John 5:40
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θέλετε
ye will
G2309
θέλετε
ye will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
3 of 9
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἐλθεῖν
come
G2064
ἐλθεῖν
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
4 of 9
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρός
to
G4314
πρός
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 9
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Cross References
John 3:19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.John 1:11He came unto his own, and his own received him not.Matthew 23:37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!John 6:37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.Revelation 22:17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.Isaiah 50:2Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.Isaiah 49:7Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.John 6:27Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.John 6:40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.Psalms 81:11But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
Historical Context
This verse diagnoses the religious leaders' problem. They're not lacking information—they have the Scriptures. They lack willingness to submit to the One Scripture reveals. Their refusal is moral, not intellectual. Pride, vested interest, and love of human approval (verse 44) prevent coming to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is unwillingness more fundamental than intellectual objection in unbelief?
- What prevents religious people from coming to Christ for life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.' The problem isn't intellectual but volitional—'ye will not come.' Scripture points to Christ; they won't follow the pointer. The life they seek through study is found in Him; they refuse to come. Unbelief is not inability but unwillingness. The evidence is sufficient; the will resists. This explains why religious experts reject Christ—their will, not their mind, is the obstacle.