John 6:46
Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὸν
he which
G3588
τὸν
he which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
the Father
G3962
πατέρα
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
4 of 17
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ἑώρακεν
hath seen
G3708
ἑώρακεν
hath seen
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
6 of 17
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὸν
he which
G3588
τὸν
he which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρὰ
is
G3844
παρὰ
is
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τὸν
he which
G3588
τὸν
he which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
13 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
οὗτος
he
G3778
οὗτος
he
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
14 of 17
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἑώρακεν
hath seen
G3708
ἑώρακεν
hath seen
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
15 of 17
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
Cross References
John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.John 7:29But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.Luke 10:22All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.Matthew 11:27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Historical Context
This statement builds on John 1:18: 'No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son...he hath declared him.' Jesus alone provides authoritative revelation of the Father because of His unique relationship and origin.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' exclusive knowledge of the Father establish His unique authority to reveal God?
- What does this verse teach about the impossibility of knowing God apart from Christ's revelation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus clarifies 'Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father,' asserting His unique revelation of the Father. This guards against mysticism—no one comes to the Father independently—while affirming Christ's exclusive status. He alone has seen the Father because He alone is from the Father. Reformed theology emphasizes Christ as sole mediator.