John 6:35

Context

In chapter 6 of the Gospel of John, Jesus feeds five thousand people with five loaves and two fish (6:1-15). The saying occurs the next day, during a conversation with the crowd that has sought him out in Capernaum. The crowd asks for a sign and mentions the manna their fathers ate in the wilderness (6:31). Jesus replies that it is the Father who gives the true bread that comes down from heaven. When the crowd responds, "Lord, evermore give us this bread" (6:34), Jesus answers with this verse: "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

The Bread of Life Discourse (an extended teaching) that begins with this answer continues through 6:58, and the text records that it was delivered in the synagogue at Capernaum (6:59). After the discourse, many disciples turn away, and Peter confesses, "thou hast the words of eternal life" (6:68).

Interpretation

• Christological reading: The Gospel of John contains seven sayings in which Jesus identifies himself with "I am" (Greek egō eimi) followed by a predicate, and this verse is counted as the first of them. Many interpreters read the expression in continuity with the revelation of God's name in Exodus 3:12-15 and with John 8:58. On this reading, the verse reveals the divine identity of Jesus.
• Figurative reading of faith: This reading highlights the parallel between "he that cometh to me" and "he that believeth on me." Coming to Jesus is itself believing, and the language of eating bread is understood as a figure for faith. Augustine is reported to have explained the passage in his tractates on the Gospel of John with the words "Believe, and thou hast eaten."
• Sacramental reading: The Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church read chapter 6, especially 6:51-58, as closely connected with the Eucharist. In this reading the verse anticipates the receiving of Christ in the Eucharist.

Debates and Issues

• Relation to the Eucharist: Whether chapter 6 refers directly to the Eucharist is one of the points at issue in the Eucharistic controversies. Martin Luther is generally understood to have held that John 6 does not speak directly of the Eucharist. Huldrych Zwingli cited "the flesh profiteth nothing" (6:63) in support of a symbolic understanding. John Calvin explained that the chapter speaks of union with Christ through faith and that the Eucharist confirms that union.
• Coming and drawing: Interpretations differ over the statements that immediately follow: "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me" (6:37) and "except the Father which hath sent me draw him" (6:44). Calvinism reads these as grounds for God's sovereign calling. Arminianism emphasizes the open invitation of "he that cometh to me" and the human response.
• Translation in Korean Bibles: In Korean translations, the Greek artos is rendered tteok in the New Korean Revised Version and ppang, the everyday word for bread, in the New Korean Standard Version. Although the two words carry different connotations for Korean readers, the prevailing view is that there is no significant difference in meaning.

Perspective: Korean Protestant practiceHow this idea is used in Korean churches, kept from the original Korean article.

In Korean churches, the expression "bread of life" is widely used in sermon titles and in the words spoken at the administration of Communion, and it is frequently cited in contexts that encourage spiritual satisfaction and meditation on the Word.

Related Passages

• John 6:37-40
• John 8:12
• John 10:11-15
• Revelation 7:9-17