For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Father's profound love for the Son isn't just affection; it's a complete sharing of everything the Father does. This intimate unity means the Son sees and knows all, not as a subordinate, but as one with the Father's very purpose.
For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just healed a man who had been an invalid for 38 years on the Sabbath, and the religious leaders are furious, looking to kill him for this violation. In response, Jesus explains his authority to do such things, emphasizing his intimate relationship with the Father. He declares that just as he does what he sees the Father doing, the Father will reveal even greater works to him, so that those who are questioning him will be astonished.
Why does the Father reveal everything He does to the Son? It's more than just a lesson; it's a deep, intrinsic connection.
The verse states, "For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing." This isn't just about sharing information; it's about a profound unity. The Father's eternal love for the Son means that nothing is hidden between them. This intimate relationship is the very basis for the Son's ability to do the works of the Father.
Think of it like this: a father who deeply loves his son wouldn't keep his life's work a secret from him. He would share his knowledge, his skills, and his projects. Similarly, the Father's love for the Son means a complete sharing of all that the Father is and does. This unity is so absolute that it establishes the Son's divine authority and oneness with the Father.
Jesus mentions "greater works than these." What could be greater than healing the sick? It points to the full scope of His mission.
The Father promises to show the Son "greater works than these, so that you may marvel." The "these" refers to the immediate miracle of healing the man who had been an invalid for 38 years. The "greater works" are not just more impressive feats, but signify the full unfolding of the Son's divine authority and purpose.
Scholars point to two key areas of these greater works:
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These "greater works" are intended to evoke awe and wonder, even from those who doubt. While some may only marvel in disbelief, the ultimate purpose is to reveal the full glory and power of God manifest in the Son.
Understand the original words
agapaō · Greek Verb
The Greek 'agapaō' often used to describe the divine, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love of God. It signifies the intimate, eternal bond between the Father and the Son within the Trinity.
This verse immediately precedes John 5:20 and establishes the Son's intimate knowledge and imitation of the Father's actions, directly setting the stage for the Father showing the Son even greater works.
John 14:10-11Jesus explains His connection to the Father by stating, 'The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.' This echoes the divine unity and shared mission highlighted in John 5:20.
Acts 2:22Peter calls Jesus 'a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him among you.' This connects Jesus' 'greater works' directly to God's powerful actions performed through Him, aligning with the Father showing the Son His doings.
Matthew 3:17The Father's declaration at Jesus' baptism, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,' underscores the deep love and affirmation between Father and Son, which is the foundation for the intimate sharing of all things mentioned in John 5:20.
John 11:47-48This passage describes the chief priests and Pharisees marveling at Jesus' signs, stating, 'What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him...'
ellicottJohn 5:20: "For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel."
(20) For the Father loveth the Son. —Do men deny His divinity? God is His Father. There is, therefore, oneness of essence. The unity of His work with God’s work has for its basis the Eternal Love, which showeth to the Son all that the Father doeth. As the relation of Son implies moral inability to do anything apart from the Father, so the…
barnesJohn 5:20: "For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel."
The Father loveth the Son - This authority he traces to the love which the Father has for him - that special, ineffable, infinite love which God has for his only-begotten Son, feebly and dimly illustrated by the love which an earthly parent has for an only child. Showeth him - Makes him acquainted with. Conceals nothing from him. From apos…
The Father's profound love for the Son isn't just affection; it's a complete sharing of everything the Father does. This intimate unity means the Son sees and knows all, not as a subordinate, but as one with the Father's very purpose.
Jesus has just healed a man who had been an invalid for 38 years on the Sabbath, and the religious leaders are furious, looking to kill him for this violation. In response, Jesus explains his authority to do such things, emphasizing his intimate relationship with the Father. He declares that just as he does what he sees the Father doing, the Father will reveal even greater works to him, so that those who are questioning him will be astonished.
Jesus has just healed a man who had been an invalid for 38 years on the Sabbath, and the religious leaders are furious, looking to kill him for this violation. In response, Jesus explains his authority to do such things, emphasizing his intimate relationship with the Father. He declares that just as he does what he sees the Father doing, the Father will reveal even greater works to him, so that those who are questioning him will be astonished.
"For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel." — The Father's profound love for the Son isn't just affection; it's a complete sharing of everything the Father does. This intimate unity means the Son sees and knows all, not as a subordinate, but as…
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Last reviewed October 2026