John 5:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281}, verily {G281}, I say {G3004} unto you {G5213},{G3754} He that heareth {G191} my {G3450} word {G3056}, and {G2532} believeth {G4100} on him that sent {G3992} me {G3165}, hath {G2192} everlasting {G166} life {G2222}, and {G2532} shall {G2064} not {G3756} come {G2064} into {G1519} condemnation {G2920}; but {G235} is passed {G3327} from {G1537} death {G2288} unto {G1519} life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever hears what I am saying and trusts the One who sent me has eternal life — that is, he will not come up for judgment but has already crossed over from death to life!

Berean Standard Bible

Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.

American Standard Version

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 5:24 encapsulates the profound truth of salvation offered through Jesus Christ. In this pivotal declaration, Jesus reveals that anyone who truly hears and embraces His word, and believes in God the Father who sent Him, immediately possesses everlasting life. This belief fundamentally transforms one's spiritual standing, ensuring freedom from divine condemnation and signifying a decisive, irreversible transition from spiritual death to vibrant, eternal life in communion with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a cornerstone of Jesus' discourse in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and the Sabbath Controversy"), delivered after He healed a lame man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath. This miraculous act, performed on the Sabbath, ignited intense opposition and persecution from the Jewish leaders ([John 5:16](/john/5-16 "John 5:16 - Persecution for Sabbath Healing")). In response, Jesus asserts His divine authority and equality with God the Father, claiming that He does nothing apart from the Father, and that the Father has committed all judgment to the Son ([John 5:19-23](/john/5-19-23 "John 5:19-23 - Jesus' Unity with the Father and Authority to Judge")). [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - The Promise of Eternal Life") then serves as a powerful summary of the immediate, transformative benefits for those who accept His claims and believe in Him and the Father who sent Him, setting the stage for further discussions on resurrection and judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, a city steeped in Jewish religious and cultural traditions. The controversy surrounding Jesus' healing on the Sabbath highlights the strict interpretation of Mosaic Law by the Jewish religious authorities of the time, particularly the Pharisees. Their understanding of God's law and the Messiah's role clashed dramatically with Jesus' actions and self-attestation. The concept of "judgment" (κρίσις, _krísis_) was deeply ingrained in Jewish eschatology, referring to a future divine reckoning. Jesus' declaration that believers "shall not come into condemnation" directly addresses this deeply held fear and expectation, reorienting the traditional understanding of judgment around His person and work. Furthermore, the idea of God "sending" a messenger or prophet was familiar, but Jesus' claim to be "sent" by the Father implied a unique, unparalleled relationship and authority, challenging the established religious hierarchy.
* **Key Themes:** [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - The Promise of Eternal Life") powerfully articulates several core themes central to John's Gospel and Christian theology. Firstly, it underscores **Salvation by Faith**, emphasizing that eternal life is granted to those who "heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me," highlighting the dual requirement of receiving Jesus' teaching and placing trust in God the Father. This aligns with the foundational principle that salvation is a divine gift received through faith, not human works ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Secondly, the verse asserts the **Present Possession of Everlasting Life**, as Jesus states, "hath everlasting life." This is a crucial Johannine concept, indicating that eternal life is not merely a future hope, but a present reality for the believer, commencing the moment one truly believes ([1 John 5:11-13](/1_john/5-11-13 "1 John 5:11-13 - Eternal Life in the Son")). Thirdly, it promises **Freedom from Condemnation**, assuring that believers "shall not come into condemnation," meaning the future judgment of God's wrath is averted. This theme is powerfully echoed by Paul in [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus"). Lastly, the phrase "but is passed from death unto life" signifies a profound **Spiritual Transformation**, a decisive and irreversible movement from a state of spiritual death and separation from God to one of spiritual life and communion with Him, a complete reorientation of one's spiritual existence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn_):** From Hebrew origin, this word properly means "firm" or "trustworthy," and is used adverbially to mean "surely" or "truly." Jesus' double use of "Verily, verily" (Amen, Amen) is characteristic of His teaching in John's Gospel. It serves as a solemn, emphatic declaration, underscoring the absolute truth, certainty, and profound significance of the statement that follows. It commands the listeners' full attention and highlights the divine authority behind His words.
* **heareth (Greek, _akoúō_):** This primary verb means "to hear" in various senses. In this context, it implies more than mere auditory perception; it signifies an active, receptive hearing that leads to understanding, acceptance, and obedience. It suggests a willingness to listen to and internalize Jesus' "word" (λόγος, _lógos_), which encompasses His teachings, commands, and ultimately, His very person as the divine revelation. This active hearing is intrinsically linked to belief.
* **passed (Greek, _metabaínō_):** Derived from "meta" (change) and "basis" (a stepping), this verb literally means "to change place" or "to go from one place to another." In [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - The Promise of Eternal Life"), it is used in the perfect active indicative, indicating a completed action with ongoing results. This signifies a decisive, accomplished, and permanent transition from one spiritual state ("death") to another ("life"). It is not a gradual process or a future hope, but a definitive, already-occurred spiritual relocation for the believer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily, verily, I say unto you,"**: This solemn double affirmation, unique to Jesus' discourse in John's Gospel, acts as an authoritative preface. It signals that what follows is of utmost importance, absolute truth, and carries the weight of divine revelation directly from Jesus Himself. It demands the listener's undivided attention.
* **"He that heareth my word,"**: This clause specifies the initial human response required. "Hearing" here is not merely passive listening but an active, receptive understanding and acceptance of Jesus' teachings, commands, and His claims about Himself. It implies a willingness to internalize and obey the divine truth He proclaims.
* **"and believeth on him that sent me,"**: This second condition emphasizes the interconnectedness of Jesus' mission with the Father's will. True belief involves not only accepting Jesus' words but also placing faith and trust in God the Father who commissioned Jesus. This highlights the unity of purpose between the Father and the Son, and that salvation is rooted in acknowledging both.
* **"hath everlasting life,"**: This is the immediate and profound result of hearing and believing. The verb "hath" (ἔχει, _échei_) is in the present tense, indicating that eternal life is not a future reward but a present possession. It is a quality of life that transcends temporal limitations, originating from God Himself, and begins the moment one exercises genuine faith.
* **"and shall not come into condemnation;"**: This is the negative assurance, a powerful promise of freedom. "Condemnation" refers to the divine judgment that leads to separation from God. For the believer, this future reckoning is averted; they will not face the wrath of God because their spiritual standing has been fundamentally altered through faith in Christ.
* **"but is passed from death unto life."**: This final clause describes the radical, decisive spiritual transformation that occurs. "Death" here refers to spiritual separation from God, a state of alienation and hopelessness. "Life" refers to spiritual communion with God, a state of vibrancy, purpose, and eternal fellowship. The perfect tense of "passed" signifies a completed, irreversible transition, a definitive movement from one spiritual realm to another.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - The Promise of Eternal Life") to convey His message with clarity and impact. The most striking is **Repetition** in the opening phrase, "Verily, verily," which, as mentioned, serves as an emphatic assertion of truth and authority, demanding the listener's attention. A powerful **Contrast** is drawn between "condemnation" and "everlasting life," and even more starkly between "death" and "life." This juxtaposition highlights the radical and transformative nature of the salvation offered, presenting two mutually exclusive spiritual states. The phrase "passed from death unto life" functions as a profound **Metaphor** for spiritual regeneration. "Death" represents a state of spiritual alienation and separation from God, while "life" symbolizes a vibrant, eternal communion with Him. This metaphor vividly illustrates the complete and decisive change in spiritual status that occurs at the moment of belief. Finally, the entire verse is an authoritative **Assertion** by Jesus, underscoring His unique role as the dispenser of eternal life and the one through whom judgment is either averted or pronounced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - The Promise of Eternal Life") stands as a cornerstone of Christian soteriology, revealing the immediate and transformative nature of salvation by faith. It highlights that eternal life is not a deferred hope but a present reality for those who embrace Jesus' word and believe in the Father who sent Him. This verse underscores the unity of the Father and the Son in the work of salvation and judgment, affirming Jesus' divine authority to grant life and avert condemnation. It challenges any notion of salvation through works or ritual, firmly rooting it in personal trust and reception of God's gracious provision through Christ. The transition "from death unto life" signifies a spiritual rebirth, a new creation that is complete and irreversible, offering profound assurance to the believer regarding their eternal destiny. This immediate possession of eternal life transforms the believer's perspective, empowering them to live free from the fear of future judgment.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life"): "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
* [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus"): "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
* [1 John 5:11-13](/1_john/5-11-13 "1 John 5:11-13 - Eternal Life is in the Son"): "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - The Promise of Eternal Life") offers immense spiritual comfort and a clear call to action for all. For those who have placed their faith in Jesus, it provides profound assurance of their present spiritual reality: they possess eternal life *now* and are definitively free from future condemnation. This truth should liberate believers from anxiety about their eternal destiny, allowing them to live with joy, gratitude, and confidence in God's unfailing grace. It calls us to live out this new life, understanding that our spiritual status has been irrevocably changed from death to life. For those who have not yet believed, the verse presents a direct invitation from Jesus Himself, highlighting the simplicity and power of faith as the pathway to life. It challenges us to genuinely "hear" Jesus' word—to listen with an open heart, understand its implications, and respond with obedient trust. This passage also serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' divine authority and the absolute trustworthiness of His promises, encouraging us to deepen our reliance on Him and share this life-giving truth with others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does knowing you "hath everlasting life" as a present possession impact your daily walk and perspective?**
* **How does the assurance of "shall not come into condemnation" free you from fear or anxiety about the future?**
* **What does it mean for you, practically, to have "passed from death unto life"? How is this transformation evident in your life?**
* **How can you more intentionally "hear" Jesus' word and "believe on him that sent me" in your ongoing spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**Is eternal life a future promise or a present reality according to John 5:24?**

Answer: According to [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - The Promise of Eternal Life"), eternal life is a present reality for the believer. Jesus explicitly states, "He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, *hath* everlasting life." The Greek verb translated "hath" (ἔχει, _échei_) is in the present tense, indicating immediate possession. Furthermore, the phrase "but *is passed* from death unto life" uses a perfect tense verb (μεταβέβηκεν, _metabebēken_), signifying a completed action with ongoing results. This means the transition from spiritual death to spiritual life is a definitive event that has already occurred for the believer, and the state of possessing eternal life is a continuous, present reality, not merely a future hope.

**What does "condemnation" mean in this context, and why are believers free from it?**

Answer: In the context of [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - The Promise of Eternal Life"), "condemnation" (κρίσις, _krísis_) refers to the divine judgment that results in eternal separation from God and His wrath. It is the ultimate adverse verdict against those who remain in spiritual death. Believers are freed from this condemnation because, by hearing Jesus' word and believing in the Father who sent Him, they have already "passed from death unto life." Their spiritual standing has been fundamentally changed through their union with Christ. Jesus, by His atoning sacrifice, bore the condemnation that humanity deserved, and through faith in Him, believers are declared righteous and reconciled to God ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Therefore, they will not face the judgment of God's wrath, but rather the judgment of believers, which is for rewards and purification, not condemnation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - The Promise of Eternal Life") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very "Word" (λόγος, _lógos_) of God, the divine expression of the Father ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), whose words are spirit and life ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life")). It is His word that, when heard and believed, imparts everlasting life. Jesus is also the one "sent" by the Father, the unique Son who perfectly reveals the Father's will and character ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing the Father through Jesus")). The promise of "everlasting life" is realized because Jesus Himself is "the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), and He came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")). The freedom from "condemnation" is possible only because Christ, "who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He bore the full weight of God's judgment on the cross, thereby making a way for those who believe to be justified and reconciled to God ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Romans 5:8-9 - Justification by Christ's Blood")). The radical transition from "death unto life" is a spiritual resurrection, mirroring Christ's own victory over death and the grave ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")). Thus, [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - The Promise of Eternal Life") is not merely a statement about salvation, but a profound declaration of the saving power and life-giving authority inherent in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

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 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

1 John 5:11

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:13

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

John 3:18

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 6:40

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Romans 8:1

¶ [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

John 6:47

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.