King James Version

What Does John 5:19 Mean?

John 5:19 in the King James Version says “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he s... — study this verse from John chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 5:19 · KJV


Context

17

But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto , and I work.

18

Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

19

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.

20

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

21

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus explains His relationship to the Father: '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.' This isn't inferiority but unity. The Son doesn't act independently because Father and Son always act in harmony. Jesus sees and imitates the Father's actions perfectly. This is not inability but intimate cooperation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The double 'verily' (amen, amen) introduces solemn truth. Jesus' explanation reveals intra-Trinitarian relationships: the Son observes and replicates the Father's work. This answers the charge that He acts independently of God—quite the opposite, He acts in perfect union with Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' inability to act independently demonstrate unity rather than inferiority?
  2. What does this verse teach about the relationship between Father and Son in the Trinity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 37 words
Ἀπεκρίνατο1 of 37

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

οὖν2 of 37

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

3 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 37

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ5 of 37

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν6 of 37

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς7 of 37

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀμὴν8 of 37

Verily

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

ἀμὴν9 of 37

Verily

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω10 of 37

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν11 of 37

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

οὐ12 of 37
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δύναται13 of 37

can

G1410

to be able or possible

14 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱὸς15 of 37

The Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

ποιεῖ16 of 37

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἀφ'17 of 37

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἑαυτοῦ18 of 37

himself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

οὐδὲν19 of 37

nothing

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἐὰν20 of 37
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

μή21 of 37
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τι22 of 37

what

G5100

some or any person or object

βλέπῃ23 of 37

he seeth

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

τὸν24 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατέρα25 of 37

the Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ποιεῖ26 of 37

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

27 of 37
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

γὰρ28 of 37

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἂν29 of 37

what things soever

G302

whatsoever

ἐκεῖνος30 of 37

he

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ποιεῖ31 of 37

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ταῦτα32 of 37

these

G5023

these things

καὶ33 of 37

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

34 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱὸς35 of 37

The Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

ὁμοίως36 of 37

likewise

G3668

similarly

ποιεῖ37 of 37

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 5:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 5:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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