New Testament
John 5:25
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
Compare translations
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
What John 5:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes a significant moment in spiritual history. He declares that a time is approaching, and is already present, when the dead will respond to His voice. This refers to both physical resurrection and spiritual awakening. The 'dead' symbolizes those who are spiritually lost or separated from God. When they hear the voice of Jesus, they will come to life, indicating that faith in Him brings true life and restoration. This statement highlights Jesus' authority as the Son of God and His power to grant life. It reassures believers that even those who seem lost can be revived through His word. The urgency of His message is clear: the time for transformation is now, not just in the future. This verse serves as a promise of hope and renewal for all who respond to Jesus' call, emphasizing the importance of listening to His teachings and accepting His offer of life.
How to apply John 5:25 to your life
This verse encourages us to listen for Jesus' voice in our lives. It reminds us that no one is beyond hope and that faith can bring new life. We should share this message of hope with others, inviting them to experience spiritual renewal.
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 5:25
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 5:25
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 5:25 mean?
John 5:25 means that Jesus is declaring a pivotal moment when the spiritually dead will respond to His voice. It signifies both physical resurrection and spiritual awakening, emphasizing that faith in Him brings true life.
What is the significance of 'the dead' in John 5:25?
In John 5:25, 'the dead' refers to those who are spiritually lost or separated from God. Jesus indicates that they will hear His voice and come to life, symbolizing hope and renewal through faith.
How does John 5:25 relate to resurrection?
John 5:25 relates to resurrection by indicating that a time is coming when the dead will hear Jesus' voice and be revived. This encompasses both physical resurrection and the spiritual rebirth of those who believe.
What is the main message of John 5:25?
The main message of John 5:25 is that Jesus has the authority to grant life and that the time for spiritual transformation is now. It reassures believers that no one is beyond hope and can experience renewal through faith.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.