John 5:25
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
1 of 24
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
ἔρχεται
is coming
G2064
ἔρχεται
is coming
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
6 of 24
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
9 of 24
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνῆς
the voice
G5456
φωνῆς
the voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
16 of 24
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοῦ
of the Son
G5207
υἱοῦ
of the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
18 of 24
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
20 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 5:28Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,Ephesians 2:5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)Ephesians 5:14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.John 4:23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.Revelation 3:1And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.John 8:47He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.Colossians 2:13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;Ephesians 2:1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;Romans 6:4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.John 5:21For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean for the spiritually dead to 'hear' Christ's voice?
- How does spiritual resurrection in the present anticipate physical resurrection in the future?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.