Joh 5:19-21 | RWP | e4.org | The Son ( ο υιος ). The absolute use of the Son in relation to the Father admitting the charge in verse and defending his equality with the Father. Can do nothing by himself ( ου δυνατα ποιειν αφ'εαυτου ουδεν ). True in a sense of every man, but in a much deeper sense of Christ because of the intimate relation between him and the Father. See this same point in ; ; ; . Jesus had already made it in . Now he repeats and defends it. But what he seeth the Father doing ( αν μη τ βλεπη τον πατερα ποιουντα ). Rather, "unless he sees the Father doing something." Negative condition ( αν μη = εαν μη , if not, unless) of third class with present (habit) subjunctive ( βλεπη ) and present active participle ( ποιουντα ). It is a supreme example of a son copying the spirit and work of a father. In his work on earth the Son sees continually what the Father is doing. In healing this poor man he was doing what the Father wishes him to do. For what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner ( α γαρ αν εκεινος ποιη ταυτα κα ο υιος ομοιως ποιε ). Indefinite relative clause with αν and the present active subjunctive ( ποιη ). Note εκεινος , emphatic demonstrative, that one, referring to the Father. This sublime claim on the part of Jesus will exasperate his enemies still more.

‏ John 5:19-21

The Son ( ο υιος ). The absolute use of the Son in relation to the Father admitting the charge in verse 18 and defending his equality with the Father.

Can do nothing by himself ( ου δυνατα ποιειν αφ'εαυτου ουδεν ). True in a sense of every man, but in a much deeper sense of Christ because of the intimate relation between him and the Father. See this same point in 5:30; 7:28; 8:28; 14:10. Jesus had already made it in 5:17. Now he repeats and defends it.

But what he seeth the Father doing ( αν μη τ βλεπη τον πατερα ποιουντα ). Rather, "unless he sees the Father doing something." Negative condition ( αν μη = εαν μη, if not, unless) of third class with present (habit) subjunctive ( βλεπη ) and present active participle ( ποιουντα ). It is a supreme example of a son copying the spirit and work of a father. In his work on earth the Son sees continually what the Father is doing. In healing this poor man he was doing what the Father wishes him to do.

For what things soever he doeth, these the Son also doeth in like manner ( α γαρ αν εκεινος ποιη ταυτα κα ο υιος ομοιως ποιε ). Indefinite relative clause with αν and the present active subjunctive ( ποιη ). Note εκεινος, emphatic demonstrative, that one, referring to the Father. This sublime claim on the part of Jesus will exasperate his enemies still more.

Loveth ( φιλε ). In 3:35 we have αγαπα from αγαπαω, evidently one verb expressing as noble a love as the other. Sometimes a distinction (21:17) is made, but not here, unless φιλεω presents the notion of intimate friendship ( φιλος, friend), fellowship, the affectionate side, while αγαπαω (Latin diligo) is more the intelligent choice. But John uses both verbs for the mystery of love of the Father for the Son.

Greater works than these ( μειζονα τουτων εργα ). Τουτων is ablative case after the comparative μειζονα (from μεγας, great). John often uses εργα for the miracles of Christ (5:36; 7:3, 21; 10:25, 32, 38, etc.). It is the Father who does these works (14:10). There is more to follow. Even the disciples will surpass what Christ is doing in the extent of the work (14:12). Δειξε is future active indicative of δεικνυμ, to show. See also 10:32.

That ye may marvel ( ινα υμεις θαυμαζητε ). Purpose clause with ινα and present active subjunctive of θαυμαζω. Wonder belongs to childhood and to men of knowledge. Modern science has increased the occasion for wonder. Clement of Alexandria has a saying of Jesus: "He that wonders shall reign, and he that reigns shall rest."

Quickeneth whom he will ( ους θελε ζωοποιε ). Present active indicative of ζωοποιεω (from ζωοποιος, making alive), common in Paul (1Co 15:45, etc.). As yet, so far as we know, Jesus had not raised the dead, but he claims the power to do it on a par with the power of the Father. The raising of the son of the widow of Nain (Lu 7:11-17) is not far ahead, followed by the message to the Baptist which speaks of this same power (Lu 7:22; Mt 11:5), and the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mt 9:18, 22-26). Jesus exercises this power on those "whom he wills." Christ has power to quicken both body and soul.