King James Version

What Does John 6:35 Mean?

John 6:35 in the King James Version says “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me s... — study this verse from John chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 6:35 · KJV


Context

33

For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

34

Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.

35

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

36

But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.

37

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse constitutes the first major 'I am' statement in John's Gospel. Jesus declares ego eimi ho artos tes zoes - employing the sacred formula ego eimi that echoes YHWH's self-revelation in Exodus 3:14. The metaphor of 'bread' would resonate powerfully following the feeding of five thousand (6:1-15), but Jesus transforms physical imagery into spiritual reality. The genitive construction 'bread of life' indicates not merely bread that gives life but bread that is life itself. The dual promises - 'shall never hunger' and 'shall never thirst' - use emphatic double negatives (ou me) in Greek, indicating absolute, permanent satisfaction. This transcends physical sustenance to address humanity's deepest spiritual hunger. Coming to Christ and believing are presented as synonymous, revealing that faith is fundamentally relational approach rather than intellectual assent.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Spoken in the Capernaum synagogue following the miraculous feeding, this discourse occurs during Passover season when Jews commemorated the Exodus and manna provision. The crowd sought Jesus for physical bread (6:26), but He redirected them to spiritual reality. Jewish expectation held that Messiah would restore manna as Moses had provided it. Jesus claims to supersede Moses - the manna sustained temporarily, but Christ provides eternal life. This passage precipitated the first major crisis in Jesus' ministry, with many disciples departing (6:66). Early church liturgy incorporated this discourse into eucharistic theology, though Jesus' primary reference is to faith rather than sacrament. Church Fathers like Ignatius and Irenaeus cited this passage defending Christ's true humanity and the reality of spiritual nourishment through faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' claim to be bread address humanity's fundamental spiritual hunger beyond physical needs?
  2. What is the relationship between 'coming' to Jesus and 'believing' in Him in this verse?
  3. Why does Jesus use the emphatic 'I am' formula, and how does it connect to Old Testament divine self-revelation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
εἶπεν1 of 27

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 27

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῖς3 of 27

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

4 of 27
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 27

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Ἐγώ6 of 27

I

G1473

i, me

εἰμι7 of 27

am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

8 of 27
G3588

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

ἄρτος9 of 27

the bread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

τῆς10 of 27
G3588

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

ζωῆς·11 of 27

of life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

12 of 27
G3588

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

ἐρχόμενος13 of 27

he that cometh

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρός14 of 27

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

μὲ,15 of 27

me

G3165

me

οὐ16 of 27
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ17 of 27
G3361

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

πεινάσῃ18 of 27

hunger

G3983

to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave

καὶ19 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

20 of 27
G3588

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

πιστεύων21 of 27

he that believeth

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

εἰς22 of 27

on

G1519

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

ἐμὲ23 of 27

me

G1691

me

οὐ24 of 27
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ25 of 27
G3361

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

διψήσῃ26 of 27

shall

G1372

to thirst for (literally or figuratively)

πώποτε27 of 27
G4455

at any time, i.e., (with negative particle) at no time


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 6:35 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 6:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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