John 4:32

KJV

But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, I {G1473} have {G2192} meat {G1035} to eat {G5315} that {G3739} ye {G5210} know {G1492} not {G3756} of {G1492}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he answered, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.”

Berean Standard Bible

But He told them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”

American Standard Version

But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 4:32, Jesus responds to His disciples' concern for His physical hunger with a profound declaration: "I have meat to eat that ye know not of." This enigmatic statement, delivered immediately after His transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman, pivots the conversation from earthly sustenance to a higher, spiritual form of nourishment derived from fulfilling God's will, revealing the depth of His mission and the disciples' current spiritual shortsightedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the pivotal narrative of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well in [John 4](/john/4 "John 4 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman"). After revealing Himself as the Messiah and offering "living water" to the woman ([John 4:10-26](/john/4-10-26 "John 4:10-26 - Jesus Offers Living Water")), the disciples return from Sychar with physical food ([John 4:8](/john/4-8 "John 4:8 - Disciples Buy Food")). Seeing Jesus engaged in conversation and seemingly having not eaten, they urge Him to partake of the provisions. Jesus' response in [John 4:32](/john/4-32 "John 4:32 - Jesus' Spiritual Food") directly follows their offer, serving as a crucial transition that shifts their focus from His physical needs to the spiritual imperative of His divine mission, which He elaborates upon in the subsequent verses ([John 4:33-34](/john/4-33-34 "John 4:33-34 - Doing the Father's Will")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, hospitality was paramount, and offering food to a weary traveler was a fundamental act of care. The disciples' concern for Jesus' hunger was therefore culturally appropriate and well-intentioned. Travel in the ancient Near East was arduous, making physical sustenance a constant and practical concern for anyone on a journey. The act of eating together also carried significant social and covenantal implications. Furthermore, the setting in Samaria, a region typically avoided by Jews, underscores Jesus' radical disregard for cultural barriers in pursuit of His divine mission. The disciples' preoccupation with physical food reflects a common human tendency to focus on immediate, tangible needs, often missing the deeper spiritual realities at play, a theme frequently addressed by Jesus throughout His ministry.
* **Key Themes:** [John 4:32](/john/4-32 "John 4:32 - Jesus' Spiritual Food") contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of John and Jesus' broader ministry. Firstly, it highlights the **contrast between physical and spiritual realities**, a recurring motif in John's Gospel, where earthly concepts like water, bread, and light are used to convey profound spiritual truths. Jesus' statement immediately brings to mind His later teaching as the "[Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" in [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). Secondly, it underscores the **priority of God's will and mission**. As Jesus clarifies in [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is Doing God's Will"), His "meat" is "to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work," emphasizing His unwavering commitment to His Father's divine purpose. Lastly, the verse exemplifies the **disciples' initial spiritual misunderstanding**, a common theme throughout the Gospels where Jesus' followers struggle to grasp the spiritual dimensions of His teachings, often interpreting His words literally before gaining deeper insight through the Holy Spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **meat (Greek, _brōsis'_):** From G1035, this term refers abstractly to "eating" or concretely to "food." While it can denote flesh, its broader meaning of "that which is eaten" allows Jesus to use it metaphorically. In this context, it signifies the spiritual sustenance and profound satisfaction Jesus derives from accomplishing the Father's will, contrasting sharply with the physical food the disciples are concerned about. It highlights a type of nourishment that transcends the physical.
* **eat (Greek, _phágō'_):** From G5315, this primary verb means "to eat," used both literally and figuratively. Here, it refers to the act of consuming this "meat," emphasizing the active engagement and fulfillment Jesus experiences in His divine mission. It's not passive sustenance but an active partaking in God's purpose that provides Him with strength and satisfaction.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, this verb primarily means "to see," but in its perfect tense (as implied here), it means "to know" or "to be aware." The phrase "ye know not of" indicates the disciples' lack of spiritual discernment and understanding. They are unable to perceive the spiritual reality Jesus is referring to, being limited to a literal, earthly perspective. This highlights the chasm between Jesus' divine consciousness and their human comprehension.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he said unto them,"**: This introductory phrase signals a shift in the conversation, contrasting Jesus' perspective with the disciples' immediate concern. The "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a mild opposition or transition, preparing the listener for a statement that will diverge from their expectations. Jesus is about to reveal a truth beyond their current comprehension.
* **"I have meat to eat"**: This is the core metaphorical statement. Jesus asserts that He possesses a source of "meat" or "food" (G1035, _brōsis_) that sustains Him. By using the common concept of food, He immediately draws the disciples' attention, but His subsequent qualification will redefine its nature. This "meat" is not physical but spiritual, representing the profound satisfaction and strength derived from His divine mission.
* **"that ye know not of."**: This concluding clause highlights the disciples' ignorance and lack of spiritual understanding. The verb "know" (G1492, _eídō_) signifies a deep, experiential knowledge. Jesus implies that His source of nourishment is entirely outside their present frame of reference and experience. This sets the stage for His explanation in [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is Doing God's Will"), where He clarifies that His "meat" is to do the will of the Father.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [John 4:32](/john/4-32 "John 4:32 - Jesus' Spiritual Food") is **Metaphor** (or **Analogy**). Jesus uses the familiar concept of "meat" or "food" as a stand-in for spiritual sustenance and fulfillment derived from doing God's will. This allows Him to communicate a profound spiritual truth using an accessible, everyday image, drawing a direct parallel between physical nourishment and spiritual purpose. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: the disciples, concerned about Jesus' physical hunger, are ironically unaware of the deeper, spiritual hunger that truly drives and sustains Him. This creates a dramatic contrast, highlighting the disciples' earthly perspective versus Jesus' heavenly focus. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast**, setting up a clear distinction between the physical food the disciples offer and the spiritual "meat" Jesus possesses, thereby emphasizing the superior value and profound satisfaction found in obedience to God's divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jesus' declaration in [John 4:32](/john/4-32 "John 4:32 - Jesus' Spiritual Food") is a foundational statement about the nature of true sustenance and the priority of God's will. It reveals that for Jesus, and by extension for His followers, the deepest satisfaction and strength come not from earthly provisions or personal comfort, but from actively pursuing and accomplishing the divine purpose for which one has been sent. This spiritual "food" transcends physical hunger, providing a profound sense of meaning, purpose, and communion with God that far outweighs any temporal gratification. It underscores the truth that life is not merely about survival or material gain, but about aligning one's existence with the eternal will of the Creator.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by Every Word of God")
* [Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Jesus' Response to Temptation")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 4:32](/john/4-32 "John 4:32 - Jesus' Spiritual Food") challenges us to re-evaluate our own sources of "meat"—what truly sustains us, gives us purpose, and brings us deep satisfaction. Are we primarily driven by physical comforts, material possessions, or worldly achievements, much like the disciples were focused on physical food? Or do we, like Jesus, find our ultimate nourishment in actively seeking and doing the will of God? This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our priorities, reminding us that true life and lasting fulfillment are found in obedience to our Creator's purpose for us. When we align our lives with God's mission, we tap into a wellspring of spiritual strength and joy that transcends earthly circumstances, enabling us to persevere, serve, and thrive even when physical resources seem scarce. It encourages us to cultivate a spiritual appetite for God's will, recognizing that it is the most satisfying "food" for our souls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What do I consider my "meat" or primary source of satisfaction and strength in life?**
* **How does my daily life reflect a pursuit of God's will as my ultimate nourishment, rather than earthly comforts?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually "hungry" because I am neglecting the "meat" of God's purpose?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper desire to know and do God's will, even when it seems difficult or counter-cultural?**

### FAQ
**What did Jesus mean by "meat to eat that ye know not of"?**

Answer: Jesus was speaking metaphorically. While His disciples were concerned about His physical hunger and the need for literal food, Jesus was referring to a spiritual form of nourishment. His "meat" was the deep satisfaction, strength, and purpose He derived from fulfilling the will of God the Father and accomplishing the divine mission for which He was sent. The phrase "that ye know not of" indicated that the disciples, at that moment, lacked the spiritual understanding to grasp this profound truth, still operating from a purely earthly perspective. This concept is further clarified in [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is Doing God's Will"), where Jesus explicitly states, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 4:32](/john/4-32 "John 4:32 - Jesus' Spiritual Food") profoundly reveals the Christ-centered nature of true fulfillment and sustenance. Jesus, as the Son of God, perfectly embodies the principle that life's ultimate purpose is found in complete obedience to the Father's will. His "meat" was not merely a concept but the very essence of His being and mission—to seek and save the lost, to establish God's kingdom, and ultimately, to offer Himself as the atoning sacrifice. This verse foreshadows His unwavering commitment to the cross, where He would "finish His work" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished")). He is the ultimate example for humanity, demonstrating that true life is found in self-giving obedience, echoing His own words that He came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Through His perfect obedience, Jesus became the true "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering Himself as the spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies the soul and grants eternal life to all who believe in Him ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). Thus, Jesus' "meat" became our salvation, and in Him, we find our own purpose and sustenance by being conformed to His image and participating in His ongoing mission.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 23:12

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

Psalms 119:103

¶ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! [yea, sweeter] than honey to my mouth!

John 4:34

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Jeremiah 15:16

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Proverbs 18:20

¶ A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; [and] with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

Psalms 25:14

The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

Proverbs 14:10

¶ The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.