For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

JOHN 5:21KJV
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John 5:21 (KJV)

What does John 5:21 mean?

John 5:21 says that just as God the Father raises the dead and gives them life, Jesus the Son also gives life to whomever he chooses. This verse highlights that Jesus shares in the divine power to give life, putting him on equal footing with God in this important way.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to Jewish leaders who are challenging his authority after he healed a man on the Sabbath. Jesus responds by explaining his unique relationship with God the Father. He claims not only to act with God’s authority but also to have the power to give life—something only God was believed to do. This statement sets the stage for the deeper discussion about Jesus’ identity and authority that follows in the chapter.

The Greek behind John 5:21

  • The word "quickeneth" (ζωοποιέω, zōopoieō) means "to make alive" or "to give life." In this context, it goes beyond physical healing and points to the power to grant life itself, a role reserved for God.
  • The phrase "whom he will" (ὃς θέλει, hos thelei) shows that Jesus has the authority and freedom to choose whom he gives life to, emphasizing his divine prerogative.
  • The word "raiseth up" (ἐγείρω, egeirō) is often used for raising someone from the dead, highlighting the miraculous and divine nature of this act.

Why John 5:21 matters

  • John 5:21 clarifies that Jesus claims the same life-giving power as God the Father, which was a radical and controversial claim in his Jewish context.
  • This verse helps explain why Jesus’ actions and words caused such a strong reaction from the religious leaders—they understood he was making himself equal with God.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in John’s Gospel about Jesus’ identity as the source of life, both now and in the resurrection to come.

Where else these words appear

“quickeneth” Greek G2227 · used in 11 verses

  • John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

“as” Greek G5618 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
  • Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
  • 1 Corinthians 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

“dead” Greek G3498 · used in 123 verses

  • Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
  • Acts 4:2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

“up” Greek G1453 · used in 135 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
  • Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;