King James Version

What Does John 6:62 Mean?

John 6:62 in the King James Version says “What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?” — study this verse from John chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 6:62 · KJV

Context

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.

64

But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? This rhetorical question intensifies rather than resolves the offense. If eating His flesh offends them, witnessing His ascension to heaven will offend even more. The phrase 'where he was before' (hopou ēn to proteron) clearly asserts Christ's pre-existence—He existed before His incarnation. The 'Son of man' title, drawn from Daniel 7:13-14, identifies Jesus as the divine-human figure who approaches the Ancient of Days to receive everlasting dominion. The ascension will vindicate Jesus's claims, prove His heavenly origin, and confirm that His death (the flesh to be eaten) was substitutionary sacrifice, not tragic defeat. Yet the ascension will also deepen the scandal—how can disciples eat His flesh if He's ascended to heaven? The answer: spiritual feeding through faith, not physical eating. Reformed theology sees here Christ's session at God's right hand, from which He rules and through His Spirit applies redemption's benefits.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus prophetically refers to His future ascension, fulfilling Daniel 7:13's prophecy of the Son of man coming with clouds to the Ancient of Days. The disciples wouldn't witness this immediately—only after resurrection and 40 days of post-resurrection appearances would Jesus ascend (Acts 1:9-11). The ascension became crucial to early Christian theology: Christ's glorification proved His claims, His session at God's right hand demonstrates His authority, and His heavenly ministry as High Priest and Mediator continues (Hebrews 7:25). For John's audience decades later, Christ's ascension was historical fact, confirming His divine origin and current reign. The ascension also resolved the scandal of eating His flesh—believers don't physically consume Christ but spiritually participate in Him through faith and the Spirit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's ascension vindicate His claims about being from heaven?
  2. What is the relationship between Christ's physical ascension and spiritual feeding on Him?
  3. How does Christ's present session at God's right hand affect believers' daily lives?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἐὰν1 of 12

“if”

G1437

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

οὖν2 of 12

“What and”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

θεωρῆτε3 of 12

“ye shall see”

G2334

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

τὸν4 of 12
G3588

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

υἱὸν5 of 12

“the Son”

G5207

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

τοῦ6 of 12
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου7 of 12

“of man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἀναβαίνοντα8 of 12

“ascend up”

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

ὅπου9 of 12

“where”

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἦν10 of 12

“he was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

τὸ11 of 12
G3588

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

πρότερον12 of 12

“before”

G4386

previously

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 6:62 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 6:62 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 16:19John 3:13Luke 24:51John 17:4-5Ephesians 4:8-10Acts 1:9

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