John 5:28
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἔρχεται
is coming
G2064
ἔρχεται
is coming
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
5 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ᾗ
the which
G3739
ᾗ
the which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μνημείοις
the graves
G3419
μνημείοις
the graves
Strong's:
G3419
Word #:
13 of 17
a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 20:12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.Isaiah 26:19Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.Philippians 3:21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.1 Corinthians 15:22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Historical Context
Physical resurrection was debated in first-century Judaism—Pharisees affirmed it; Sadducees denied it. Jesus clearly affirms it. The universality ('all that are in the graves') includes believers and unbelievers, with different outcomes (verse 29). This confirms the literal, bodily nature of resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the relationship between the present spiritual resurrection and future physical resurrection?
- How does universal resurrection demonstrate Christ's absolute authority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice.' Jesus anticipates amazement and counsels against premature astonishment—greater things are coming. Physical resurrection will occur: 'all that are in the graves shall hear his voice.' This is universal—every human who has died will be raised by Christ's voice. The same voice that spoke creation speaks resurrection.