And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While Jesus is called "Son of Man," the original Greek here omits the definite article before "son" and "man." This subtle shift highlights that He is not just the Messiah, but a true human being, intimately acquainted with our struggles. This very humanity, paradoxically, makes Him uniquely qualified to execute judgment with perfect understanding and fairness.
And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just declared that he has the power to give life to the spiritually dead. Now, he emphasizes that this same authority extends to judgment, not as a separate task, but as an inherent part of his divine mission as the Son of Man. This highlights the profound connection between giving life and executing judgment, both flowing from the Father to the Son.
Why would God give His Son authority to judge? It seems counterintuitive to our understanding of a loving Savior. But this verse reveals something profound about divine authority.
Jesus states that the Father "has given him authority to execute judgment." This isn't a power Jesus seized; it's a delegated authority from the Father. This highlights the unity between the Father and the Son – what the Father possesses, He shares with the Son. This authority is directly linked to His divine nature and mission.
Why would a divine being need to be 'the Son of Man' to judge humanity? This title carries immense weight, revealing a crucial qualification for His role.
The verse's explanation for this authority is striking: 'because he is the Son of Man.' This isn't just a title; it's a functional necessity. Being 'a son of man' – fully human – uniquely qualifies Jesus to judge humanity.
Ask a follow-up
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.
The title 'Son of Man' isn't just a nickname; it points to Jesus' full humanity. Because he experienced life as one of us—temptations, sorrows, and all—he is uniquely qualified to be our judge. His divine authority, given by the Father, is exercised through his deep, personal understanding of humanity.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Empire's Northern Campaign
The Neo-Assyrian Empire begins its expansion, leading to increased pressure and eventual conquest of northern Israel. This period saw significant upheaval and displacement in the region.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon leads his forces against Judah, resulting in the first deportation of Jewish people, including many elites and skilled workers, to Babylon.
587/586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquer Jerusalem, destroy Solomon's Temple, and exile the remaining population to Babylon, marking a devastating blow to Jewish national and religious life.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, ending the Babylonian exile. This event allowed many Jewish exiles to return to their homeland.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire, sparked by Antiochus IV Epiphanes' attempts to Hellenize Judea and suppress Jewish practices. This led to a period of conflict and a brief period of Jewish independence.
63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
The Roman Republic, under Pompey the Great, conquers Judea, integrating it into the Roman province of Syria. This marked the beginning of Roman rule over the region.
c. AD 25-35— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus Christ carries out his ministry in Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and performing miracles. This period culminates in his crucifixion and resurrection.
This passage describes a vision of 'one like a son of man' who is given everlasting dominion and a kingdom, directly connecting to the authority given to Jesus as the Son of Man in John 5:27.
Acts 17:31Paul states that God has fixed a day for judging the world through a man He has appointed, underscoring the concept of the Son of Man being given authority to execute judgment.
Philippians 2:8This verse highlights Jesus humbling himself by becoming obedient to death, even a cross, and as a result, God highly exalting Him, which includes His role in judgment as the Son of Man.
Hebrews 2:10It speaks of God bringing many sons to glory through Jesus, the founder of their salvation, whom He perfected through suffering, aligning with His appointed role as both author of life and judge.
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.
While Jesus is called "Son of Man," the original Greek here omits the definite article before "son" and "man." This subtle shift highlights that He is not just the Messiah, but a true human being, intimately acquainted with our struggles. This very humanity, paradoxically, makes Him uniquely qualified to execute judgment with perfect understanding and fairness.
Jesus has just declared that he has the power to give life to the spiritually dead. Now, he emphasizes that this same authority extends to judgment, not as a separate task, but as an inherent part of his divine mission as the Son of Man. This highlights the profound connection between giving life and executing judgment, both flowing from the Father to the Son.
Jesus has just declared that he has the power to give life to the spiritually dead. Now, he emphasizes that this same authority extends to judgment, not as a separate task, but as an inherent part of his divine mission as the Son of Man. This highlights the profound connection between giving life and executing judgment, both flowing from the Father to the Son.
"And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man." — While Jesus is called "Son of Man," the original Greek here omits the definite article before "son" and "man." This subtle shift highlights that He is not just the Messiah, but a true human being…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026