Joh 6:43-51 | RWP | e4.org | Murmur not ( μη γογγυζετε ). Prohibition with μη and the present active imperative, "stop murmuring" (the very word of verse ). There was a rising tide of protest.

‏ John 6:43-51

Murmur not ( μη γογγυζετε ). Prohibition with μη and the present active imperative, "stop murmuring" (the very word of verse 41). There was a rising tide of protest.

Except the Father draw him ( εαν μη ελκυση αυτον ). Negative condition of third class with εαν μη and first aorist active subjunctive of ελκυω, older form ελκω, to drag like a net (Joh 21:6), or sword (18:10), or men (Ac 16:19), to draw by moral power (12:32), as in Jer 31:3. Συρω, the other word to drag (Ac 8:3; 14:19) is not used of Christ's drawing power. The same point is repeated in verse 65. The approach of the soul to God is initiated by God, the other side of verse 37. See Ro 8:7 for the same doctrine and use of ουδε δυνατα like ουδεις δυνατα here.

Taught of God ( διδακτο θεου ). A free quotation from Isa 54:13 with this phrase in the LXX. There is here the ablative case θεου with the passive verbal adjective διδακτο (Robertson, Grammar, p. 516). In 1Th 4:9 we have the compound verbal θεοδιδακτο. The same use of διδακτος with the ablative occurs in 1Co 2:13.

And hath learned ( κα μαθων ). Second aorist active participle of μανθανω. It is not enough to hear God's voice. He must heed it and learn it and do it. This is a voluntary response. This one inevitably comes to Christ.

This one has seen the Father ( ουτος εωρακεν τον πατερα ). Perfect active indicative of οραω. With the eyes no one has seen God (1:18) save the Son who is "from God" in origin (1:1, 14; 7:29; 16:27; 17:8). The only way for others to see God is to see Christ (14:9).

He that believeth ( ο πιστευων ). This is the way to see God in Christ.

I am the bread of life ( εγω ειμ ο αρτος της ζωης ). Jesus repeats the astounding words of verse 35 after fuller explanation. The believer in Christ has eternal life because he gives himself to him.

And they died ( κα απεθανον ). Physical death. The manna did not prevent death. But this new manna will prevent spiritual death.

That a man may eat thereof, and not die ( ινα τις εξ αυτου φαγη κα μη αποθανη ). Purpose clause with ινα and the second aorist active subjunctive of εσθιω and αποθνησκω. The wonder and the glory of it all, but quite beyond the insight of this motley crowd.

The living bread ( ο αρτος ο ζων ). "The bread the living." Repetition of the claim in 35, 41, 48, but with a slight change from ζωης to ζων (present active participle of ζαω ). It is alive and can give life. See 4:10 for living water. In Re 1:17 Jesus calls himself the Living One ( ο ζων ).

For ever ( εις τον αιωνα ). Eternally like αιωνιον with ζωην in 47.

I shall give ( εγω δωσω ). Emphasis on εγω (I). Superior so to Moses.

Is my flesh ( η σαρξ μου εστιν ). See on 1:14 for σαρξ the Incarnation. This new idea creates far more difficulty to the hearers who cannot grasp Christ's idea of self-sacrifice.

For the life of the world ( υπερ της του κοσμου ζωης ). Over, in behalf of, υπερ means, and in some connexions instead of as in 11:50. See 1:30 for the Baptist's picture of Christ as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. See also 3:17; 4:42; 1Jo 3:16; Mt 20:28; Ga 3:13; 2Co 5:14f.; Ro 5:8. Jesus has here presented to this Galilean multitude the central fact of his atoning death for the spiritual life of the world.