John 6:50

Authorized King James Version

This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὗτός
This
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
ἐστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#3
τοῦ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἄρτος
the bread
bread (as raised) or a loaf
#5
τοῦ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐξ
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#7
τοῦ
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#9
καταβαίνων
cometh down
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#10
ἵνα
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#11
τις
a man
some or any person or object
#12
ἐξ
from
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#13
αὐτοῦ
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
#14
φάγῃ
may eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#15
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#17
ἀποθάνῃ
die
to die off (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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