5:26 5:26

John 5:27

5:28 5:28

Bible Versions

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
And {G2532} hath given {G1325} him {G846} authority {G1849} to execute {G4160} judgment {G2920} also {G2532}, because {G3754} he is {G2076} the Son {G5207} of man {G444}.
Also he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.
And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.
and he gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man.

John 5:27 is a pivotal verse in Jesus’ discourse on His divine authority and relationship with the Father, particularly concerning judgment. It follows His declaration that the Father has committed all judgment unto the Son (John 5:22) and given Him authority to give life (John 5:21).

Context

This statement is part of Jesus’ defense against Jewish leaders who were persecuting Him for healing on the Sabbath and, more significantly, for claiming equality with God by referring to God as His own Father (John 5:18). Jesus asserts that His actions and claims are not blasphemous but are in full alignment with the Father's will and delegation of authority. The Father has entrusted the Son with the ultimate responsibility of executing judgment, a task intrinsically linked to His power to give life and raise the dead.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Delegated Authority for Judgment: The Father has given Jesus the singular authority to execute judgment. This highlights Jesus's unique divine power and His central role in God's plan for humanity. It signifies that all people will ultimately stand before Christ.
  • The "Son of Man" as Judge: The phrase "because he is the Son of man" is crucial. It signifies that Jesus, in His incarnate humanity, is uniquely qualified to judge. As one who experienced human life, temptations, and suffering, He can judge with perfect understanding and righteousness. This title also carries profound messianic weight, recalling the vision in Daniel 7:13-14, where "one like the Son of man" is given everlasting dominion and glory.
  • Intertwined Roles of Savior and Judge: Jesus's authority to judge is not separate from His role as Savior. Those who reject Him as Savior will face Him as Judge. His judgment is perfectly just and righteous, reflecting His divine nature and human experience.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Son of man" (Greek: huios tou anthrōpou) is Jesus’ most frequent self-designation in the Gospels. While it emphasizes His true humanity and solidarity with mankind, it also carries significant theological depth. It links Jesus directly to the prophetic figure in Daniel 7:13-14, who receives an eternal kingdom and universal authority. This dual emphasis—humanity and divine-messianic authority—is vital for understanding His qualification to execute judgment.

Practical Application

John 5:27 offers profound implications for believers and non-believers alike:

  • Reverence and Accountability: Recognizing Jesus's authority as the ultimate judge should inspire awe and a deep sense of accountability for our lives and choices. Our response to Him in this life determines our standing in the judgment to come.
  • Comfort in Just Judgment: For those who trust in Christ, there is comfort in knowing that the one who judges them is not an impersonal deity but the "Son of Man" who understands human frailties and temptations, having experienced them Himself. His judgment is perfectly just and righteous.
  • Call to Faith: This verse underscores the urgency of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. Those who believe in Him have already passed from death unto life (John 5:24), thereby escaping condemnation, while those who reject Him face His righteous judgment.
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.

  • Acts 10:42

    And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God [to be] the Judge of quick and dead.

  • John 5:22

    For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

  • Acts 17:31

    Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.

  • Daniel 7:13

    I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

  • Daniel 7:14

    And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

  • 1 Peter 3:22

    Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:25

    For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
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