John 6:63
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμά
spirit
G4151
πνεῦμά
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
2 of 21
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ζῳοποιοῦν
that quickeneth
G2227
ζῳοποιοῦν
that quickeneth
Strong's:
G2227
Word #:
5 of 21
to (re-)vitalize (literally or figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σὰρξ
the flesh
G4561
σὰρξ
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
7 of 21
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
οὐκ
G3756
οὐδέν·
nothing
G3762
οὐδέν·
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
10 of 21
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥήματα
the words
G4487
ῥήματα
the words
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
12 of 21
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
ἃ
that
G3739
ἃ
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
πνεῦμά
spirit
G4151
πνεῦμά
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
17 of 21
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Cross References
Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.John 6:68Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.Galatians 5:25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.Psalms 119:93I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.1 Peter 1:23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.Psalms 119:50This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.Psalms 119:130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.Deuteronomy 32:47For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.Romans 10:17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.1 Corinthians 15:45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
Historical Context
Many disciples left after this discourse (v. 66), unable to grasp spiritual truth. Jesus doesn't water down the message but explains it spiritually. The contrast between flesh and spirit appears throughout John (3:6), emphasizing regeneration's necessity for understanding divine truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you guard against mere religious ritual without genuine spiritual engagement?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping you understand Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
After the hard teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood, Jesus clarifies: 'It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing.' Spiritual understanding, not literal cannibalism, is His meaning. The Spirit gives life; physical elements (flesh, bread) have no saving power apart from spiritual reality. 'The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life' indicates His teaching must be spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). This distinguishes Christianity from mere ritualism.