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    The Spiritually Dead Hear and Live

    John 5:25 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "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."
    — John 5:25 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    Immediately after promising eternal life to those who believe (v. 24), Jesus explains how that life enters a spiritually dead soul: His voice speaks, and the dead hear and live.

    Historical Context

    Jesus addresses leaders whose religion was meticulous but lifeless. The hour 'now is' meant their dead souls could be raised today — if they would hear.

    Original Language Insights

    'Verily, verily' (amen, amen) — solemn oath formula.

    'Hear' (akouo) — not mere audibility but obedient reception. The same voice that raised Lazarus from physical death raises sinners from spiritual death.

    Theological Significance

    Regeneration is monergistic: the dead do not contribute to their own resurrection. Christ's voice supplies the very faith that responds.

    Practical Application

    Pray for spiritually dead loved ones with confidence. The Voice that speaks in the gospel can wake them today.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    John 5:24

    "Is passed from death unto life."

    The previous verse — the transition from death to life happens at the sound of Christ's voice.

    Ephesians 2:5

    "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ."

    Same theology — life entered the dead by Christ's call.

    Prayer Response

    Lord Jesus, speak Your voice into every dead heart I love today, and let them hear and live. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does this verse refer to physical or spiritual resurrection?

    Both. v. 25 ('now is') addresses spiritual resurrection in the present; vv. 28–29 extend to the future physical resurrection. The same voice does both.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying John 5 verse by verse:

    Before · John 5:23Exact verse

    That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

    Theme: Honouring the Son Is Honouring the Father

    Before · John 5:24Exact verse

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

    Theme: Eternal Life

    Nearest commentary in John

    Earlier · 1 ch back · John 4:23-24Nearest chapter

    But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

    Theme: True Worship

    Earlier · 1 ch back · John 4:23Nearest chapter

    But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

    Theme: Worship

    Earlier · 1 ch back · John 4:24Nearest chapter

    God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

    Theme: True Worship

    Earlier · 1 ch back · John 4:35Nearest chapter

    Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

    Theme: Spiritual Harvest

    Read John 4Commentary: John 4:24
    Read John 5 (full)Nearest commentary: John 5:24
    Read John 6Commentary: John 6:35
    Previous commentary: John 5:24Next commentary: John 6:35

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Was the Transfiguration?

    The transfiguration was the moment Jesus' divine glory was visibly revealed to Peter, James, and John on a mountain — confirming His identity as God's beloved Son.

    Read answer

    What Does John 3:16 Mean?

    John 3:16 summarizes the entire gospel: God's infinite love motivated Him to give His only Son so that anyone who believes in Him receives eternal life instead of perishing.

    Read answer

    Does the Bible Say to Forgive Yourself?

    While 'forgive yourself' isn't a biblical phrase, Scripture teaches that believers should receive God's forgiveness fully, stop condemning themselves, and live in the freedom Christ purchased — 'There is therefore now no condemnation.'

    Read answer

    What Is the Gospel of John About?

    The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the divine Son of God, emphasizing His deity, seven miraculous signs, and the promise of eternal life through faith.

    Read answer

    What Is Regeneration in the Bible?

    Regeneration is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which a spiritually dead sinner is given new life in Christ.

    Read answer

    Who Was Nadab in the Bible?

    Nadab was the eldest son of Aaron who was consecrated as a priest but was struck dead by God for offering 'strange fire' before the Lord.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    John 14:6 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

    John 16:33 – Meaning & Devotional

    "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

    John 1:1 – Meaning & Devotional

    "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing at the Pool of Bethesda

    Jesus heals a man who had been infirm for 38 years at the Pool of Bethesda with a word.

    Read the miracle
    Resurrection
    New Testament

    The Raising of Lazarus

    After four days in the tomb, Lazarus came forth at the command of Jesus.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
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    Water Turned into Wine

    Jesus' first public miracle at a wedding in Cana turned six water pots into the best wine.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Man Born Blind

    Jesus anointed a man's eyes with clay and gave sight to one born blind from birth.

    Read the miracle

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    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Seeing Dead Relatives in a Dream (KJV)

    Often the mind processing grief; test carefully against Scripture.

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