John 6:44
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Original Language Analysis
οὐδεὶς
No man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
No man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
1 of 21
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἐλθεῖν
come
G2064
ἐλθεῖν
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 21
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρός
to
G4314
πρός
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 21
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,
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
6 of 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
the Father
G3962
πατὴρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
9 of 21
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πέμψας
hath sent
G3992
πέμψας
hath sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
11 of 21
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
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 21
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναστήσω
up
G450
ἀναστήσω
up
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
17 of 21
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 21
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
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 6:65And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.John 12:32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.Matthew 16:17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.John 6:45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.Jeremiah 31:3The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.Hosea 11:4I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.Colossians 2:12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.Philippians 1:29For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;John 5:44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
Historical Context
This verse expresses the doctrine of effectual calling. God's drawing doesn't merely make salvation possible; it makes it actual. Augustine, Luther, and Calvin emphasized this verse against Pelagian views of human ability. The tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility remains mystery, but both are affirmed.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that 'no man can come' unless the Father draws?
- How do divine drawing and human responsibility relate in coming to Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.' Human inability meets divine initiative. Coming to Christ requires the Father's drawing. 'Can' (dunatai) indicates ability, not permission—humanity cannot come unless drawn. This isn't mere invitation but effective attraction. Yet drawing doesn't force—those drawn come willingly because God changes their hearts.