King James Version

What Does John 6:37 Mean?

John 6:37 in the King James Version says “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” — study this verse from John chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 6:37 · KJV

Context

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.

38

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

39

And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing , but should raise it up again at the last day.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents the dual movement of salvation: divine sovereignty and human response. The opening 'All that the Father giveth me' (pan ho didosin moi ho pater) emphasizes the Father's elective giving - souls are given as a gift to the Son. The promise 'shall come to me' indicates certainty, not mere possibility. The second clause 'him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out' employs the strongest Greek negation (ou me ekbalo exo), guaranteeing acceptance. This balances divine election with human responsibility - those given will come, and all who come will be received. The passive voice 'is given' indicates divine initiative, while 'cometh' requires human response. Jesus presents Himself as perfectly faithful to receive all who approach, regardless of their past or worthiness. This verse addresses the anxiety of potential believers: will Christ accept me?

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Historical & Cultural Context

Within the Bread of Life discourse, this verse addresses Jewish concerns about who may receive Messiah's benefits. In first-century Judaism, debates about election and covenant inclusion were central - who belonged to God's people? Jesus reframes the question: the Father gives people to the Son, and the Son receives all who come. This challenged both Jewish exclusivism and anticipated Gentile inclusion. Reformed theology has emphasized this verse in articulating doctrines of election and perseverance - those given by the Father will certainly come, and those who come will never be rejected. Arminian theology emphasizes the universal invitation implicit in 'whosoever cometh.' Church history shows this verse provided assurance to anxious sinners in every generation, countering the fear that one's sin might be too great for Christ's acceptance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do divine election and human responsibility coexist in this verse without contradiction?
  2. What assurance does Jesus' promise never to cast out those who come provide for anxious seekers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Πᾶν1 of 18

“All”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὃ2 of 18

“that”

G3739

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

δίδωσίν3 of 18

“giveth”

G1325

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

μοι4 of 18

“me”

G3427

to me

ὁ5 of 18
G3588

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

πατὴρ6 of 18

“the Father”

G3962

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

πρός7 of 18

“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,

ἐμὲ8 of 18

“me”

G1691

me

ἥξει9 of 18

“shall come”

G2240

to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)

καὶ10 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

τὸν11 of 18
G3588

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

ἐρχόμενον12 of 18

“him that cometh”

G2064

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

πρός13 of 18

“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,

με14 of 18

“me”

G3165

me

οὐ15 of 18
G3756

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

μὴ16 of 18
G3361

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

ἐκβάλω17 of 18

“I will”

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

ἔξω18 of 18

“out”

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

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 6:37 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 6:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 11:28John 6:39John 17:24John 10:28-29John 17:2John 17:6

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