King James Version

What Does John 5:25 Mean?

John 5:25 in the King James Version says “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: an... — study this verse from John chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

John 5:25 · KJV


Context

23

That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

24

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

25

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

26

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

27

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.' The 'hour is coming, and now is' describes inaugurated eschatology—future realities breaking into the present. The dead who hear are spiritually dead, awakened by Christ's word. 'Hearing' implies more than auditory reception—it means receiving with faith. Those who truly hear Christ's voice pass from death to life.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus speaks of spiritual resurrection—the dead coming alive through His voice. This was happening in His ministry and continues through gospel proclamation. Physical resurrection awaits (verses 28-29), but spiritual resurrection occurs 'now' as people believe. The 'voice of the Son of God' gives life.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for the spiritually dead to 'hear' Christ's voice?
  2. How does spiritual resurrection in the present anticipate physical resurrection in the future?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ἀμὴν1 of 24

Verily

G281

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

ἀμὴν2 of 24

Verily

G281

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

λέγω3 of 24

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

ὑμῖν4 of 24

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι5 of 24
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἔρχεται6 of 24

is coming

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ὥρα7 of 24

The hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

καὶ8 of 24

and

G2532

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

νῦν9 of 24

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἐστιν10 of 24

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὅτε11 of 24

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

οἱ12 of 24
G3588

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

νεκροὶ13 of 24

the dead

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἀκούσαντες14 of 24

shall hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τῆς15 of 24
G3588

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

φωνῆς16 of 24

the voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

τοῦ17 of 24
G3588

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

υἱοῦ18 of 24

of the Son

G5207

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

τοῦ19 of 24
G3588

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

θεοῦ20 of 24

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ21 of 24

and

G2532

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

οἱ22 of 24
G3588

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

ἀκούσαντες23 of 24

shall hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ζήσονται24 of 24

shall live

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)


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 5:25 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 5:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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