Joh 6:48-51 | RWP | e4.org | I am the bread of life ( εγω ειμ ο αρτος της ζωης ). Jesus repeats the astounding words of verse after fuller explanation. The believer in Christ has eternal life because he gives himself to him.

‏ John 6:48-51

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.