verse provides immense comfort and assurance: Jesus, our Savior, acts with the full knowledge, power, and authority of God the Father. His words are not merely human wisdom, and His miracles are not mere tricks, but direct manifestations of divine truth and power. This deep understanding of the Father-Son relationship should deepen our trust in Christ, knowing that His mission of salvation is fully endorsed and empowered by God Himself. It also calls us to marvel at the ongoing work of God in the world, recognizing that the "greater works" continue through the Holy Spirit's empowerment of the church, leading to spiritual transformation and the ultimate hope of resurrection. Our lives, too, can reflect this divine intimacy as we seek to know God more deeply and align our wills with His, participating in His ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Father's love for the Son deepen your trust in Jesus' authority and teachings?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of the Trinity?**
* **What "greater works" of God have you witnessed or experienced in your own life or in the world around you, and how have they caused you to marvel?**

### FAQ
**What are the "greater works" Jesus refers to in John 5:20?**

Answer: The "greater works" Jesus refers to are not merely more impressive miracles in terms of scale, but works that demonstrate an even profounder level of divine authority, particularly over life and death, and ultimately, judgment. Immediately following [John 5:20](/john/5-20 "The Father Loves the Son and Shows Him All Things"), Jesus explicitly states that the Son "gives life to whom he will" ([John 5:21](/john/5-21 "The Son Gives Life")) and has been given "authority to execute judgment" ([John 5:27](/john/5-27 "The Son Has Authority to Execute Judgment")). These works culminate in the resurrection of the dead at the last day ([John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "The Hour Is Coming When All Who Are in the Tombs Will Hear His Voice")), and ultimately, His own resurrection. These are works that only God can perform, underscoring Jesus' divine nature and equality with the Father.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 5:20 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the incarnate Son, perfectly revealing the Father. The Father's eternal love for the Son ([John 17:24](/john/17-24 "Father, I Desire That Those You Have Given Me May Be With Me")) is the wellspring from which all divine activity flows, and this love is fully expressed in the Son's mission of redemption. Jesus, as the one to whom the Father "sheweth him all things," is the complete and perfect revelation of God, embodying the divine will and character ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "He Is the Image of the Invisible God")). The "greater works" foreshadowed in this verse are supremely fulfilled in Christ's atoning death on the cross, His glorious resurrection from the dead, and His ascension to the Father's right hand, where He reigns as Lord and Judge ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "God Has Made This Jesus, Whom You Crucified, Both Lord and Christ")). These works, far exceeding any physical healing, demonstrate His power over sin, death, and judgment, inviting all humanity to marvel at His divine glory and believe in Him for eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "For God So Loved the World")). Through these "greater works," the Father's love is fully displayed, and His redemptive purposes are perfectly accomplished in and through His beloved Son.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 3:35

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

Matthew 3:17

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

2 Peter 1:17

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

John 17:26

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

John 5:21

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

Luke 10:22

All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and [he] to whom the Son will reveal [him].