John 6:33
For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῷ
which
G3588
τῷ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
11 of 16
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διδοὺς
giveth
G1325
διδοὺς
giveth
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
14 of 16
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
Cross References
John 17:8For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.John 8:42Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.John 6:48I am that bread of life.John 3:13And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.John 6:50This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.John 6:38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.John 16:28I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
Historical Context
The shift from 'it' (bread) to 'he' (person) is subtle in their conversation but profound theologically. Jesus will shortly declare 'I am the bread of life,' making explicit what He here implies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding Christ as the bread of life change our approach to spiritual nourishment?
- What does it mean that Christ 'giveth life unto the world' beyond merely sustaining existing life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus defines God's bread as 'he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.' This transitions from bread as commodity to bread as person—Christ Himself. The phrase 'giveth life unto the world' expands beyond Israel to universal scope. True bread doesn't merely sustain physical existence but imparts spiritual and eternal life.