John 4:53

So the father knew that [it was] at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

So {G3767} the father {G3962} knew {G1097} that {G3754} it was at {G1722} the same {G1565} hour {G5610}, in {G1722} the which {G3739} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto him {G846},{G3754} Thy {G4675} son {G5207} liveth {G2198}: and {G2532} himself {G846} believed {G4100}, and {G2532} his {G846} whole {G3650} house {G3614}.

The father knew that that was the very hour when Yeshua had told him, “Your son is alive”; and he and all his household trusted.

Then the father realized that this was the very hour in which Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And he and all his household believed.

So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

Commentary

Context

John 4:53 concludes the narrative of the healing of the nobleman's son, a significant miracle that serves as Jesus' second sign performed in Cana of Galilee (see John 4:46-54). The father, a royal official from Capernaum, had desperately sought Jesus, whose reputation for miracles was spreading. His son was at the point of death, and he pleaded with Jesus to come and heal him. Jesus, without physically going to Capernaum, simply declared, "Thy son liveth." This verse highlights the immediate and powerful confirmation of that spoken word.

Key Themes

  • The Authority of Jesus' Word: This miracle powerfully demonstrates that Jesus' authority transcends physical presence and distance. His spoken word alone is sufficient to bring about healing and life, even from afar. The precision of the healing occurring "at the same hour" Jesus spoke emphasizes the immediate and direct power of His command.
  • Faith and Evidence: The nobleman initially came to Jesus out of desperation, a form of emergent faith. However, upon returning home and discovering the exact timing of his son's recovery, his belief transitioned from a desperate hope to a deep, transformative conviction. This experience solidified his faith, rooted in undeniable evidence of Jesus' divine power.
  • Household Salvation: A profound outcome of this miracle is that not only the nobleman believed, but his "whole house" also believed. This illustrates the ripple effect of one person's faith and encounter with Christ, leading to spiritual transformation for an entire family. It foreshadows the concept of household salvation often seen in the New Testament.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Thy son liveth" (Greek: ho huios sou zēi) is a simple yet profound declaration. The verb zēi (liveth) is in the present tense, emphasizing the immediate and ongoing reality of the son's life, not just a future possibility. This direct, authoritative declaration underscores Jesus' power to bring life instantly and completely, a testament to His divine nature.

Practical Application

John 4:53 encourages believers today to trust in the power and authority of Jesus' word, even when circumstances seem impossible or when physical presence is absent. It teaches us that:

  • Believe His Word: We are called to believe Jesus' promises and declarations, knowing that His word is effective and true, regardless of our immediate perception of the outcome. This mirrors the faith of the nobleman who took Jesus at His word before seeing the result.
  • The Ripple Effect of Faith: Our personal faith and encounter with Christ can have a profound spiritual impact on our families and communities. The nobleman's experience serves as an inspiration for us to live out our faith, knowing it can lead others to believe.
  • Jesus' Authority Over All Things: This miracle, like the healing of the centurion's servant in Matthew 8, reminds us that Jesus' power is not limited by distance, time, or the severity of any illness. He is sovereign over all creation.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 19:9 (4 votes)

    And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

  • Psalms 107:20 (4 votes)

    He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered [them] from their destructions.

  • Acts 18:8 (3 votes)

    And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

  • Acts 11:14 (3 votes)

    Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

  • Acts 16:34 (3 votes)

    And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

  • Acts 2:39 (2 votes)

    For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.

  • Matthew 8:8 (2 votes)

    The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.