Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

JOHN 5:28KJV
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John 5:28 (KJV)

What does John 5:28 mean?

John 5:28 says not to be surprised, because a time is coming when everyone who has died will hear the voice of Jesus. This verse points to a future event when those in their graves will respond to his call.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, including religious leaders, after healing a man on the Sabbath. He is explaining his authority and the coming resurrection. The verse stresses that this resurrection will be universal—“all that are in the graves”—and that it will happen at a specific time determined by God.

The Greek behind John 5:28

  • The word for "graves" is μνημεῖον (mnēmeion), which means tomb or burial place. This shows that Jesus is talking about those who have physically died, not just a spiritual condition.
  • The word for "hear" is ἀκούω (akouō), which means to listen or pay attention. In this context, it suggests an active response to Jesus’ voice, not just a passive hearing.
  • The word for "voice" is φωνή (phōnē), meaning sound or call. The verse emphasizes that it is specifically Jesus’ voice that will summon the dead.

Why John 5:28 matters

  • John 5:28 clarifies that Jesus is speaking about a literal resurrection, not just a metaphorical or spiritual awakening.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ authority, showing that even those who have died will respond to him.
  • This statement connects to the larger theme in John 5, where Jesus explains his unique relationship with God the Father and his power over life and death.

Where else these words appear

“graves” Greek G3419 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 8:28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • John 11:31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

“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?

“hour” Greek G5610 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
  • Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
  • John 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

“voice” Greek G5456 · used in 129 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
  • Revelation 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;