John 6:28
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 12
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,
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 12
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
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 12
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ποιοῦμεν
shall we do
G4160
ποιοῦμεν
shall we do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
6 of 12
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἐργαζώμεθα
we might work
G2038
ἐργαζώμεθα
we might work
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
8 of 12
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα
the works
G2041
ἔργα
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
10 of 12
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Cross References
Deuteronomy 5:27Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.Acts 9:6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.Acts 16:30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?Matthew 19:16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?Luke 10:25And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
Historical Context
First-century Judaism emphasized obedience to Torah commandments as the path to righteousness. The question assumes God requires specific performances. Jesus transforms the discussion from multiple works to single work, from human effort to divine gift received by faith.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do people naturally think of salvation in terms of works to perform?
- How does Jesus' answer (verse 29) transform the discussion from works to faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?' The crowd's question reveals works-based thinking. They want a list of actions to perform. 'Works of God' (plural) implies multiple requirements. This reflects religious mentality that seeks salvation through achievement. Jesus' answer (verse 29) will redirect from works to work, from doing to believing.