John 5:26
For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
the Father
G3962
πατὴρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
4 of 17
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ἔχειν
hath
G2192
ἔχειν
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
5 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἑαυτῷ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτῷ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
8 of 17
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
οὕτως
G3779
ἔδωκεν
hath he given
G1325
ἔδωκεν
hath he given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
10 of 17
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
καὶ
so
G2532
καὶ
so
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱῷ
to the Son
G5207
υἱῷ
to the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
13 of 17
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
John 1:4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.John 11:26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?Exodus 3:14And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Jeremiah 10:10But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.Revelation 22:17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.Psalms 36:9For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.1 Corinthians 15:45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.1 Timothy 6:16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.1 Timothy 1:17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Historical Context
This verse grounds Jesus' ability to give life. Unlike prophets who were conduits of divine power, Jesus possesses life-giving power in Himself. He doesn't merely transmit life; He is life (John 14:6). Theologians term this 'aseity'—self-existence—and Jesus claims it.
Questions for Reflection
- What does having 'life in himself' mean, and how does it distinguish Jesus from all other beings?
- How does the Son's possession of self-existent life relate to His ability to give eternal life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.' God possesses life essentially—not derived from any source but self-existent. Jesus claims the same: life 'in himself.' This is not creaturely life received from another but divine life possessed intrinsically. While 'given' in eternal generation, the Son possesses life as the Father does—absolutely, essentially, independently. He is life's source, not merely its recipient.