John 6:27

KJV

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Labour {G2038} not {G3361} for the meat {G1035} which {G3588} perisheth {G622}, but {G235} for that meat {G1035} which {G3588} endureth {G3306} unto {G1519} everlasting {G166} life {G2222}, which {G3739} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} shall give {G1325} unto you {G5213}: for {G1063} him {G5126} hath {G4972} God {G2316} the Father {G3962} sealed {G4972}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t work for the food which passes away but for the food that stays on into eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For this is the one on whom God the Father has put his seal.”

Berean Standard Bible

Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”

American Standard Version

Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In [John 6:27](/john/6-27 "John 6:27 - Labour for Enduring Life"), Jesus redirects the crowd's focus from their immediate, physical hunger, satisfied by the miraculous feeding, to a deeper, spiritual longing. He challenges them to pursue not temporary, perishable sustenance, but the "meat which endureth unto everlasting life," a spiritual nourishment that only the Son of Man can provide, for He has been divinely authenticated and commissioned by God the Father. This verse serves as a pivotal transition, setting the stage for Jesus' profound discourse on Himself as the true "Bread of Life."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the miraculous [feeding of the five thousand](/john/6-1-14 "John 6:1-14 - Feeding the Five Thousand"), where Jesus supernaturally multiplied a few loaves and fish to feed a massive crowd. The people, having been physically satisfied, seek Jesus out again the next day, primarily motivated by the hope of receiving more free food. Jesus, with His divine insight, perceives their carnal intentions, recognizing that they are following Him for what He can provide materially rather than for who He is spiritually. [John 6:27](/john/6-27 "John 6:27 - Labour for Enduring Life") is Jesus' direct and challenging response, a call to reorient their priorities from the temporal to the eternal, thereby introducing the profound "Bread of Life" discourse that dominates the rest of [John chapter 6](/john/6 "John Chapter 6 - The Bread of Life").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, bread was the staple of life, a fundamental necessity and a symbol of God's provision (e.g., manna in the wilderness). The crowd's desire for more bread aligns with a common human tendency to prioritize immediate physical needs and comforts. Furthermore, there was a Messianic expectation among some Jews that the Messiah would perform signs similar to Moses, including providing bread from heaven (cf. [John 6:30-31](/john/6-30-31 "John 6:30-31 - The Sign of Manna")). Jesus' challenge cuts through these earthly expectations, elevating the discourse from physical sustenance to spiritual reality. His reference to "the Son of man" would have resonated with prophetic expectations, particularly from [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion"), signifying a divinely appointed, authoritative figure.

* **Key Themes:** [John 6:27](/john/6-27 "John 6:27 - Labour for Enduring Life") encapsulates several crucial themes central to [John's Gospel](/john/1 "The Gospel of John - Themes of Life and Light"). Firstly, it starkly contrasts **Spiritual vs. Material Focus**, urging a shift from perishable physical sustenance to enduring spiritual nourishment. Secondly, it highlights **Everlasting Life** as the ultimate goal of seeking this enduring "meat," a concept foundational to John's theology, famously articulated in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life"). Thirdly, it underscores **Jesus as the Exclusive Provider** of this spiritual sustenance, foreshadowing His explicit declaration as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the source of true life. Finally, the phrase "for him hath God the Father sealed" emphasizes Jesus' **Divine Authority and Authentication**, signifying God's explicit approval and commission of Jesus' unique identity and saving mission, much like a king's seal on a royal decree.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Labour (Greek, _ergázomai'_):** From the base of ἔργον (ergon, "work"), this verb means "to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with." In this context, Jesus is not forbidding physical labor for sustenance, but rather challenging the *ultimate object* of one's toil and ambition. The emphasis is on the primary purpose and driving force behind one's efforts.
* **meat (Greek, _brōsis'_):** From the base of βιβρώσκω (bibrōskō, "to eat"), this term refers to "eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively)." Here, it is used metaphorically to represent sustenance, both physical and spiritual. The contrast between "meat which perisheth" and "meat which endureth" highlights the qualitative difference between temporary satisfaction and eternal fulfillment.
* **sealed (Greek, _sphragízō'_):** From σφραγίς (sphragis, "a signet or private mark"), this verb means "to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest." In this verse, it signifies divine authentication, ownership, and designation. God the Father has placed His authoritative mark of approval upon Jesus, confirming His unique identity as the Son of Man and His mission as the giver of eternal life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Labour not for the meat which perisheth,"**: Jesus issues a powerful negative command, not against work itself, but against making perishable, temporary things the ultimate object of one's life's efforts and desires. This "meat" (food) symbolizes all earthly pursuits and satisfactions that are transient and cannot provide lasting fulfillment or eternal life. It challenges a worldview solely focused on material gain and physical comfort.
* **"but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life,"**: In stark contrast, Jesus commands a redirection of effort towards spiritual sustenance that has eternal value. This "meat" is not subject to decay or destruction; it "endureth" (remains, abides) permanently, leading directly to "everlasting life." This refers to a quality of life that is eternal in duration and divine in nature, characterized by a deep, abiding relationship with God.
* **"which the Son of man shall give unto you:"**: This clause identifies Jesus Himself as the sole source and giver of this enduring, life-giving spiritual nourishment. The title "Son of man" emphasizes His humanity while subtly pointing to His divine authority and Messianic role, particularly as the one who possesses the power to bestow eternal life. This sets the stage for His subsequent declarations about being the Bread of Life.
* **"for him hath God the Father sealed."**: This final clause provides the divine authorization for Jesus' claims and ability to give everlasting life. The Father's "seal" is an act of divine authentication, signifying that Jesus is uniquely commissioned, approved, and empowered by God Himself. It confirms His identity as the Messiah and the one through whom God's eternal purposes are realized, giving ultimate credibility to His words and mission.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:27 is rich in literary devices that enhance its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as Jesus sets up a direct opposition between "meat which perisheth" and "meat which endureth unto everlasting life." This antithesis highlights the fundamental difference between temporal, earthly pursuits and eternal, spiritual realities, compelling the audience to choose between them. **Symbolism** is also heavily employed, with "meat" (βρῶσις) serving as a metaphor for sustenance in general, both physical and spiritual. The "meat which perisheth" symbolizes all temporary earthly provisions and desires, while the "meat which endureth" symbolizes the spiritual nourishment and eternal life that Christ offers. Furthermore, the act of God the Father having "sealed" the Son of Man is a powerful **Metaphor** for divine authentication and commissioning, akin to a king's signet ring validating a decree. This imagery conveys the absolute authority and divine backing behind Jesus' words and mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:27 is a profound theological statement that reorients human endeavor from the temporal to the eternal. It asserts that true life and lasting satisfaction are found not in material accumulation or fleeting pleasures, but in a spiritual relationship with Christ, who alone can impart everlasting life. This verse underscores the divine initiative in salvation: God the Father has authenticated His Son, Jesus, as the unique provider of this eternal sustenance. It challenges the human tendency to seek immediate gratification and calls for a deeper, Spirit-led pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness. The "meat which endureth" points directly to Jesus Himself, who is the source of all spiritual life and the ultimate fulfillment of humanity's deepest longings.

* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")
* [Hebrews 4:10](/hebrews/4-10 "Hebrews 4:10 - Resting from Our Labors")
* [1 Peter 1:23-25](/1_peter/1-23-25 "1 Peter 1:23-25 - The Enduring Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:27 serves as a timeless challenge for believers today to critically examine the ultimate purpose and object of their daily "labor." Are our deepest desires, our most significant efforts, and our primary ambitions directed towards acquiring things that will ultimately perish, or are they invested in that which endures unto everlasting life? This verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, urging us to seek first the spiritual nourishment that comes from Christ, recognizing that true satisfaction, peace, and purpose are found only in Him. It encourages a shift from a consumeristic mindset, always seeking what can be gained for temporary comfort, to a Christ-centered one, valuing the eternal relationship and the spiritual sustenance He provides.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "meat which perisheth" might I be laboring for in my life, perhaps unknowingly or unintentionally?**
* **How can I intentionally reorient my daily efforts and priorities to "labor for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life"?**
* **In what ways do I truly seek Jesus for spiritual sustenance, rather than for what He can physically or materially provide?**
* **How does the truth that "God the Father has sealed" Jesus strengthen my trust in His promises and His ability to give everlasting life?**

### FAQ

**Does "Labour not" mean we shouldn't work for a living or pursue earthly goals?**

Answer: No, Jesus is not forbidding honest work or the pursuit of legitimate earthly goals. The Greek word for "labour" (ergázomai) refers to diligent effort or toil. The emphasis is on the *ultimate object* of one's labor and ambition. Jesus is challenging the crowd's primary motivation: they were seeking Him for more physical bread, which perishes, rather than for the spiritual nourishment that leads to eternal life. The command is a call to prioritize eternal values over temporal ones, to ensure that our deepest efforts are directed towards spiritual realities and our relationship with God, which alone provide lasting satisfaction and purpose. We are to work diligently in our earthly vocations, but our hearts and ultimate aspirations should be set on the enduring "meat" that Christ offers, as seen in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom").

**What does it mean that "God the Father sealed" Jesus?**

Answer: The act of "sealing" (Greek: sphragízō) carries significant meaning. In ancient times, a seal was used to authenticate a document, to mark ownership, to guarantee security, or to designate authority. When Jesus says God the Father has "sealed" Him, it signifies divine authentication and commissioning. It means that God the Father has publicly approved, authorized, and set apart Jesus as His chosen Son and the Messiah. This "seal" serves as a divine stamp of approval, confirming Jesus' unique identity and His authority to give everlasting life. It assures us that Jesus' claims and His mission are not self-appointed but are backed by the ultimate authority of God the Father, as also indicated in [John 5:36-37](/john/5-36-37 "John 5:36-37 - The Father's Witness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:27 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who *gives* the "meat which endureth unto everlasting life," but He *is* that enduring meat. As the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), Jesus offers Himself as the complete and satisfying spiritual sustenance that truly nourishes the soul unto eternity. His incarnation, life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and resurrection are the means by which this eternal life is made available to humanity. He is the [true manna](/john/6-32 "John 6:32 - The True Bread from Heaven") from heaven, superior to the physical manna given in the wilderness, for those who partake of Him will never hunger or thirst spiritually. Through faith in Him, believers receive not just a longer life, but an entirely new quality of life—eternal life—which is a present reality and a future hope. Jesus, the one "sealed" by the Father, is the very embodiment of God's provision for humanity's deepest spiritual need, offering abundant and [everlasting life](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life") to all who believe and follow Him as the [way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Only Way").

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

Colossians 3:2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Isaiah 55:2

Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

John 6:54

Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

2 Timothy 2:19

¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

John 6:40

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 6:51

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.