John 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.

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}.

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.

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

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

John 5:20 (KJV) continues Jesus’ profound discourse on His relationship with God the Father, following His healing of a paralytic on the Sabbath and the subsequent accusations from Jewish leaders (John 5:18). This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the intimate unity and shared authority between the Father and the Son.

Context

In the preceding verse, John 5:19, Jesus asserts that "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do." John 5:20 immediately clarifies the basis for this unique dependence: a relationship of perfect love and complete revelation. Jesus is not merely observing from a distance; He is intimately involved in the Father's work, privy to all divine operations. This passage is critical for Jesus' defense against charges of blasphemy, as He claims a divine prerogative that stems directly from His unique relationship with God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Love and Intimacy: The phrase "For the Father loveth the Son" highlights the profound and eternal affection within the Godhead. This love is the foundation for the Father's complete trust and revelation to the Son. It signifies a relationship of perfect unity and mutual delight, where the Father has given all things into His hand.
  • Complete Revelation and Shared Knowledge: "and sheweth him all things that himself doeth" emphasizes that there are no secrets or hidden works between the Father and the Son. Jesus' actions and teachings are not His own independent initiatives but are direct manifestations of the Father's will and power. This underscores Jesus' divine authority and His role as the ultimate revealer of God.
  • Foreshadowing of Greater Works: "and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel" points to future, even more astounding demonstrations of divine power. While Jesus had already performed miracles like healing the sick, these "greater works" would include giving life to the dead (John 5:21), executing judgment (John 5:27), and ultimately, His own resurrection. These works are intended to evoke wonder and lead to belief in His divine identity.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "loveth" here is the Greek verb phileo, which denotes a deep affection, fondness, and friendship. While the Greek agapao often speaks of a self-sacrificing, unconditional love, phileo emphasizes the intimate personal bond and mutual affection between the Father and the Son. This choice of word highlights the relational warmth and closeness within the Trinity. The phrase "sheweth him all things" implies a continuous, ongoing revelation, signifying the Son's full participation in the Father's divine plan and activities.

Practical Application

John 5:20 invites believers to marvel at the profound unity and love within the Godhead. It reassures us that Jesus acts with the full authority and knowledge of God the Father, making His teachings trustworthy and His miracles undeniable proof of His divine origin. For us, this means:

  • Trusting Jesus' Authority: We can fully trust in Jesus' words and actions, knowing they are perfectly aligned with God's will.
  • Understanding God's Nature: This verse provides a window into the relational dynamics of the Trinity—a God who is inherently loving and communicative within Himself.
  • Anticipating God's Power: Just as Jesus promised "greater works," we are reminded that God's power is limitless and continues to be revealed in the world, especially through the work of salvation and the ultimate hope of resurrection.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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].
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