John 5:21
For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
the Father
G3962
πατὴρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
4 of 16
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ἐγείρει
raiseth up
G1453
ἐγείρει
raiseth up
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
5 of 16
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
13 of 16
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
οὓς
whom
G3739
οὓς
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Romans 8:11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.Deuteronomy 32:39See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.Acts 26:8Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?John 11:25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:John 17:2As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.1 Kings 17:21And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again.2 Kings 5:7And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.
Historical Context
This claim would be fulfilled in raising Lazarus (John 11), the widow's son (Luke 7), and Jairus's daughter (Mark 5). Ultimately, it points to the general resurrection at the last day (verses 28-29). Jesus claims power over life and death—the ultimate divine prerogative.
Questions for Reflection
- How does raising the dead demonstrate divine authority?
- What does 'whom he will' teach about the Son's sovereign freedom in giving life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.' Raising the dead is God's exclusive prerogative (Deuteronomy 32:39). Jesus claims this same power—giving life to whomever He chooses. The 'whom he will' emphasizes sovereign choice. This isn't mere prophetic delegation (Elijah, Elisha raising dead) but divine prerogative exercised sovereignly. The Son gives life by His own authority.