John 5 24

John 5:24 kjv

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 5:24 nkjv

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

John 5:24 niv

"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

John 5:24 esv

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

John 5:24 nlt

"I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.

John 5 verses

John 5 24 Meaning

John 5:24 is a profound declaration by Jesus concerning the immediate spiritual benefits bestowed upon those who truly receive His words and trust in the Father who sent Him. It reveals the path to eternal life, liberation from condemnation, and an immediate transition from spiritual death to life, solely through faith in Him and the Father. It highlights the power and authority of Jesus's words as divine and salvific.

John 5 24 Context

John chapter 5 narrates Jesus's healing of an invalid at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, sparking controversy with the Jewish religious authorities. When confronted, Jesus declares that He works with the Father and that the Father works through Him (John 5:17). This claim of equality with God the Father led to the Jews seeking to kill Him (John 5:18). In response, Jesus elaborates on His divine authority, particularly in judgment and giving life (John 5:19-23). Verse 24 is a pivotal summary of these claims, emphasizing the immediate and eternal benefits of belief in Him and the Father, presented as an urgent spiritual reality for His audience, directly contrasting the previous legalistic accusations of the religious leaders. This declaration follows Jesus's assertion that the Father has given all judgment to the Son (John 5:22).

John 5 24 Word analysis

• Truly, truly: (Greek: Amēn Amēn - Ἀμὴν ἀμὴν). A powerful double affirmation used frequently by Jesus, emphasizing the absolute truth and solemnity of His subsequent statement. It often precedes a foundational revelation, commanding attention and asserting divine authority. It signifies that what follows is profoundly significant and trustworthy.
• I say to you: Denotes a personal declaration by Jesus, asserting His unique authority as a speaker of divine truth. This is not mere human wisdom but divine revelation.
• whoever hears: (Greek: ho akouōn - ὁ ἀκούων). Refers not merely to the physical act of hearing, but to an active, understanding, and responsive reception of the message. It implies spiritual attentiveness and willingness to receive the truth.
• my word: (Greek: mou ton logon - μου τὸν λόγον). Refers specifically to the teaching, message, and Person of Jesus Himself. It encompasses all that He has spoken and revealed about God and salvation. Jesus's "word" is dynamic and effective, carrying His authority and power.
• and believes: (Greek: kai pisteuōn - καὶ πιστεύων). Denotes active faith, trust, and reliance on Jesus's words and person. It's more than intellectual assent; it involves a wholehearted commitment and surrender to the truth revealed. This belief is not merely in Jesus's word but also in the One who sent Him.
• Him who sent me: Refers to God the Father. This phrase underlines Jesus's divine mission and unity with the Father. Believing in Jesus inherently involves believing in the Father's ultimate authority and divine plan for salvation. It counters the idea that Jesus is acting independently, asserting His co-equality and obedience to the Father's will.
• has eternal life: (Greek: echei zōēn aiōnion - ἔχει ζωὴν αἰώνιον). The tense "has" (echei) signifies a present possession, not merely a future hope. Eternal life begins at the moment of belief, characterized by a relationship with God through Jesus, possessing the very quality of God's life, and a life that transcends mortal existence, continuing forever. This is a gift, not earned.
• and does not come into judgment: (Greek: kai eis krisin ouk erchetai - καὶ εἰς κρίσιν οὐκ ἔρχεται). Signifies an exemption from condemnation for eternal punishment. Those who believe are already justified and reconciled to God, therefore not subject to the verdict of eternal damnation. This stands in contrast to the judgment awaiting those who reject Him.
• but has passed over: (Greek: alla metabebēken - ἀλλὰ μεταβέβηκεν). The perfect tense emphasizes a completed action with ongoing results. It implies a definitive, once-for-all transition. It's a settled reality.
• from death into life: This refers to a radical, instantaneous, and profound spiritual transformation. "Death" here refers to spiritual separation from God, alienation from His life, and a state of condemnation. "Life" refers to spiritual communion with God, reconciliation, regeneration, and the reception of God's own divine nature. This transition happens at the point of genuine belief.

John 5 24 Bonus section

The power of "hearing Jesus's word" combined with "believing in Him" signifies a complete spiritual reception. It's not enough to simply listen; one must internalize and act upon what is heard with genuine faith. The dual nature of the faith requirement – hearing Jesus's word and believing the Father who sent Him – highlights the inseparable unity of the Father and Son in the divine plan of salvation. There is no access to the Father apart from faith in the Son, and faith in the Son is inherently faith in the Father who sent Him. The concept of "passing out of death into life" is an instantaneous and irrevocable spiritual rebirth, a new creation, indicating a profound change in spiritual status and destiny at the point of saving faith, not contingent on future works. This verse also implicitly refutes the idea that human merit or strict adherence to ritual laws (like Sabbath observance, as was the immediate context of chapter 5) can earn eternal life; instead, it is a gift freely received through faith.

John 5 24 Commentary

John 5:24 is a cornerstone of Christian soteriology (the study of salvation), powerfully summarizing the essence of the gospel message: salvation is an immediate, present reality received through faith. Jesus uses "Truly, truly" to underscore the absolute certainty and profound nature of this promise. He emphasizes not just passive hearing, but active, receptive hearing of His words, which is intertwined with believing in Him and in God the Father who sent Him. This belief grants the believer immediate possession of eternal life – it's not a future hope but a present reality. Furthermore, those who meet these conditions are declared exempt from spiritual judgment leading to eternal condemnation. They have already undergone a definitive transition from a state of spiritual death and alienation from God to one of spiritual life and intimate communion with Him. This verse offers assurance that judgment for eternal destiny is resolved through belief in Jesus Christ and His Father.