John 5:29

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

And {G2532} shall come forth {G1607}; they that have done {G4160} good {G18}, unto {G1519} the resurrection {G386} of life {G2222}; and {G1161} they that have done {G4238} evil {G5337}, unto {G1519} the resurrection {G386} of damnation {G2920}.

and come out — those who have done good to a resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to a resurrection of judgment.

and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.

John 5:29 is a powerful declaration from Jesus Christ concerning the ultimate destiny of humanity, emphasizing a universal resurrection followed by a righteous judgment. It underscores the profound consequences of one's actions during life, leading either to eternal life or condemnation.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' broader discourse in John chapter 5, where He asserts His divine authority and equality with God the Father. Having just stated that "all that are in the graves shall hear his voice" (John 5:28), Jesus immediately clarifies the outcome of this universal resurrection. He has already declared that the Father has given Him the authority to execute judgment (John 5:27), setting the stage for this definitive statement on the two distinct destinies.

Key Themes

  • Universal Resurrection: The verse explicitly states that all who are in the graves will "come forth," indicating that every human being, regardless of their actions, will be raised from the dead. This highlights the absolute power of Jesus over death itself.
  • Divine Judgment: The resurrection is not an end in itself but leads to a decisive judgment. This judgment is based on the deeds done in the body, distinguishing between "they that have done good" and "they that have done evil."
  • Two Destinies: The verse presents a stark dichotomy: the "resurrection of life" and the "resurrection of damnation." This separation emphasizes the eternal consequences of one's earthly life, with no middle ground.
  • Works as Evidence: While salvation is by grace through faith, this verse, like others (e.g., James 2:17), indicates that good works are the natural outflow and evidence of genuine faith, just as evil works are evidence of a life apart from God.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Resurrection" (Greek: anastasis): This term literally means "a standing up again" or "a rising again," emphasizing the physical reanimation of the body.
  • "Life" (Greek: zoe): In this context, zoe often refers to eternal, spiritual life, the divine life of God that is imparted to believers, contrasting with mere biological existence (bios). It signifies fellowship with God and unending blessedness.
  • "Damnation" (Greek: krisis): This word is often translated as "judgment" or "condemnation." It implies a decisive separation and a judicial sentence. It's not merely an evaluation but a definitive pronouncement of guilt and the resulting punishment. The "resurrection of damnation" leads to eternal separation from God's presence.

Practical Application

John 5:29 serves as a profound reminder of the reality of a future accounting before God. It compels believers and non-believers alike to consider:

  • The Seriousness of Life: Every choice and action has eternal implications. This verse underscores the importance of living a life that reflects God's will, not out of fear, but out of love and obedience.
  • The Assurance of Justice: For those who suffer injustice in this life, this verse offers the comfort that ultimate justice will be served by Christ, who sees and knows all.
  • Motivation for Righteousness: The prospect of the "resurrection of life" should motivate believers to "do good," which, in the biblical sense, flows from a heart transformed by faith in Christ. This "good" is not a means to earn salvation, but the natural fruit of a renewed spirit and a life lived in accordance with God's commands, as outlined in Ephesians 2:10.
  • The Urgency of Faith: Given the two distinct outcomes, the verse implicitly calls for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who is the source of eternal life (John 3:16).

Ultimately, John 5:29 highlights Jesus' supreme authority as the Son of God, not only to give life but also to judge all humanity, ensuring that every individual faces the consequences of their deeds in light of His perfect righteousness.

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.

  • Daniel 12:2

    And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.

  • Daniel 12:3

    And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

  • Romans 2:6

    Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

  • Romans 2:10

    But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

  • Acts 24:15

    And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

  • Luke 14:14

    And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

  • Matthew 25:31

    When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

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