John 5:17
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀπεκρίνατο
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίνατο
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
4 of 13
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 13
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
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατήρ
Father
G3962
πατήρ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
7 of 13
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ἕως
hitherto
G2193
ἕως
hitherto
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
9 of 13
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
ἐργάζομαι
work
G2038
ἐργάζομαι
work
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
11 of 13
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
Cross References
John 14:10Believest 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.John 9:4I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.Colossians 1:16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:1 Corinthians 12:6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;Acts 17:28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.Isaiah 40:26Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.Acts 14:17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.Matthew 10:29Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
Historical Context
Jewish theology recognized God's ongoing activity on Sabbath—babies are born, people die, providence continues. Jesus claims the same authority. The Jews immediately recognized this as a claim to deity (verse 18), escalating their opposition from Sabbath-breaking to blasphemy charges.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' claim to work as the Father works assert His deity?
- What does God's continuous work teach about the purpose of Sabbath rest?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus defends His Sabbath work: 'My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.' God doesn't cease all activity on Sabbath—He sustains creation, gives life, exercises providence. If the Father works, the Son works. This claim to partnership with God in continuous divine activity asserts equality. Jesus' Sabbath healing isn't law-breaking but God-imitating. He shares the Father's prerogative of sovereign beneficence.