John 6:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 6:31
31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Chapter Context
John 6 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, fellowship, holiness. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-71: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 6:31
31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Analysis
The crowd cites 'our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat' (Psalm 78:24), implicitly challenging Jesus to match Moses' provision. Their appeal to Scripture and ancestry reveals how we can use biblical truth to resist present revelation. They cite manna but miss its fulfillment standing before them.
Historical Context
Manna (Exodus 16) sustained Israel for 40 years in the wilderness. The crowd's reference connects Jesus' feeding miracle to that historical provision, but they fail to see Jesus as the greater Moses providing superior bread.
Reflection
- How can we use Scripture to resist rather than receive Christ's revelation?
- What does this passage teach about the relationship between Old Testament types and their New Testament fulfillment?
Word Studies
- Heaven: οὐρανός (Ouranos) G3772 - Heaven, sky
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: John 6:49, 6:58, Exodus 16:35, Deuteronomy 8:3, Joshua 5:12, Nehemiah 9:15