King James Version

What Does John 6:61 Mean?

John 6:61 in the King James Version says “When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? offend: or, scand...” — study this verse from John chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? offend: or, scandalize, or, cause you to stumble”

John 6:61 · KJV

Context

59

These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

60

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

61

When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? offend: or, scandalize, or, cause you to stumble

62

What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

63

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? Jesus's knowledge 'in himself' (en heautō) indicates either supernatural insight or perceptive observation—likely both. The verb 'eggonguousin' (murmured) echoes Israel's wilderness grumbling (Exodus 16:2, Numbers 14:2), creating an ominous parallel between these disciples and unfaithful Israel. Jesus's question 'Does this offend you?' (touto humas skandalizei) acknowledges the stumbling block but doesn't remove it. The verb 'skandalizō' means to cause to stumble, to offend, to be a trap. Christ's person and work are deliberately a skandalon (stumbling stone, 1 Peter 2:8) to test hearts. Reformed theology emphasizes that God ordains both the gospel's proclamation and its effects—some believe unto salvation, others reject unto judgment. Jesus doesn't soft-pedal His message to retain followers; truth matters more than numbers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The wilderness generation's murmuring led to their dying in the desert without entering the promised land (Numbers 14:22-23). Jesus's use of 'murmuring' creates a sobering parallel: these disciples, like unfaithful Israel, grumble at God's provision and face rejection. The question 'Does this offend you?' is rhetorical—Jesus knows it does and intensifies the offense in verse 62 rather than softening it. This contrasts sharply with modern church-growth strategies that minimize offense. Jesus prioritizes truth over popularity, faithfulness over numbers. For John's persecuted first-century audience, this was encouraging—they faced offense and rejection for confessing Christ, but Jesus Himself experienced and even precipitated such rejection. The gospel's offense is not a bug but a feature, dividing humanity based on response to Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus ask if they're offended rather than explaining away the offense?
  2. What does the 'murmuring' parallel with wilderness Israel teach about rejecting God's provision?
  3. How should the church handle gospel truths that offend contemporary sensibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
εἰδὼς1 of 18

“knew”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 18

“When”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 18
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 18

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐν5 of 18

“in”

G1722

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

ἑαυτῷ6 of 18

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ὅτι7 of 18

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

γογγύζουσιν8 of 18

“murmured”

G1111

to grumble

περὶ9 of 18

“at”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τούτου10 of 18

“it”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

οἱ11 of 18
G3588

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

μαθηταὶ12 of 18

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῖς13 of 18

“his”

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

εἶπεν14 of 18

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς15 of 18

“his”

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

Τοῦτο16 of 18

“Doth this”

G5124

that thing

ὑμᾶς17 of 18

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

σκανδαλίζει18 of 18

“offend”

G4624

to entrap, i.e., trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure)

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 6:61 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 6:61 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 6:64John 2:24-25Revelation 2:23Hebrews 4:13John 21:17Matthew 11:6

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