John 6:66

Authorized King James Version

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From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Original Language Analysis

Ἐκ From G1537
Ἐκ From
Strong's: G1537
Word #: 1 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τούτου that G5127
τούτου that
Strong's: G5127
Word #: 2 of 15
of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)
πολλοὶ time many G4183
πολλοὶ time many
Strong's: G4183
Word #: 3 of 15
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἀπῆλθον went G565
ἀπῆλθον went
Strong's: G565
Word #: 4 of 15
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
τῶν G3588
τῶν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαθητῶν disciples G3101
μαθητῶν disciples
Strong's: G3101
Word #: 6 of 15
a learner, i.e., pupil
αὐτοῦ him G846
αὐτοῦ him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 7 of 15
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
εἰς back G1519
εἰς back
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 8 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀπίσω G3694
ὀπίσω
Strong's: G3694
Word #: 10 of 15
to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 11 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐκέτι no more G3765
οὐκέτι no more
Strong's: G3765
Word #: 12 of 15
not yet, no longer
μετ' with G3326
μετ' with
Strong's: G3326
Word #: 13 of 15
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτοῦ him G846
αὐτοῦ him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 14 of 15
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
περιεπάτουν walked G4043
περιεπάτουν walked
Strong's: G4043
Word #: 15 of 15
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

Analysis & Commentary

'From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.' The discourse produces departure. Many disciples—not merely curious crowds but those who had followed—abandon Jesus. His teaching is too hard (verse 60), too offensive, too demanding. This separates genuine from superficial followers. Following Jesus through difficulty proves more than following for benefits.

Historical Context

This represents the first major defection from Jesus' following. The demanding nature of His teaching revealed shallow commitment. These were disciples (mathetai), not merely curious observers. Their departure challenged the Twelve's loyalty (verse 67). Jesus allows departure—He doesn't soften truth to retain followers.

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