John 6:58

Authorized King James Version

This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὗτός
G3778
This
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
ἐστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#3
τὸν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἄρτον
G740
bread
bread (as raised) or a loaf
#5
τὸν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐκ
G1537
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
τὸν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
οὐρανοῦ
G3772
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#9
καταβάς
G2597
came down
to descend (literally or figuratively)
#10
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#11
καθὼς
G2531
as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#12
ἔφαγον
G5315
did eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#13
τὸν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
πατέρες
G3962
fathers
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#15
ὑμῶν
G5216
your
of (from or concerning) you
#16
τὸν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
μάννα,
G3131
manna
manna (i.e., man), an edible gum
#18
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ἀπέθανον·
G599
are dead
to die off (literally or figuratively)
#20
τὸν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
τρώγων
G5176
he that eateth
or perhaps rather of a base of g5167 and g5149 through the idea of a craunching sound; to gnaw or chew, i.e., (generally) to eat
#22
τοῦτον
G5126
of this
this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)
#23
τὸν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
ἄρτον
G740
bread
bread (as raised) or a loaf
#25
ζήσεται
G2198
shall live
to live (literally or figuratively)
#26
εἰς
G1519
for
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#27
τὸν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
αἰῶνα
G165
ever
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

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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