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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - John 5:20 - 5:20
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Loveth (philei). In Joh 3:35 we have agapāi from agapaō, evidently one verb expressing as noble a love as the other. Sometimes a distinction (Joh 21:17) is made, but not here, unless phileō presents the notion of intimate friendship (philos, friend), fellowship, the affectionate side, while agapaō (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 (meizona toutōn erga). Toutōn is ablative case after the comparative meizona (from megas, great). John often uses erga for the miracles of Christ (Joh 5:36; Joh 7:3, Joh 7:21; Joh 10:25, Joh 10:32, Joh 10:38, etc.). It is the Father who does these works (Joh 14:10). There is more to follow. Even the disciples will surpass what Christ is doing in the extent of the work (Joh 14:12). Deixei is future active indicative of deiknumi, to show. See also Joh 10:32.
That ye may marvel (hina humeis thaumazēte). Purpose clause with hina and present active subjunctive of thaumazō. 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.”