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,

Marvel {G2296} not {G3361} at this {G5124}: for {G3754} the hour {G5610} is coming {G2064}, in {G1722} the which {G3739} all {G3956} that are in {G1722} the graves {G3419} shall hear {G191} his {G846} voice {G5456},

Don’t be surprised at this; because the time is coming when all who are in the grave will hear his voice

Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice

Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice,

John 5:28 is a powerful declaration by Jesus Christ concerning a future, universal resurrection. It follows His assertion of divine authority to give life and execute judgment, emphasizing that His power extends even beyond the grave.

Context

This verse is part of a longer discourse by Jesus in Jerusalem, following the healing of a paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda. When challenged for healing on the Sabbath, Jesus declares His equality with God the Father, stating that He does only what the Father does and has been given all authority, including the authority to give life and to judge (John 5:22). He first speaks of a spiritual resurrection for those who hear His voice and believe (John 5:24-25), then transitions to the physical resurrection of all humanity in verses 28-29.

Key Themes

  • The Universal Resurrection: Jesus declares that an "hour is coming" when all who are deceased and in their graves will be raised. This is a profound statement about the future, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over death itself, a cornerstone of Christian eschatology.
  • Jesus' Authoritative Voice: The phrase "shall hear his voice" signifies the irresistible and life-giving power of Jesus' command. Just as He called Lazarus from the tomb (John 11:43), His voice will be the catalyst for this grand, universal awakening. This underscores His divine nature and ultimate authority.
  • Divine Certainty: "Marvel not at this" serves as an assurance from Jesus. He anticipates the astonishment of His listeners at such an incredible claim, yet He confirms its absolute certainty. This is not a possibility but a definite future event.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "marvel not" is mē thaumazete, which means "do not be astonished" or "do not wonder." Jesus uses this to calm any disbelief or surprise regarding the immense scope of His claim. The term "graves" (Greek: mnēmeiois) refers to tombs or memorial places, indicating those who have physically died and are buried, emphasizing the physical nature of this future resurrection.

Practical Application

  • Hope Beyond Death: For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and hope, assuring that physical death is not the final state. It points to a glorious future where death is conquered, aligning with other promises of the resurrection of the dead in Christ.
  • Universal Accountability: While focusing on the resurrection, this verse also sets the stage for the following one (John 5:29), which clarifies that this resurrection will lead to either a resurrection of life or a resurrection of damnation, underscoring the importance of one's response to Christ in this life.
  • Trust in Christ's Power: This passage reinforces Jesus' ultimate authority over all creation, including life and death. It invites us to place our complete trust in Him, knowing He holds the keys to life, death, and the future.
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.

  • Revelation 20:12

    And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:14

    For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17

    Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

  • Isaiah 26:19

    Thy dead [men] shall live, [together with] my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew [is as] the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:42

    So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:54

    So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

  • Job 19:25

    For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:
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