That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

JOHN 5:23KJV
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John 5:23 (KJV)

What does John 5:23 mean?

John 5:23 says that everyone should honor the Son (Jesus) in the same way they honor the Father (God), and that not honoring the Son means not honoring the Father who sent him. The verse stresses that respect for Jesus is inseparable from respect for God.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to Jewish leaders who are questioning his authority and actions. He makes a strong statement about his relationship with God, saying that honoring him is just as important as honoring God the Father. This sets the stage for understanding Jesus’ unique role and the unity between him and the Father in the Gospel of John.

The Greek behind John 5:23

  • "τιμή" (timáō, G5091) — translated as "honour": This word means to value, respect, or show reverence. The repeated use in this verse underlines that the same kind of honor given to God is expected for Jesus.
  • "υἱός" (huios, G5207) — translated as "Son": This points directly to Jesus’ identity and relationship to God, which is central to the claim being made.
  • "πατήρ" (patēr, G3962) — translated as "Father": This emphasizes the personal and relational aspect of God as Father, not just a distant deity.
  • "πέμπω" (pempō, G3992) — translated as "sent": This highlights that Jesus’ authority and mission come directly from God, reinforcing the connection between honoring Jesus and honoring God.

Why John 5:23 matters

  • John 5:23 clarifies that honoring Jesus is not optional or secondary for those who want to honor God; the two are directly linked.
  • The verse addresses a common misunderstanding that one can respect God while rejecting Jesus, making clear that the two cannot be separated according to Jesus’ own words.
  • This statement fits into the larger context of John 5, where Jesus explains his authority and unity with the Father, helping readers understand why his claims were so controversial to his audience.

Where else these words appear

“honour” Greek G5091 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
  • Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
  • John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

“sent” Greek G3992 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • John 7:18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
  • Acts 19:31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.