John 5:30

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

I {G1473} can {G1410} of {G575} mine own self {G1683} do {G4160} nothing {G3756}{G3762}: as {G2531} I hear {G191}, I judge {G2919}: and {G2532} my {G1699} judgment {G2920} is {G2076} just {G1342}; because {G3754} I seek {G2212} not {G3756} mine own {G1699} will {G2307}, but {G235} the will {G2307} of the Father {G3962} which hath sent {G3992} me {G3165}.

I canโ€™t do a thing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is right; because I donโ€™t seek my own desire, but the desire of the one who sent me.

I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

I can of myself do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is righteous; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Commentary

Context

John 5:30 is a pivotal statement by Jesus within a larger discourse where He defends His authority and actions to Jewish leaders. This conversation follows Jesus' healing of a lame man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, which sparked controversy. The Jewish leaders accused Him not only of breaking the Sabbath but, more profoundly, of making Himself equal with God (John 5:18). In response, Jesus elaborates on His unique relationship with the Father, emphasizing His complete dependence and perfect alignment with God's will. Verse 30 summarizes this profound theological truth, asserting that His power, judgment, and purpose are entirely derived from and directed by the Father who sent Him.

Key Themes

  • Divine Dependence and Unity: Jesus' declaration, "I can of mine own self do nothing," does not imply a lack of power but rather a perfect, willing submission and unity with God the Father. It highlights the profound harmony and cooperation within the Trinity. His actions are not independent initiatives but perfect expressions of the Father's will, echoing His declaration in John 10:30, "I and my Father are one."
  • Just Judgment: Jesus states, "as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just." His judgment is inherently righteous because it is not based on personal bias or limited human understanding, but on what He "hears" from the Father. This signifies a direct, unmediated reception of divine truth and purpose, ensuring His verdicts are always equitable and true.
  • Perfect Obedience and Humility: The core reason for His just judgment is His unwavering commitment: "because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." This demonstrates Jesus' ultimate humility and perfect obedience, setting aside any personal desires to fulfill the divine mission. This is a foundational aspect of His messianic role, as seen throughout the Gospels.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I can of mine own self do nothing" translates the Greek ap' emautou ou dunamai poiein ouden. The emphasis is on ap' emautou, meaning "from myself" or "by my own initiative." It signifies that Jesus' actions do not originate from an independent will separate from the Father's, but are always in perfect concert with Him. The word "hear" (Greek: akouล) implies not just passive listening, but active comprehension and reception of instruction, reinforcing the idea of continuous divine communication and guidance.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as Jesus modeled perfect dependence on the Father, we are called to live lives of humble reliance on God. Our decisions, actions, and even our judgments should not stem from selfish desires or limited human wisdom, but from seeking and aligning with God's revealed will. This requires attentive "hearing" through prayer, studying Scripture, and listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Embracing this divine dependence leads to a more righteous life and a deeper, more fruitful relationship with God, allowing His purposes to be accomplished through us.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 6:38 (34 votes)

    For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

  • John 5:19 (29 votes)

    Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

  • John 4:34 (28 votes)

    Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

  • John 14:10 (22 votes)

    Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

  • Matthew 26:39 (19 votes)

    And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt].

  • John 8:28 (16 votes)

    Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am [he], and [that] I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

  • John 8:15 (14 votes)

    Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.