John 5:19

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ἀπεκρίνατο
G611
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#2
οὖν
G3767
Then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
Ἰησοῦς
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#5
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
εἶπεν
G2036
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#7
αὐτοῖς
G846
unto them
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
#8
ἀμὴν
G281
Verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#9
ἀμὴν
G281
Verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#10
λέγω
G3004
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#11
ὑμῖν
G5213
unto you
to (with or by) you
#12
οὐ
G3756
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#13
δύναται
G1410
can
to be able or possible
#14
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
υἱὸς
G5207
The Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#16
ποιεῖ
G4160
do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#17
ἀφ'
G575
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#18
ἑαυτοῦ
G1438
himself
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#19
οὐδὲν
G3762
nothing
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#20
ἐὰν
G1437
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#21
μή
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#22
τι
G5100
what
some or any person or object
#23
βλέπῃ
G991
he seeth
to look at (literally or figuratively)
#24
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
πατέρα
G3962
the Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#26
ποιεῖ
G4160
do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#27
ἃ
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#28
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#29
ἂν
G302
what things soever
whatsoever
#30
ἐκεῖνος
G1565
he
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
#31
ποιεῖ
G4160
do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#32
ταῦτα
G5023
these
these things
#33
καὶ
G2532
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#34
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#35
υἱὸς
G5207
The Son
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#36
ὁμοίως
G3668
likewise
similarly
#37
ποιεῖ
G4160
do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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