King James Version

What Does John 6:44 Mean?

John 6:44 in the King James Version says “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. — study this verse from John chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:44 · KJV


Context

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?

43

Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.

44

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

45

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

46

Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.' Human inability meets divine initiative. Coming to Christ requires the Father's drawing. 'Can' (dunatai) indicates ability, not permission—humanity cannot come unless drawn. This isn't mere invitation but effective attraction. Yet drawing doesn't force—those drawn come willingly because God changes their hearts.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse expresses the doctrine of effectual calling. God's drawing doesn't merely make salvation possible; it makes it actual. Augustine, Luther, and Calvin emphasized this verse against Pelagian views of human ability. The tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility remains mystery, but both are affirmed.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that 'no man can come' unless the Father draws?
  2. How do divine drawing and human responsibility relate in coming to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
οὐδεὶς1 of 21

No man

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

δύναται2 of 21

can

G1410

to be able or possible

ἐλθεῖν3 of 21

come

G2064

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

πρός4 of 21

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,

με5 of 21

me

G3165

me

ἐὰν6 of 21
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

μὴ7 of 21
G3361

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

τῇ8 of 21

which

G3588

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

πατὴρ9 of 21

the Father

G3962

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

τῇ10 of 21

which

G3588

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

πέμψας11 of 21

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

με12 of 21

me

G3165

me

ἑλκύσῃ13 of 21

draw

G1670

to drag (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν14 of 21

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

καὶ15 of 21

and

G2532

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

ἐγὼ16 of 21

I

G1473

i, me

ἀναστήσω17 of 21

up

G450

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

αὐτὸν18 of 21

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

τῇ19 of 21

which

G3588

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

ἐσχάτῃ20 of 21

at the last

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

ἡμέρᾳ21 of 21

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 6:44 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 6:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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