For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

JOHN 5:20KJV
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John 5:20 (KJV)

What does John 5:20 mean?

John 5:20 says that God the Father deeply loves Jesus the Son and openly shows him everything he does, and that even greater works will be shown to Jesus so that those watching will be amazed. This verse highlights the close relationship between the Father and the Son, and hints that even more remarkable things are coming.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a group of Jewish leaders who are questioning him after he healed a man on the Sabbath. Jesus explains that his actions are not independent but are in perfect unity with God the Father. The verse sets up the idea that the miracles and works Jesus does are not just his own, but are fully revealed to him by the Father, showing both intimacy and authority.

The Greek behind John 5:20

  • The word "loveth" is φιλέω (phileō), which often describes a warm, affectionate love, like that of close friends or family. This emphasizes the deep, personal bond between the Father and the Son.
  • The word "sheweth" is δεικνύω (deiknyō), meaning to show or make known. Here, it means the Father is not hiding anything from the Son but is openly sharing all his works.
  • The phrase "greater works" uses μείζων (meizōn), meaning "greater" or "more impressive." Jesus hints that even more astonishing things than the healing just witnessed will be revealed, preparing the listeners for what is to come.

Why John 5:20 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Jesus acts independently from God; it stresses that everything Jesus does comes directly from the Father’s guidance and love.
  • John 5:20 prepares the reader for the bigger miracles and teachings that will follow, showing that Jesus’ authority and power are rooted in his relationship with God.
  • The verse highlights the unique closeness between Jesus and God, which is a key theme in the Gospel of John and helps explain why Jesus’ actions are so significant.

Where else these words appear

“loveth” Greek G5368 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
  • John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

“sheweth” Greek G1166 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
  • James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

“greater” Greek G3187 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
  • Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
  • John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

“marvel” Greek G2296 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • Luke 1:63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
  • John 7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?