King James Version

What Does John 6:50 Mean?

John 6:50 in the King James Version says “This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof , and not die.” — study this verse from John chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof , and not die.”

John 6:50 · KJV

Context

48

I am that bread of life.

49

Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.

50

This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof , and not die.

51

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

52

The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. The demonstrative 'houtos' (this) identifies Jesus Himself as the bread. The present tense 'katabainon' (coming down) indicates the ongoing reality of Christ's divine origin and mission. The purpose clause 'hina...mē apothanē' (that...not die) specifies the result: eating this bread prevents death—not physical death, but eternal separation from God. Reformed theology emphasizes that Christ is both the gift and giver—God provides Himself as our sustenance. The bread 'from heaven' underscores divine initiative; salvation originates entirely with God, not human striving. To 'eat thereof' is metaphorical for faith that appropriates Christ's person and work, resulting in union with Him. This verse promises definitive victory over death through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus continues His synagogue discourse in Capernaum, building on the manna controversy. First-century Judaism had developed extensive rabbinic commentary on manna, seeing it as the perfect food that adapted to each person's taste. Some rabbinic traditions expected the Messiah to provide manna again. Jesus radically reinterprets these expectations—He doesn't merely provide bread like Moses; He IS the bread. This claim would shock His hearers. The promise 'not die' addresses the universal human fear of mortality, especially acute in the Roman world with its uncertain afterlife concepts. Early Christian apologists like Justin Martyr used this verse to demonstrate Christianity's answer to death's finality.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'eat' of Christ—how do we actually appropriate Him by faith?
  2. How does Christ as the 'bread from heaven' demonstrate that salvation is entirely God's initiative?
  3. What comfort does the promise 'not die' provide to believers facing physical death?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
οὗτός1 of 17

“This”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν2 of 17

“is”

G2076

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

τοῦ3 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

ἄρτος4 of 17

“the bread”

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

τοῦ5 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

ἐξ6 of 17

“from”

G1537

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

τοῦ7 of 17

“which”

G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ8 of 17

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καταβαίνων9 of 17

“cometh down”

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἵνα10 of 17
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τις11 of 17

“a man”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐξ12 of 17

“from”

G1537

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

αὐτοῦ13 of 17
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

φάγῃ14 of 17

“may eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

καὶ15 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

μὴ16 of 17
G3361

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

ἀποθάνῃ17 of 17

“die”

G599

to die off (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 6:50 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 6:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 6:33John 6:58John 6:51Romans 8:10John 8:51John 6:42

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