John 5:21

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

For {G1063} as {G5618} the Father {G3962} raiseth up {G1453} the dead {G3498}, and {G2532} quickeneth {G2227} them; even {G2532} so {G3779} the Son {G5207} quickeneth {G2227} whom {G3739} he will {G2309}.

Just as the Father raises the dead and makes them alive, so too the Son makes alive anyone he wants.

For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes.

For as the Father raiseth the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will.

John 5:21 KJV presents a profound declaration by Jesus concerning His divine authority and power, specifically His ability to give life, mirroring that of God the Father. This verse is part of Jesus' response to the Jewish leaders who were accusing Him of breaking the Sabbath and, more significantly, of making Himself equal with God.

Context

This verse is situated within a larger discourse in John chapter 5, where Jesus has just healed a man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, sparking controversy among the Jewish authorities. When confronted, Jesus declares, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work" (John 5:17). This statement, implying equality with God, further enraged them. John 5:21 then serves as a powerful elaboration on the nature of this equality, particularly regarding the ultimate power over life and death. Jesus asserts His shared divine prerogative with the Father, emphasizing His sovereign will.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority of Jesus: The verse directly asserts Jesus' co-equal power with God the Father. Just as the Father has the power to raise the dead and give life, so does the Son. This challenges the traditional Jewish understanding of God's unique sovereignty.
  • Power Over Life and Death: The phrase "raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth [them]" highlights Jesus' absolute power over both physical and spiritual life. This is not merely a delegated authority but an inherent divine attribute. This power is demonstrated in His miracles of raising the dead and in His ability to impart spiritual life.
  • Sovereignty of the Son: The phrase "whom he will" underscores the deliberate and sovereign choice of the Son in giving life. This is not arbitrary but reflects a unified will with the Father, demonstrating His divine independence and authority in this life-giving act. This divine will extends to both spiritual regeneration and future bodily resurrection.

Linguistic Insights

The key word in this verse is "quickeneth," which comes from the Greek verb zōopoieō (ζωοποιέω). This term literally means "to make alive," "to give life," or "to vitalize." It signifies bringing something from a state of death or non-existence into life. Its use here emphasizes the active, life-giving power of both the Father and the Son, distinguishing them as the source of all life, both physical and spiritual. This concept is crucial for understanding the New Testament's emphasis on new life in Christ.

Practical Application

John 5:21 offers immense comfort and assurance to believers. It affirms Jesus' ultimate authority and power, even over death. For those who trust in Him, it means:

  • Hope for Resurrection: We have the assurance that Jesus, who has the power to quicken the dead, will one day raise believers to eternal life (John 6:40).
  • Spiritual Life Now: Beyond physical resurrection, Jesus also gives spiritual life to those who were spiritually dead in sin. Believers experience this "quickening" as new birth and transformation.
  • Trust in His Sovereignty: Knowing that Jesus quickens "whom he will" reminds us of His divine wisdom and perfect plan. We can trust in His sovereign choices regarding life and salvation.

This verse calls us to recognize Jesus not merely as a prophet or a teacher, but as the divine Son, possessing the very life-giving power of God Himself.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 8:11

    But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

  • Deuteronomy 32:39

    ¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

  • John 11:25

    Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

  • Luke 7:14

    And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare [him] stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

  • Luke 7:15

    And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

  • Acts 26:8

    Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

  • John 17:2

    As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

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