Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

JOHN 5:24KJV
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John 5:24 (KJV)

What does John 5:24 mean?

John 5:24 says that anyone who listens to Jesus’ message and trusts the One who sent him already has eternal life and will not face judgment, but has crossed over from spiritual death to life. This is a promise of present and lasting life for those who respond with faith to Jesus’ words.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem, explaining his unique authority and relationship with God the Father. He emphasizes that hearing and believing are both needed—listening to his teaching and trusting God who sent him. The verse assures listeners that this faith brings a real, present change: moving from a state of separation from God (“death”) to a new, secure relationship with God (“life”).

The Greek behind John 5:24

  • “Verily, verily” (ἀμὴν ἀμὴν, amēn amēn): This phrase means “truly, truly” and is used by Jesus to stress the absolute truth and importance of what he is about to say.
  • “Word” (λόγος, logos): This term means more than just a spoken word; it often refers to a message, teaching, or even a deeper truth. Here, it highlights the weight and authority of Jesus’ teaching.
  • “Condemnation” (κρίσις, krisis): This word is often understood as “judgment” or “condemnation.” The verse promises that those who believe will not come into this kind of judgment, pointing to freedom from final spiritual penalty.
  • “Passed” (μεταβέβηκεν, metabebēken): This verb means to move from one place or state to another. It stresses that the change from death to life is decisive and has already happened for the believer.

Why John 5:24 matters

  • John 5:24 clarifies that eternal life is not only a future hope but also a present reality for those who believe, correcting the idea that it is only about what happens after death.
  • The verse highlights the close link between hearing Jesus’ message and trusting God, showing that true faith involves both listening and believing.
  • In the context of John 5, this statement sets up Jesus’ teaching about his authority to give life and judge, helping readers understand why his words carry such weight.

Where else these words appear

“passed” Greek G3327 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 8:34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
  • Matthew 15:29 And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.
  • John 7:3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

“condemnation” Greek G2920 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
  • Luke 11:31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
  • 1 Timothy 5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

“everlasting” Greek G166 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
  • John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
  • 1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

“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.