John 5:27
And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "a son of man," without the definite article, is crucial here, shifting the focus from the Messiah as a title to Jesus' actual humanity. It's precisely because he is truly human, having experienced our struggles, that the Father has entrusted him with the authority to judge, ensuring a uniquely understanding and just verdict. This emphasizes that his judgment is not distant or alien, but deeply empathetic.
Jesus has been explaining that the Father gives life and judgment to the Son, just as the Father works and the Son works. He emphasizes that He has the power to give life to whomever He wills, and now He declares that the Father has also given Him authority to judge all people. This authority to judge is specifically linked to His identity as the "Son of Man," highlighting His unique role as both divine and human in carrying out God's pronouncements.
Why does Jesus' humanity qualify Him to judge the world? It seems counterintuitive!
Jesus declares He has authority to execute judgment 'because he is the Son of man.' Notice the absence of the definite article – 'a son of man,' not 'the Son of Man' (which refers to His divine title as Messiah). This distinction is key!
Humanity as Qualification
Jesus possesses divine life and judgment – but where does this authority come from?
The verse states that God the Father 'has given' Jesus authority to execute judgment. This isn't a claim of independent power, but a revelation of the Father's commission to the Son.
The Father's Grant
Understand the original words
exousia · Greek Noun
The right, power, or prerogative to act, command, or judge. In the New Testament, it often refers to the delegated authority given by the Father to the Son.
krisis · Greek Noun
The act of pronouncing a judicial decision, particularly the final verdict passed by God upon humanity regarding their moral actions and relationship with Him.
huios anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title derived from Daniel 7:13-14, referring to the heavenly figure who receives dominion, glory, and a kingdom. It emphasizes both the humanity and the divine authority of Jesus Christ.
Understanding Jesus as the 'Son of Man' is crucial. This title, with its roots in Old Testament prophecy, points to his humanity and his divinely appointed role to judge, a concept that would have been both familiar and challenging to his original audience.
c. 6th Century BC
Daniel's Visions of a Son of Man
The prophet Daniel receives visions describing a 'Son of Man' figure who is given everlasting dominion and a kingdom, a prophecy deeply resonant with Jesus' self-understanding and claims.
c. 1st Century AD
Messianic Expectations in Judea
Judea was under Roman occupation, fostering widespread hopes for a Messiah who would deliver Israel and establish God's kingdom. This created an environment where claims of messiahship were highly charged.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Claims
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and making claims about his divine authority, including his relationship with the Father and his role in judgment.
c. AD 30-33
The Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified, a pivotal event that would later be interpreted by his followers as central to his mission of judgment and salvation.
This passage in Daniel describes a vision of 'one like a son of man' receiving dominion and an everlasting kingdom, directly linking the title to divine authority and judgment, which John 5:27 expands upon.
Matthew 11:27Jesus states that 'all things have been delivered to me by my Father,' echoing the authority given to Him as Son of Man to execute judgment, and highlighting the unique relationship between the Father and the Son.
Acts 17:31Paul explains that God has fixed a day for judging the world through a man He has appointed, directly connecting the Son of Man to the authority of judgment as mentioned in John 5:27.
Philippians 2:8-10This passage describes Jesus humbling Himself as a man, even to death, and God exalting Him and giving Him a name above all names, which includes the authority to judge, reinforcing the significance of His humanity in His role.
ellicottJohn 5:27: "And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man."
(27) Hath given. —As above, gave. The “also” after judgment should be omitted. In these verses, as before, the two relations of Father—Son, Life—Judgment, are emphatic. Both Life and Judgment can belong to God only, but both are the Father’s gift to the Son. The Son of man.—Render, a son of man. The term differs by the striking omission of articles from the usual term for the Messiah, and occurs ag…
vincentJohn 5:27: "And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man."
AuthoritySee on John 1:12.AlsoOmit.The Son of manBetter, a son of man. The article is wanting. The authority is assigned to Him as being very man. John uses the article everywhere with this phrase, except here and Revelation 1:13; Revelation 14:14. See on Luke 6:22.
The phrase "a son of man," without the definite article, is crucial here, shifting the focus from the Messiah as a title to Jesus' actual humanity. It's precisely because he is truly human, having experienced our struggles, that the Father has entrusted him with the authority to judge, ensuring a uniquely understanding and just verdict. This emphasizes that his judgment is not distant or alien, but deeply empathetic.
Jesus has been explaining that the Father gives life and judgment to the Son, just as the Father works and the Son works. He emphasizes that He has the power to give life to whomever He wills, and now He declares that the Father has also given Him authority to judge all people. This authority to judge is specifically linked to His identity as the "Son of Man," highlighting His unique role as both divine and human in carrying out God's pronouncements.
Jesus has been explaining that the Father gives life and judgment to the Son, just as the Father works and the Son works. He emphasizes that He has the power to give life to whomever He wills, and now He declares that the Father has also given Him authority to judge all people. This authority to judge is specifically linked to His identity as the "Son of Man," highlighting His unique role as both divine and human in carrying out God's pronouncements.
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c. AD 50
Apostolic Preaching of Jesus' Authority
The apostles, like Paul, preach that God has appointed Jesus as judge of the living and the dead, emphasizing his authority derived from the Father.
c. AD 90-100
John's Gospel is Written
The Gospel of John is written, likely in Ephesus, capturing Jesus' discourses and theological claims, including his authority to execute judgment as the Son of Man.
"And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man." — The phrase "a son of man," without the definite article, is crucial here, shifting the focus from the Messiah as a title to Jesus' actual humanity. It's precisely because he is truly human, having…
