Albert Barnes Commentary John 5:25

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour cometh, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and they that hear shall live." — John 5:25 (ASV)

The hour. The time.

Is coming. Under the preaching of the gospel, as well as in the resurrection of the dead.

Now is. It is now taking place. Sinners were converted under His ministry and brought to spiritual life.

The dead. Either the dead in sins, or those that are in their graves. The words of the Saviour will apply to either. Language in the Scriptures is often so used as to describe two similar events. Thus, the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world are described by Jesus in the same language (Matthew 24 and 25). The return of the Jews from Babylon, the coming of the Messiah, and the spread of His gospel are described in the same language by Isaiah (Isaiah 40–41). (see Barnes).

The renewal of the heart and the raising of the dead at the judgment are also described here in similar language, because they are so similar that the same language will apply to both.

The voice of the Son of God. The voice is that by which we give command. Jesus raised the dead by His command, or by His authority. When He did it, He spoke, or commanded it to be done.

Mark 5:41, "He took the damsel by the hand, and said, 'Talitha cumi.'"Luke 7:14: "And he came and touched the bier, and said, 'Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.'"John 11:43: "He cried with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come forth.'"

So it is by His command that those who are dead in sins are quickened or made alive (John 5:21). And so, at the day of judgment, the dead will be raised by His command or voice, though there is no reason to think that His voice will be audibly heard (John 5:28).

Shall live. Shall be restored to life.