King James Version

What Does John 6:40 Mean?

John 6:40 in the King James Version says “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting... — study this verse from John chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 6:40 · KJV


Context

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.

42

And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' Seeing and believing are connected—spiritual perception leading to faith. Everyone who truly sees Jesus for who He is and believes receives eternal life. The promise of resurrection ('I will raise him up') is Jesus' personal commitment. Four times in this chapter He promises to raise believers at the last day.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The emphasis on resurrection corrects spiritualizing tendencies. Eternal life includes bodily resurrection. Early church against Gnostic denial of bodily resurrection cited such texts. The repeated promise (verses 39, 40, 44, 54) emphasizes certainty.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the relationship between seeing and believing in coming to Christ?
  2. Why does Jesus emphasize resurrection 'at the last day' four times in this discourse?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
τοῦτο1 of 28

this

G5124

that thing

δὲ2 of 28

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐστιν3 of 28

is

G2076

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

τῇ4 of 28

which

G3588

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

θέλημα5 of 28

the will

G2307

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

τῇ6 of 28

which

G3588

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

πέμψαντος7 of 28

of him that 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

με,8 of 28

me

G3165

me

ἵνα9 of 28

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

πᾶς10 of 28

every one

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῇ11 of 28

which

G3588

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

θεωρῶν12 of 28

seeth

G2334

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

τῇ13 of 28

which

G3588

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

υἱὸν14 of 28

the Son

G5207

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

καὶ15 of 28

and

G2532

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

πιστεύων16 of 28

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

εἰς17 of 28

on

G1519

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

αὐτὸν18 of 28

him

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

ἔχῃ19 of 28

may have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ζωὴν20 of 28

life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

αἰώνιον21 of 28

everlasting

G166

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

καὶ22 of 28

and

G2532

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

ἀναστήσω23 of 28

up

G450

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

αὐτὸν24 of 28

him

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

ἐγὼ25 of 28

I

G1473

i, me

τῇ26 of 28

which

G3588

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

ἐσχάτῃ27 of 28

at the last

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

ἡμέρᾳ28 of 28

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 6:40 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 6:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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