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Book of John - Chapter 5 - Verse 21

5:21
For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

Meaning

In this verse from the Gospel of John, Jesus is asserting his authority as the Son of God by comparing himself to the Father. The act of raising the dead and giving them life is a power that belongs to God alone, yet Jesus claims that he also possesses this ability. By saying "even so the Son quickeneth whom he will," Jesus is emphasizing his divine authority to bring life to whomever he chooses. This assertion not only showcases Jesus' equality with God the Father, but also highlights his role as the source of eternal life for those who believe in him. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' divine nature and his ultimate power over life and death. It is a declaration of his sovereignty and a testament to his ability to bring spiritual renewal and resurrection to all who come to him in faith.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of John, we see a powerful statement about the authority and power of Jesus Christ. The phrase "quickeneth them" refers to the act of bringing life to the dead, a power that is attributed to both the Father and the Son. The Father is described as raising up the dead and giving them life, and the Son is said to have the same ability to quicken whom he wills. This speaks to the divine nature of Jesus, as only God has the power to overcome death and bring forth life. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the unity and equality of the Father and the Son in their ability to bring about spiritual resurrection. The word "quickeneth" itself has a deep meaning in this context, indicating a transformation from death to life that is only possible through the divine power of God. This verse serves as a reminder of the miraculous deeds performed by Jesus during his ministry on earth, demonstrating his authority over life and death.

American Standard Version

For as the Father raiseth the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will.
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