King James Version

What Does John 6:39 Mean?

John 6:39 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from John chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

John 6:39 · King James Version


Context

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.

40

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

41

The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
'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.' The Father's will is the Son's preserving of all given to Him. 'Lose nothing' is emphatic—complete preservation. Jesus guarantees resurrection for all the Father entrusts to Him. Divine election ('given me') meets human security ('lose nothing'). This grounds assurance in Christ's keeping power, not human faithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse is foundational for the doctrine of perseverance. Those given by the Father to the Son will be kept by the Son for resurrection. The security isn't in the sheep's grip but the Shepherd's. John 10:28-29 develops this theme further.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does divine giving and Christ's preserving ground Christian assurance?
  2. What comfort does 'lose nothing' provide for believers facing trials?

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


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
τοῦτο1 of 25

“this”

G5124

that thing

δέ2 of 25

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐστιν3 of 25

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τῇ4 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

θέλημα5 of 25

“will”

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

τῇ6 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

πέμψαντός7 of 25

“hath sent”

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

με8 of 25

“me”

G3165

me

πατρός,9 of 25

“the Father's”

G3962

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

ἵνα10 of 25

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

πᾶν11 of 25

“of all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὃ12 of 25

“which”

G3739

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

δέδωκέν13 of 25

“he hath given”

G1325

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

μοι14 of 25

“me”

G3427

to me

μὴ15 of 25

“nothing”

G3361

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

ἀπολέσω16 of 25

“I should lose”

G622

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

ἐξ17 of 25
G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτὸ18 of 25

“it”

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

ἀλλὰ19 of 25

“but”

G235

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

ἀναστήσω20 of 25

“should raise”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

αὐτὸ21 of 25

“it”

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

ἐν22 of 25

“at”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ23 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

ἐσχάτῃ24 of 25

“the last”

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

ἡμέρᾳ25 of 25

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of


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 6:39 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 6:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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