John 5:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281}, verily {G281}, I say {G3004} unto you {G5213},{G3754} The hour {G5610} is coming {G2064}, and {G2532} now {G3568} is {G2076}, when {G3753} the dead {G3498} shall hear {G191} the voice {G5456} of the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}: and {G2532} they that hear {G191} shall live {G2198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, indeed! I tell you that there is coming a time — in fact, it’s already here — when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who listen will come to life.

Berean Standard Bible

Truly, truly, I tell you, the hour is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

American Standard Version

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 5:25 is a profound declaration by Jesus Christ, asserting His unique and immediate authority over both spiritual and future physical life. In this pivotal statement, Jesus reveals that a critical time is at hand—even now—when those who are spiritually dead will respond to His divine voice, leading to their spiritual awakening and eternal life. This verse underscores the transformative power of Christ's word and His co-equal authority with God the Father in bestowing life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration is situated within a larger discourse in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Life-Giving Power"), which begins with Jesus' healing of an invalid at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath. This act sparks intense opposition from the Jewish leaders, who accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath and, more significantly, of making Himself equal with God ([John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - Jesus Claims Equality with God")). In response, Jesus delivers a comprehensive defense and explanation of His unique relationship with the Father, emphasizing their shared will and authority. Verse 25 serves as a foundational statement within this defense, immediately preceding His further elaboration on the Father's delegation of judgment and life-giving power to the Son ([John 5:26-27](/john/5-26-27 "John 5:26-27 - The Father Gives Authority to the Son")). It also sets the stage for the distinction between spiritual resurrection (present) and physical resurrection (future) in [John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - The Resurrection of the Dead").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop for this discourse is Jerusalem, a city steeped in Jewish religious tradition and law. The Sabbath healing was a direct challenge to the strict interpretations of the Mosaic Law held by the Pharisees and other Jewish authorities, who viewed any work on the Sabbath as a transgression. Jesus' claim to be working in conjunction with His Father ("My Father worketh hitherto, and I work" [John 5:17](/john/5-17 "John 5:17 - Jesus' Defense of Sabbath Healing")) was understood as an assertion of divine equality, which was considered blasphemous by His opponents. The concept of "the dead" hearing a voice and living would have resonated with Old Testament prophecies of restoration and new life (e.g., [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones")), but Jesus' application of it to a present spiritual reality, tied to His own voice, would have been revolutionary and deeply challenging to the established religious order.
* **Key Themes:** [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Life-Giving Power") is rich with theological themes that converge in verse 25. A central theme is **Jesus' Divine Authority**, particularly His co-equality with the Father in giving life and executing judgment. The emphatic "Verily, verily" underscores the absolute truth and divine origin of His words. Another crucial theme is **Spiritual Resurrection**, highlighting that humanity, apart from God, is in a state of spiritual death ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Trespasses and Sins")). Jesus' declaration introduces the radical idea that His voice—His message, His call—has the power to quicken these spiritually dead souls, bringing them into new life. This theme is closely linked to **The Power of Christ's Voice**, emphasizing that true hearing involves not just auditory reception but a receptive faith that leads to transformation. Finally, the phrase "the hour is coming, and now is" introduces the theme of **Immediate and Future Reality**, signifying that Christ's life-giving power is both presently active in spiritual regeneration and will be ultimately manifested in the future physical resurrection of all humanity ([John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - The Resurrection of the Dead")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** Properly firm, trustworthy; adverbially, surely, so be it. This double "Verily, verily" (Amen, Amen) is a unique Johannine emphatic phrase, used by Jesus to introduce a statement of profound truth and absolute certainty, demanding the listener's full attention and belief. It signifies divine authority behind the declaration.
* **dead (Greek, _nekrós'_):** From an apparently primary (a corpse); dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun). In this context, "the dead" refers primarily to those who are spiritually separated from God due to sin, existing in a state of spiritual lifelessness. It implies an inability to respond to God without divine intervention.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** A primary verb; to hear (in various senses):--give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand. Here, "hear" implies more than mere auditory perception; it denotes a receptive, understanding, and obedient response to the voice of the Son of God, leading to spiritual life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily, verily, I say unto you":** This emphatic double "Amen" serves as a solemn and authoritative introduction, signaling that what follows is a truth of utmost importance and divine certainty, directly from Jesus. It demands the listener's full attention and belief, underscoring Jesus' unique authority as the Son of God.
* **"The hour is coming, and now is":** This phrase highlights the dual nature of Christ's life-giving work. "The hour is coming" points to a future, ultimate realization, while "and now is" emphasizes the present, immediate reality of spiritual transformation. It means that the power to awaken the dead is not merely a future promise but is actively at work in the present moment through Jesus' ministry.
* **"when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God":** "The dead" here refers primarily to those who are spiritually alienated from God due to sin, in a state of spiritual lifelessness. "The voice of the Son of God" signifies Jesus' divine call, His authoritative word, and the Gospel message. This clause declares that His divine utterance has the power to penetrate the spiritual deafness of humanity.
* **"and they that hear shall live":** This is the outcome of truly hearing. "They that hear" implies not just auditory reception but a receptive, obedient faith that responds to Jesus' divine call. "Shall live" refers to the impartation of spiritual life, a transition from spiritual death to a vibrant, eternal relationship with God, initiated by faith in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
John 5:25 employs several powerful literary devices. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the phrase "the dead shall hear." "The dead" are not physically deceased but are metaphorically described as spiritually lifeless, emphasizing their separation from God due to sin. This metaphor highlights the profound spiritual transformation that Jesus offers. The "voice of the Son of God" also functions as a **metonymy**, representing not just an audible sound but the entirety of Jesus' authoritative word, His Gospel message, and His divine call to salvation. The phrase "The hour is coming, and now is" is a form of **paradox** or **oxymoron**, presenting a truth that seems contradictory yet is deeply profound. It conveys the immediate availability of spiritual life while also hinting at a future, ultimate fulfillment, underscoring the timeless and ever-present nature of Christ's power. The repeated "Verily, verily" is a powerful **anaphora** and **emphasis**, drawing immediate attention to the solemnity and absolute truth of Jesus' declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:25 is a cornerstone for understanding Jesus' unique authority and the nature of salvation. It establishes Christ as the ultimate source of life, not merely a prophet or a teacher, but one who possesses inherent, divine power to quicken the spiritually dead. This power is exercised through His "voice," which represents His authoritative word and the Gospel message. The verse highlights that spiritual regeneration is not a human achievement but a divine work, initiated by God's call and received through faith. It foreshadows the broader eschatological reality that Jesus' voice will one day call all humanity, both righteous and unrighteous, from their graves for judgment and resurrection, demonstrating His comprehensive dominion over life and death in every dimension.

* [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")
* [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - Made Alive with Christ")
* [Colossians 2:13](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13 - Made Alive with Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 5:25 offers profound hope and a clear call to action for every individual. It reminds us that our natural state, apart from Christ, is one of spiritual death—a separation from the life of God. Yet, Jesus, the Son of God, possesses the unique power to speak life into this spiritual void. For those who feel spiritually lost, empty, or burdened by sin, this verse is a beacon: Jesus' voice is calling, offering not just forgiveness, but a complete transformation from death to life. The "now is" aspect means that this life is available immediately upon hearing and responding to His call. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder of the source of our new life and encourages us to continually listen to and obey His voice, allowing His word to shape our daily existence. It also challenges us to share this life-giving message with others, knowing that His voice can awaken even the most resistant hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I recognize spiritual "deadness" in myself or the world around me?**
* **How am I actively listening for and responding to the "voice of the Son of God" in my daily life?**
* **What does it mean for me to "live" now that I have heard and responded to Jesus' voice?**
* **How can I share the life-giving message of Jesus' voice with those who are spiritually dead?**

### FAQ
**What does "the hour is coming, and now is" mean in this verse?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the dual nature of Jesus' life-giving power. "The hour is coming" refers to a future, ultimate manifestation of His authority, particularly the physical resurrection of all humanity for judgment, as further explained in [John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - The Resurrection of the Dead"). However, "and now is" emphasizes that this power is not solely a future promise but is actively at work in the present moment. It signifies the immediate spiritual transformation and new life available to those who respond to Jesus' voice through faith. Thus, Jesus is asserting His present authority to bring spiritual life to the "dead" even as He anticipates His future authority over physical resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 5:25 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of life. He is the one through whom all things were made and in whom was life ([John 1:3-4](/john/1-3-4 "John 1:3-4 - In Him was Life")). This verse foreshadows His ultimate victory over death, both spiritual and physical, through His own crucifixion and resurrection. As the Son of God, Jesus possesses inherent life-giving power, a power demonstrated not only in raising Lazarus from the tomb ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")) but, more profoundly, in His ability to quicken those dead in trespasses and sins ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ")). His "voice" is the Gospel, the authoritative declaration of salvation and new creation, which when heard and believed, brings spiritual resurrection. Therefore, Jesus is not merely announcing a future event but proclaiming His present, active role as the source of eternal life, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a new covenant where God's Spirit would bring dead hearts to life ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit")). He is the Resurrection and the Life ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), and His voice continues to call the spiritually dead to live.

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 5:28

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

Ephesians 5:14

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Ephesians 2:5

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

John 4:23

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Colossians 2:13

¶ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Revelation 3:1

¶ And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

John 8:47

He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God.