John 5 28

John 5:28 kjv

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

John 5:28 nkjv

Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice

John 5:28 niv

"Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice

John 5:28 esv

Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice

John 5:28 nlt

Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son,

John 5 verses

John 5 28 Meaning

John 5:28 declares the certain and universal future physical resurrection of all the dead, who, without exception, will respond to the authoritative voice of Jesus Christ. It directly follows Jesus' assertion of His life-giving and judgment authority, emphasizing that the general resurrection is not a distant, incredible concept but a definite and soon-to-come reality, stemming from His divine power bestowed by the Father.

John 5 28 Context

John chapter 5 details a profound dispute between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, following Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath at the pool of Bethesda. This act intensified the religious leaders' animosity, leading them to persecute Jesus (Jn 5:16). Jesus then defends His actions by asserting His equality and co-equality with God the Father, stating that He performs the works of the Father and that the Father has committed all judgment to the Son (Jn 5:17-27). Verse 28 is part of this central discourse, where Jesus expands on the extent of His authority, moving from a present, spiritual resurrection ("the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live," Jn 5:25) to a future, physical, and universal resurrection for all who have died and are in their graves. This concept of a general resurrection challenged the views of groups like the Sadducees, who denied it (Acts 23:8; Mk 12:18-27), while affirming and expanding on the Pharisees' belief in a future resurrection.

John 5 28 Word analysis

• Do not marvel: (Greek: mē thaumazete - μὴ θαυμάζετε). An imperative command instructing His listeners to cease being astonished. This phrase indicates that Jesus recognizes the incredible nature of His claims (specifically, His authority to execute judgment and raise the dead), yet He wants them to accept it as an absolute certainty rather than something unbelievable or perplexing. It emphasizes the truth and surety of His words.
• at this: Refers to the profound declarations made immediately prior, particularly Jesus' power to give life and execute judgment (John 5:21-27), actions previously reserved solely for God. The divine authority Jesus claims is extraordinary, hence the potential for marvel.
• for the hour is coming: (Greek: hē hōra erchetai - ἡ ὥρα ἔρχεται). "Hour" in John often denotes a significant, divinely appointed period or event (e.g., Jesus' crucifixion, glorification). This phrase emphasizes a definite, appointed, and certain future time. It conveys inevitability and specificity, not just a vague future event.
• in which: Connects the "hour" directly to the action that will take place. It's the designated time for the event described.
• all: (Greek: pantes - πάντες). Crucially universal. This word emphasizes that absolutely no one will be exempt. It implies the totality of humanity, distinguishing this resurrection from individual instances of resuscitation.
• who are in the graves: (Greek: hoi en tois mnēmeiois - οἱ ἐν τοῖς μνημείοις). Refers to the physically dead, literally those buried in tombs or sepulchres. It includes all deceased human beings, regardless of their past deeds, faith, or geographical location (echoing Rev 20:13, where the sea and Hades give up the dead). It highlights a bodily resurrection from death.
• will hear: (Greek: akousousin - ἀκούσουσιν). Future indicative verb, signifying a definite and certain future action. It's not merely auditory perception but a responsive hearing – a command from the Creator, effective to bring forth life from death. This "hearing" is not optional; it results in action.
• His voice: (Greek: tēs phōnēs autou - τῆς φωνῆς αὐτοῦ). "His" refers to Jesus, the Son of God. This voice is one of absolute divine authority and creative power. It evokes parallels with God speaking creation into existence (Gen 1) or Jesus calling Lazarus from the tomb (Jn 11:43). It's a life-imparting and summonsing voice.

Words-group analysis:

• "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming": This phrase functions as an emphatic assertion of certainty. Jesus acknowledges the shocking nature of His claims, but reassures His audience that these events are not just possible but predestined and imminent, deserving not of disbelief but acceptance. It signals a major, foundational truth about reality.
• "all who are in the graves will hear His voice": This entire clause is the core prophecy. "All" and "in the graves" signify the universality and physicality of the resurrection, while "will hear His voice" highlights the divine, irresistible power and authority of Jesus over death itself, demonstrating His control over the destiny of every human being. The hearing is a response to His call, bringing forth resurrection.

John 5 28 Bonus section

• The two "hours" mentioned in John 5 (verses 25 and 28-29) highlight different aspects of resurrection. Verse 25 refers to a spiritual resurrection occurring now for those who hear Jesus' voice and live, indicating the saving power of His words. Verse 28-29, however, points to a future, general, physical resurrection, which encompasses all who have died, both the righteous and unrighteous, for purposes of eternal life or judgment. This demonstrates the comprehensiveness of Jesus' authority across spiritual and physical dimensions of life and death.
• This declaration establishes Jesus not merely as a prophet or healer, but as the cosmic agent of God's final plan, the One who holds ultimate power over existence beyond the grave. His voice is presented as the very instrument through which God's eschatological purposes for humanity will be fulfilled.

John 5 28 Commentary

John 5:28 is a pivotal statement in Jesus' discourse on His divine authority, particularly concerning resurrection and judgment. Following His claims of sharing the Father's life-giving and judging power (John 5:21-27), Jesus predicts a future, universal physical resurrection. The command "Do not marvel at this" signifies that while extraordinary, these claims are profoundly true and certain, and His audience should not be incredulous. The phrase "the hour is coming" denotes an appointed and inevitable time, not a mere possibility. This is a divine timetable for a significant eschatological event. Crucially, "all who are in the graves" emphasizes that this will be a comprehensive resurrection, affecting every single person who has died, regardless of their standing before God or their earthly burial place. They will all respond to "His voice" – the authoritative, life-commanding voice of Jesus Christ. This echoes the Old Testament understanding of God as the giver and taker of life (1 Sam 2:6), and foreshadows the Great White Throne Judgment described in Revelation 20:11-15. This verse also lays the groundwork for understanding the dual nature of this universal resurrection, leading into John 5:29 which distinguishes between those who rise to life and those who rise to condemnation. Thus, it underscores Jesus' supreme power as the sovereign Lord of both life and death, confirming His divine nature and ultimate role in human destiny.