John 5:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 5:29 presents a profound and sobering declaration from Jesus Christ concerning the universal resurrection of humanity, leading to a definitive and righteous judgment. This verse underscores the eternal consequences of one's earthly actions, revealing two distinct and ultimate destinies: a resurrection unto eternal life for those who have done good, and a resurrection unto condemnation for those who have done evil. It powerfully asserts Christ's absolute authority over life, death, and final judgment, emphasizing the pivotal nature of human choices in light of divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' extensive discourse in [John chapter 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Judgment"), where He asserts His divine authority and equality with God the Father. Immediately preceding this verse, in [John 5:28](/john/5-28 "John 5:28 - All in Graves Hear His Voice"), Jesus declares that "all that are in the graves shall hear his voice," setting the stage for the universal nature of the resurrection. The subsequent verse, [John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Judges Righteously"), further elaborates on the righteousness of Jesus' judgment, affirming that He judges as He hears, and His judgment is just because He seeks the Father's will. This entire discourse is framed by Jesus' healing of the paralytic on the Sabbath in [John 5:1-9](/john/5-1-9 "John 5:1-9 - Healing at the Pool of Bethesda"), which provoked opposition from the Jewish leaders, leading to His profound claims about His relationship with the Father and His role in salvation and judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the belief in a future resurrection was diverse but generally accepted, particularly among the Pharisees (cf. [Acts 23:8](/acts/23-8 "Acts 23:8 - Pharisees and Sadducees on Resurrection")). However, the specific nature and outcome of this resurrection, especially regarding individual accountability and judgment, were subjects of ongoing theological discussion. Jesus' declaration in [John 5:29](/john/5-29 "John 5:29 - Resurrection of Life and Damnation") would have resonated with these eschatological expectations, yet it also presented a radical clarification: the resurrection would lead to distinct, eternal outcomes based on one's life. The concept of divine judgment based on deeds was deeply ingrained in Jewish thought, as evidenced in Old Testament passages like [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Many Sleep in Dust, Some to Everlasting Life, Some to Shame"). Jesus’ teaching here affirms and sharpens this expectation, placing Himself at the center of this ultimate judicial process.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [John chapter 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Judgment") that this verse contributes to include **Jesus' Divine Authority**, particularly His authority over life and death, and His role as the ultimate Judge. The declaration of a universal resurrection underscores His **Sovereignty over Creation and Humanity**. The stark contrast between "resurrection of life" and "resurrection of damnation" highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Accountability**, emphasizing that human actions have eternal consequences. This also implicitly touches upon the theme of **Salvation by Grace through Faith**, as the "good" deeds are understood not as meritorious works earning salvation, but as the fruit and evidence of a life transformed by genuine faith in Christ, while "evil" deeds signify a life apart from God, as explored in passages like [Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8-10 "Ephesians 2:8-10 - Saved by Grace Through Faith for Good Works").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Resurrection (Greek, _anástasis'_):** From G386, meaning "a standing up again," or "a rising again." In this context, it refers specifically to the physical reanimation of the body from death. It signifies a universal event where all who have died will be raised, emphasizing the power of God (and specifically, Christ) to overcome death itself.
* **Life (Greek, _zōḗ'_):** From G2222, referring to "life (literally or figuratively)." Here, _zōḗ_ denotes not merely biological existence (_bios_), but eternal, spiritual life—the divine, unending life of God that is imparted to believers. It signifies a state of blessedness, fellowship with God, and participation in His eternal kingdom.
* **Evil (Greek, _phaûlos'_):** From G5337, meaning "foul" or "flawy," and figuratively, "wicked." This word describes actions that are morally corrupt, base, or worthless in God's sight. It encompasses deeds that are not merely imperfect but fundamentally contrary to God's righteous character and will, reflecting a heart alienated from Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And shall come forth;"**: This introductory phrase, connected to the preceding verse ([John 5:28](/john/5-28 "John 5:28 - All in Graves Hear His Voice")), confirms the universality of the resurrection. Every individual who has died, regardless of their moral standing, will be summoned from their graves and brought into existence again. This highlights the irresistible power of Christ's voice and His absolute authority over the realm of the dead.
* **"they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life;"**: This clause specifies the first of two distinct outcomes. "They that have done good" refers to those whose lives have been characterized by deeds consistent with God's will and righteousness. In the broader New Testament context, such "good works" are understood as the natural and inevitable fruit of genuine faith in Christ, not as a means to earn salvation. Their resurrection leads "unto the resurrection of life," signifying eternal, blessed existence in fellowship with God, characterized by divine vitality and unending joy.
* **"and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."**: This clause presents the contrasting and dire outcome. "They that have done evil" refers to those whose lives have been marked by actions contrary to God's commands, reflecting a rejection of His authority and a lack of saving faith. Their resurrection leads "unto the resurrection of damnation." The term "damnation" (Greek: _krisis_) implies a decisive judgment, condemnation, and separation from God's presence. This outcome signifies eternal punishment and alienation from the source of all life and goodness.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in [John 5:29](/john/5-29 "John 5:29 - Resurrection of Life and Damnation") is **Antithesis** (or **Dichotomy**). Jesus presents a stark and absolute contrast between two groups of people ("they that have done good" vs. "they that have done evil") and their corresponding eternal destinies ("resurrection of life" vs. "resurrection of damnation"). This sharp juxtaposition emphasizes the gravity of human choices and the definitive nature of divine judgment, leaving no room for a middle ground or alternative outcome. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as it anticipates the ultimate, final judgment described more fully in other New Testament passages, such as the Great White Throne Judgment in [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 5:29 is a cornerstone passage for Christian eschatology, affirming the biblical doctrine of a universal bodily resurrection followed by a righteous judgment. It underscores the profound truth that human existence does not end with physical death, but rather culminates in an eternal state determined by one's relationship with God, evidenced by their deeds. This verse highlights God's perfect justice, ensuring that all wrongs will be addressed and all righteousness rewarded. It also powerfully asserts Christ's unique role as the one appointed by the Father to execute this judgment, demonstrating His divine authority over both life and death. The "good" deeds are not presented as a means of earning salvation, but as the inevitable fruit of a heart transformed by faith, while "evil" deeds reveal a life apart from God.

* [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Many Sleep in Dust, Some to Everlasting Life, Some to Shame"): "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."
* [Acts 24:15](/acts/24-15 "Acts 24:15 - Resurrection of the Just and Unjust"): "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."
* [Revelation 20:12-13](/revelation/20-12-13 "Revelation 20:12-13 - Books Opened and the Dead Judged"): "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. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 5:29 serves as a profound and urgent summons to self-examination and a call to live with eternal perspective. It reminds us that every choice, every action, and every disposition of our hearts carries eternal weight. For the believer, this verse is not a source of fear, but a powerful motivation to "do good," understanding that these good works are the natural outflow of a life transformed by the Spirit and rooted in faith in Christ. It compels us to consider the quality of our lives, not merely in outward appearance, but in genuine alignment with God's will and character. For those yet to embrace Christ, it stands as a stark warning of the inevitable judgment and the dire consequences of a life lived apart from God. Ultimately, it calls us to embrace the "resurrection of life" by placing our faith in Jesus, who alone is the source of eternal life and the one who empowers us to live righteously.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of a future resurrection and judgment impact your daily choices and priorities?**
* **In what ways do your "good" deeds reflect a genuine faith in Christ, rather than an attempt to earn salvation?**
* **What aspects of your life might be characterized as "evil" in God's sight, and what steps can you take to align them with His will?**
* **How does the truth of John 5:29 motivate you to share the Gospel with others, offering them the hope of the "resurrection of life"?**

### FAQ

**Does John 5:29 mean that salvation is based on works?**

Answer: No, John 5:29 does not teach salvation by works. The New Testament consistently teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). The "good" deeds mentioned in this verse are understood as the *evidence* and *fruit* of genuine faith, not the *cause* of salvation. True faith in Christ naturally leads to a life characterized by obedience and good works, as God has prepared them for us to walk in ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - God's Workmanship for Good Works")). Conversely, "evil" deeds are the manifestation of a life lived apart from God and His transforming grace. The judgment is based on works because works reveal the true state of one's heart and their relationship with God.

**What is the "resurrection of damnation"?**

Answer: The "resurrection of damnation" refers to the raising of the unrighteous dead to face final judgment and eternal condemnation. The Greek word for "damnation" (_krisis_) implies a decisive judgment or separation. This is not merely an evaluation but a definitive pronouncement of guilt and the resulting eternal punishment, which involves eternal separation from God's presence and the blessedness of His kingdom. It stands in stark contrast to the "resurrection of life," which leads to eternal fellowship with God. This concept is further elaborated in passages describing the final judgment, such as [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 5:29 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' dual roles as both the **Resurrection and the Life** and the **Righteous Judge**. As the one whose voice calls all from the graves, Jesus demonstrates His absolute power over death, a power uniquely belonging to Him as the Son of God ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). His own resurrection from the dead is the firstfruits and guarantee of this universal resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Furthermore, the Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Committed All Judgment to the Son")), meaning that the distinction between the "resurrection of life" and the "resurrection of damnation" is made by Christ Himself, based on humanity's response to Him. Those who "do good" are, in the deepest sense, those who have believed in Him and whose lives bear the fruit of His Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")), while those who "do evil" are those who have rejected Him, remaining in their sin ([John 3:18-19](/john/3-18-19 "John 3:18-19 - He Who Believes Is Not Condemned")). Thus, John 5:29 powerfully points to Jesus as the pivotal figure upon whom all human destiny hinges, the one who both grants eternal life to believers and justly condemns those who refuse His saving grace.

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

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: