King James Version

What Does John 6:27 Mean?

John 6:27 in the King James Version says “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man sh... — study this verse from John chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Labour not: or, Work not

John 6:27 · King James Version


Context

25

And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

26

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

27

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Labour not: or, Work not

28

Then said they unto him, What shall we do , that we might work the works of God?

29

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
'Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.' Jesus redirects priorities—don't work for perishable food but for eternal sustenance. Physical bread satisfies temporarily; spiritual bread satisfies eternally. The Son of Man gives this food; the Father has authenticated (sealed) Him. Pursuing eternal life isn't passive but active—labor is involved, though the food is gift.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Father 'sealing' the Son refers to authentication, perhaps at baptism when the Spirit descended and the Father spoke. This confirms Jesus' authority to give eternal life. The Jewish audience valued hard work for physical provision; Jesus elevates spiritual pursuit above material concerns.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we 'labor' for eternal food when it is a gift?
  2. What does God the Father sealing the Son mean for our confidence in Christ?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ἐργάζεσθε1 of 28

Labour

G2038

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

μὴ2 of 28

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

3 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βρῶσιν4 of 28

for that meat

G1035

(abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively)

5 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπολλυμένην6 of 28

perisheth

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

ἀλλὰ7 of 28

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

8 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βρῶσιν9 of 28

for that meat

G1035

(abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively)

10 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μένουσαν11 of 28

endureth

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

εἰς12 of 28

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ζωὴν13 of 28

life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

αἰώνιον14 of 28

everlasting

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

ἣν15 of 28

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

16 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱὸς17 of 28

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

18 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπου19 of 28

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ὑμῖν20 of 28

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

δώσει·21 of 28

shall give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τοῦτον22 of 28

him

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

γὰρ23 of 28

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

24 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατὴρ25 of 28

the Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἐσφράγισεν26 of 28

hath

G4972

to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest

27 of 28

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεός28 of 28

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 6:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 6:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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