John 4:34
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 19
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
βρῶμά
meat
G1033
βρῶμά
meat
Strong's:
G1033
Word #:
6 of 19
food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the jewish law
ποιῶ
do
G4160
ποιῶ
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
9 of 19
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλημα
the will
G2307
θέλημα
the will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
11 of 19
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πέμψαντός
of him that sent
G3992
πέμψαντός
of him that sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
13 of 19
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τελειώσω
to finish
G5048
τελειώσω
to finish
Strong's:
G5048
Word #:
16 of 19
to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 19
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
Cross References
John 6:38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.John 5:30I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.Job 23:12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.John 17:4I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.John 19:30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.Matthew 26:39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.John 4:32But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.John 5:36But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.Luke 19:10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.Psalms 40:8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Historical Context
This statement anticipates Jesus' climactic 'It is finished' on the cross (John 19:30). His entire ministry, from incarnation to ascension, consisted of perfect obedience to the Father's redemptive purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing obedience to God as nourishment transform our perspective on doing His will?
- What does Christ's focus on 'finishing' God's work teach about perseverance in our callings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus explains that His 'meat' is doing the Father's will and finishing His work. This declaration reveals Christ's singular devotion to redemptive mission. The Reformed emphasis on God's sovereignty in salvation connects to Christ's complete submission to the Father's plan. His food is accomplishing our redemption.