John 5:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πατὴρ
the Father
G3962
πατὴρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
3 of 22
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
φιλεῖ
loveth
G5368
φιλεῖ
loveth
Strong's:
G5368
Word #:
4 of 22
to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸν
the Son
G5207
υἱὸν
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
6 of 22
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 22
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
ἃ
that
G3739
ἃ
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 22
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
ποιεῖ
doeth
G4160
ποιεῖ
doeth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
13 of 22
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μείζονα
G3173
μείζονα
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
15 of 22
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 22
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
ἔργα
works
G2041
ἔργα
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
19 of 22
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Cross References
John 3:35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.Matthew 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.2 Peter 1:17For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.John 17:26And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.John 15:15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
Historical Context
The 'greater works' include raising the dead (verse 21) and executing final judgment (verse 22). These divine prerogatives belong to the Son by the Father's loving delegation. The progression from physical healing to resurrection to judgment escalates Jesus' claims.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Father's love for the Son express itself in shared knowledge and authority?
- What 'greater works' has Christ accomplished that should produce marvel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'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.' Divine love produces complete transparency—the Father shows the Son everything. Greater works are coming—presumably resurrection and final judgment (verses 21-29). These will produce marvel (thaumazo)—astonishment at divine power. The Bethesda healing is just the beginning.