New Testament
John 5:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whoever he chooses.
Compare translations
For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
What John 5:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes His divine authority and power, paralleling His ability to give life with that of God the Father. Just as God has the power to resurrect the dead and grant them life, Jesus claims the same authority. This statement highlights the unique relationship between the Father and the Son, indicating that Jesus has the right to choose who receives eternal life. The term 'quickeneth' in the KJV refers to the act of making alive, which signifies not just physical resurrection but also spiritual renewal. This verse reassures believers of Jesus' sovereignty and His role in salvation, affirming that He has the power to grant life to those He chooses, reflecting His divine will and purpose. It invites readers to recognize the significance of Jesus' role in their spiritual journey and the hope of resurrection that comes through Him.
How to apply John 5:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in Jesus' authority over life and death. It reminds us that He has the power to transform our lives and grant us eternal life. We should seek a personal relationship with Him, recognizing His ability to bring spiritual renewal and hope.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 5:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 5:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 5:21 mean?
John 5:21 means that just as God the Father has the power to raise the dead and give them life, Jesus also possesses this divine authority. It emphasizes the close relationship between the Father and the Son, highlighting that Jesus can choose who receives eternal life.
What is the significance of 'quickeneth' in John 5:21?
'Quickeneth' in John 5:21 refers to the act of making alive, which includes both physical resurrection and spiritual renewal. This term underscores Jesus' role in granting life and emphasizes His authority to transform lives.
How does John 5:21 relate to the concept of resurrection?
John 5:21 relates to resurrection by stating that both the Father and the Son have the power to raise the dead. It reassures believers that Jesus has the authority to grant life after death, emphasizing hope in resurrection.
What does John 5:21 teach us about Jesus' authority?
John 5:21 teaches that Jesus has divine authority similar to God the Father, particularly in matters of life and death. It affirms His unique role in salvation and the ability to grant eternal life to those He chooses.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.