John 5:28 - Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice,

Generated Verse: John 5:28

What does "John 5:28" mean?


This verse, John 5:28, is a powerful statement about the future resurrection of the dead, a core belief in Christian theology. Let's break it down:

"Don't marvel at this...": Jesus has just been speaking about his authority to give life and judge, which includes statements that might seem extraordinary or hard to believe. This phrase signals that what he's about to say is even more astonishing. He's preparing his audience for something they might find unbelievable.

"...for the hour comes...": This "hour" refers to a specific, future time. In John's Gospel, "the hour" often points to a time of crucial divine action, often associated with Jesus' passion, but here it refers to the future resurrection.

"...in which all that are in the tombs...": This is a literal statement. "Tombs" refers to places where the dead are buried. The phrase "all that are" indicates that this includes everyone who has died.

"...will hear his voice...": This is the key point. It implies that Jesus' voice will have the power to reach even the dead. They are not simply gone; they are in a state where they can be called back to life by his voice.

In essence, the verse means:

Do not be amazed by what I've already said about my power to give life and judge. A time is coming when everyone who has died and is buried will hear my voice.

Theological Implications:

Resurrection: This verse is a direct promise of a general resurrection of the dead. It's not just about spiritual or metaphorical resurrection, but a literal bringing back to life.

Jesus' Authority: It emphasizes Jesus' divine authority and power over death. He is not just a teacher or a prophet; he has the power to overcome the ultimate human limitation.

Universal Scope: The phrase "all that are in the tombs" suggests that this resurrection will be universal, including everyone who has ever lived.

Judgment: While the verse itself doesn't explicitly mention judgment, it's often understood in conjunction with the following verses (John 5:29), which speak of those who have done good rising to life and those who have done evil rising to condemnation. The resurrection is not just a return to existence, but a prelude to judgment.

Different Interpretations:

While the fundamental meaning is generally accepted, different theological perspectives may emphasize certain aspects.

Literal vs. Symbolic: Some interpret the resurrection described here in a strictly literal sense, believing in a physical raising of bodies. Others see a more symbolic or spiritual dimension, while still affirming a real, transforming event.

Timing: There are varying views on when this resurrection will take place. Some believe it will occur at the end of time, while others see it as happening in stages.

In conclusion, John 5:28 is a profound statement about the Christian hope of resurrection, emphasizing the power and authority of Jesus Christ to overcome death and bring all who have died back to life. It's a foundational verse for Christian beliefs about the afterlife and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.