John 5:19
What does John 5:19 mean?
A plain-English look at John 5:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 5:19 means
Jesus declares that the Son can do nothing of Himself but only what He sees the Father doing. Far from denying His power, He reveals perfect dependence and unity. Whatever the Father does, the Son does in the same manner. This is equality without independence, deity without rivalry. The Son is the exact agent of the Father’s will, so His works are God’s works. This guards against thinking of Jesus as a mere imitator or as a separate deity. It also explains the healing: the Father’s compassion moved, and the Son acted accordingly. To reject the Son’s deeds is to reject the Father’s deeds manifested through Him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So Jesus made answer and said, Truly I say to you, The Son is not able to do anything himself; he is able to do only what he sees the Father doing; whatever the Father does the Son does it in the same way.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus therefore responded and said to them, `Verily, verily, I say to you, The Son is not able to do anything of himself, if he may not see the Father doing anything; for whatever things He may do, these also the Son in like manner doth;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then Jesus answered and said to them: Amen, amen, I say unto you, the Son cannot do any thing of himself, but what he seeth the Father doing: for what things soever he doth, these the Son also doth in like manner.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus therefore answered and said to them, Verily, verily, I say to you, The Son can do nothing of himself save whatever he sees the Father doing: for whatever things he does, these things also the Son does in like manner.
Context
After the leaders conclude Jesus makes Himself equal with God (verse 18), He begins a careful exposition of that equality. Verse 19 introduces the theme of functional dependence and unity: the Son acts only in accord with the Father. This sets up the assurance of greater works to come (verse 20), including life-giving (verse 21) and judgment (verse 22). The statement also answers the Sabbath controversy: Jesus’ acts are the Father’s acts. The following verses progressively expand this claim, culminating in the call to honor the Son as the Father (verse 23) and the promise of life to those who hear and believe (verse 24).
v.18For this cause therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only brake the sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
v.19This passage
v.20For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and greater works than these will he show him, that ye may marvel.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 138:3
In the day that I called thou answeredst me, Thou didst encourage me with strength in my soul.
- Exodus 4:11
And Jehovah said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh a man dumb, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? is it not I, Jehovah?
- John 9:4
We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
- Colossians 1:11
strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy;
- 1 Corinthians 15:12
Now if Christ is preached that he hath been raised from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
- 2 Corinthians 4:14
knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with Jesus, and shall present us with you.
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