John 6:47
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
Original Language Analysis
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύων
He that believeth
G4100
πιστεύων
He that believeth
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
6 of 11
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 11
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.John 5:24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.John 3:18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.John 6:54Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.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.John 14:19Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
Historical Context
This statement summarizes John's Gospel purpose (20:31). Eternal life is not earned by works or awaited in purgatory but possessed now through faith. The double 'verily' emphasizes certainty. This verse has been foundational to evangelical assurance.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'have' eternal life now rather than merely expect it in the future?
- How does present possession of eternal life affect daily living?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.' Simple, emphatic declaration: belief equals possession of eternal life. Present tense 'hath' (echei) indicates current possession, not merely future hope. Eternal life begins at faith, continues through death, and culminates in resurrection. This is John's repeated theme—faith brings immediate, ongoing, and ultimate life.