John 6:53
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 28
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 28
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
6 of 28
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
7 of 28
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 #:
8 of 28
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
10 of 28
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 #:
11 of 28
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάρκα
the flesh
G4561
σάρκα
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
14 of 28
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοῦ
of the Son
G5207
υἱοῦ
of the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
16 of 28
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 28
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἷμα
blood
G129
αἷμα
blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
23 of 28
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
Cross References
1 John 5:12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.John 6:55For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.John 15:4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.John 6:47Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.John 3:3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.Revelation 2:17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.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.Matthew 18:3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.John 3:5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.Luke 13:5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Historical Context
This language would have been particularly offensive to Jews, for whom consuming blood was forbidden (Leviticus 17:10-14). Jesus deliberately uses scandalous imagery to emphasize the necessity of personally appropriating His sacrifice. Many disciples left over this teaching (verse 66).
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'eating flesh' and 'drinking blood' metaphorically represent?
- Why does Jesus use deliberately offensive language to describe coming to Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.' This shocking statement intensifies the discourse. 'Eat' and 'drink' are metaphors for appropriating Christ's sacrificial death. Without personally receiving what Christ offers through His death, there is no spiritual life. The language anticipates the Lord's Supper while primarily describing faith-union with Christ.