John 5:30
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Original Language Analysis
ποιεῖν
do
G4160
ποιεῖν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
4 of 31
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἀπ'
of
G575
ἀπ'
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 31
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἐμαυτοῦ
mine own self
G1683
ἐμαυτοῦ
mine own self
Strong's:
G1683
Word #:
6 of 31
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
οὐδέν·
G3762
οὐδέν·
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
7 of 31
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κρίσις
judgment
G2920
κρίσις
judgment
Strong's:
G2920
Word #:
13 of 31
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δικαία
just
G1342
δικαία
just
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
16 of 31
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
18 of 31
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ζητῶ
I seek
G2212
ζητῶ
I seek
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
20 of 31
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημα
the will
G2307
θέλημα
the will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
22 of 31
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
25 of 31
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημα
the will
G2307
θέλημα
the will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
27 of 31
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 6:38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.John 5:19Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.John 14:10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.Matthew 26:39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.John 8:28Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.Romans 15:3For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.John 8:42Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.John 8:50And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.Psalms 96:13Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Historical Context
This returns to verse 19's theme of Father-Son unity. Far from claiming autonomous power, Jesus emphasizes His work as expressing the Father's will. This subordination in economy (role) doesn't imply subordination in essence (nature). The Son's willing submission demonstrates love, not inferiority.
Questions for Reflection
- How does seeking the Father's will ensure just judgment?
- What does Jesus' dependence on the Father teach about doing God's will?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.' Jesus reaffirms dependence on the Father—not inadequacy but perfect alignment. His judgment is just because it reflects the Father's will, not personal agenda. Independence from the Father would mean injustice; dependence ensures righteousness. The Son's submission guarantees judgment's justice.