John 6:60

Authorized King James Version

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Πολλοὶ
G4183
Many
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
#2
οὖν
G3767
therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
ἀκούειν
G191
hear
to hear (in various senses)
#4
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#5
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
μαθητῶν
G3101
disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#7
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#8
εἶπον,
G2036
this said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#9
Σκληρός
G4642
an hard
dry, i.e., hard or tough (figuratively, harsh, severe)
#10
ἐστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#11
οὗτος·
G3778
This
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#12
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
λόγος
G3056
saying
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#14
τίς
G5101
who
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#15
δύναται
G1410
can
to be able or possible
#16
αὐτοῦ
G846
his
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
#17
ἀκούειν
G191
hear
to hear (in various senses)

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights divine love through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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