John 6:28

KJV

¶ Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} said they {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, What {G5101} shall we do {G4160}{G4160}, that {G2443} we might work {G2038} the works {G2041} of God {G2316}?

Complete Jewish Bible

So they said to him, “What should we do in order to perform the works of God?”

Berean Standard Bible

Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?”

American Standard Version

They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:28 captures a pivotal moment where a crowd, having just been miraculously fed by Jesus, approaches Him with a question reflecting their deeply ingrained understanding of earning divine favor through religious performance. Their inquiry, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?", reveals a common human inclination to achieve righteousness and blessing through personal effort and adherence to outward observances, setting the stage for Jesus to profoundly redefine the true "work of God" as one of faith in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand ([John 6:1-14](/john/6-1-14 "John 6:1-14 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand")), His walking on water ([John 6:15-21](/john/6-15-21 "John 6:15-21 - Jesus Walks on Water")), and the crowd's subsequent pursuit of Him across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus has just confronted their superficial motives, stating that they sought Him not because they saw the signs, but because they ate the loaves and were filled ([John 6:26](/john/6-26 "John 6:26 - Jesus Confronts Their Motives")). He then exhorted them to "labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life" ([John 6:27](/john/6-27 "John 6:27 - Seek Enduring Life")), hinting at a spiritual provision. The crowd's question in verse 28 is a direct, albeit misguided, response to Jesus' call for a different kind of "labor," demonstrating their readiness to "do" something to obtain this everlasting life, framed within their existing paradigm of meritorious works.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was deeply rooted in the concept of covenant and law. The prevailing understanding was that righteousness and access to God's blessings were achieved through diligent observance of the Mosaic Law, the traditions of the elders, and various religious duties (e.g., sacrifices, almsgiving, prayer, Sabbath keeping). This emphasis on "works" (Hebrew: *mitzvot*) as a means of earning favor or demonstrating piety was central to their religious identity. The crowd, therefore, naturally assumed that if there was a "work of God" to be done, it would involve specific actions, rituals, or a heightened level of obedience that they could perform. Their question reflects a common human tendency across cultures and religions to believe that divine favor can be earned through human effort.

* **Key Themes:** The question posed in [John 6:28](/john/6-28 "John 6:28 - The Crowd's Question About Works") introduces several critical themes that Jesus will develop throughout the rest of the discourse in [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - The Bread of Life Discourse"). Firstly, it highlights the **tension between human effort and divine grace**, contrasting the crowd's "what must *we* do?" with Jesus' subsequent revelation of God's singular provision. Secondly, it underscores the **misunderstanding of God's true will** regarding salvation; the crowd believes "works of God" are external deeds, whereas Jesus will redefine it as an internal act of faith. This sets the stage for Jesus to present Himself as the **true Bread of Life** ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), emphasizing that eternal life is a gift received by believing in Him, not earned by human performance. This discourse is foundational for understanding the nature of salvation in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb has a very wide application, meaning "to make or do." In this context, it reflects the crowd's desire to perform specific actions or engage in particular behaviors. It carries the nuance of active participation and accomplishment, implying a human initiative in achieving a desired outcome.
* **work (Greek, _ergázomai'_):** Derived from *érgon*, this verb means "to toil, labor, or be engaged in an occupation." It emphasizes the effort, exertion, or performance involved in carrying out a task. The crowd uses it to suggest a sustained, intentional effort on their part to fulfill divine requirements.
* **works (Greek, _érgon'_):** This noun refers to deeds, actions, or accomplishments. In the plural, as used by the crowd, it suggests a collection of specific tasks, duties, or religious observances that they believe God requires for salvation or blessing. It contrasts sharply with Jesus' redefinition in the singular ("the work of God") in the subsequent verse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said they unto him,"**: This phrase indicates a direct, immediate response from the crowd to Jesus' preceding statement in [John 6:27](/john/6-27 "John 6:27 - Jesus' Exhortation"). It signifies their engagement with His words, even if their understanding is limited. The "they" refers to the multitude who had followed Jesus, driven by their physical hunger and expectation of a Messiah who would provide earthly sustenance.
* **"What shall we do,"**: This is an interrogative clause that reveals the crowd's operative paradigm. They are thinking in terms of human agency and merit. Their question implies a readiness to act, to perform, to engage in religious duties, believing that such actions are the prerequisite for obtaining the "meat which endureth unto everlasting life" that Jesus mentioned. It reflects a works-based understanding of their relationship with God.
* **"that we might work the works of God?"**: This is the purpose clause, clarifying the intent behind their question. They desire to "work the works of God," meaning to perform deeds that are pleasing to God, ordained by God, or that fulfill God's requirements. The plural "works" (ἔργα) suggests a multiplicity of actions, likely rooted in their understanding of the Mosaic Law and traditional Jewish observances. They are asking for a divine task list, a set of spiritual instructions to follow, believing that by fulfilling these, they will secure eternal life.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in this verse is **Irony**, coupled with a stark **Contrast**. The crowd's question, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?", is ironic because it reveals their profound misunderstanding of the very nature of God's work and salvation, which Jesus is about to reveal. They are focused on *their* doing, while Jesus' subsequent answer will pivot entirely to *God's* doing through His Son. This sets up a powerful **Contrast** between a works-based righteousness and a faith-based righteousness. The crowd's plural "works" (ἔργα) also contrasts with Jesus' singular "work" (ἔργον) in [John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God is to Believe"), highlighting the fundamental shift in understanding from human effort to divine initiative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:28 serves as a critical theological hinge, articulating humanity's natural inclination towards self-salvation through performance, which Jesus will immediately dismantle. It highlights the pervasive human tendency to believe that our standing with God is predicated on our actions, our obedience, or our religious diligence. This question sets the stage for Jesus to unveil the radical truth that the "work of God" is not a list of deeds for humans to perform, but a singular, divine act of sending His Son, and the human response is not to "do" but to "believe." This foundational principle of salvation by grace through faith, rather than by works, is a cornerstone of Christian theology, distinguishing it sharply from all other religious systems that emphasize human merit.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - No One Justified by Works of the Law")
* [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The crowd's question in John 6:28 resonates deeply with the human heart. We are often conditioned to believe that we must earn what we receive, especially from a divine source. This verse challenges us to critically examine our own spiritual posture: Do we approach God with a "what must I do?" mindset, seeking to earn His favor, acceptance, or blessing through our good deeds, religious observances, or moral living? Or do we grasp the profound truth that the primary "work of God" for us is to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and to receive His grace as a free gift? True spiritual "work" in the Christian life flows *from* a heart transformed by faith and gratitude, not as a means to achieve salvation or earn God's love. This passage calls us to abandon self-effort as a path to righteousness and instead embrace humble dependence on Christ's finished work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I still operate with a "what must I do to earn God's favor?" mindset?**
* **How does understanding Jesus' answer in the next verse (John 6:29) change my perspective on "working for God"?**
* **Am I more focused on my performance for God or on my relationship with God through faith in Christ?**
* **How can I better live out the truth that salvation is a gift, not a reward for my efforts?**

### FAQ
**What did the crowd mean by "the works of God"?**
Answer: The crowd, steeped in a Jewish understanding of the Law, likely meant a set of religious duties, commands, or meritorious actions that they believed God required for them to attain righteousness, blessing, or eternal life. They were asking for a "to-do list" of divine commandments, similar to how they understood adherence to the Mosaic Law or the traditions of the elders. They believed that by performing these "works," they could earn God's favor and the "meat which endureth unto everlasting life" that Jesus had just spoken of in [John 6:27](/john/6-27 "John 6:27 - Seek Enduring Life").

**How does Jesus answer the crowd's question in the immediate context?**
Answer: Jesus' answer in the very next verse, [John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God is to Believe"), radically redefines "the work of God." He states, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." Jesus shifts the focus entirely from human performance (plural "works") to divine initiative and a singular act of faith (singular "work"). He clarifies that the one essential "work" God requires is not a list of deeds, but faith in Him, the Son whom God has sent. This highlights the core difference between earning salvation and receiving it by grace through belief.

**Does this passage imply that good works are unimportant for believers?**
Answer: Not at all. While [John 6:28-29](/john/6-28-29 "John 6:28-29 - The Crowd's Question and Jesus' Answer") emphasizes that salvation is by faith alone, it does not diminish the importance of good works. Rather, it redefines their place. Good works are not the *means* to salvation, but the *result* and *evidence* of genuine faith. As [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works") states, believers are "created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." These works flow from a transformed heart and a grateful response to God's grace, not from a desire to earn it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The crowd's question in [John 6:28](/john/6-28 "John 6:28 - The Crowd's Question About Works") perfectly sets the stage for Jesus to reveal Himself as the ultimate fulfillment of God's "work." Humanity, since the Fall, has been prone to seeking righteousness through self-effort, attempting to "do" something to bridge the gap with God. Jesus' answer in [John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God is to Believe") cuts through this human inclination, declaring that the singular "work of God" is to "believe on him whom he hath sent"—that is, to believe in Jesus Himself. Christ is not merely one of many "works" or a new set of commands; He *is* the divine provision, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one in whom all the "works" of the Law are fulfilled and surpassed. He perfectly accomplished the will of God, not by external rituals, but by His obedient life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. Therefore, the "work of God" for humanity is to cease from self-effort and instead rest in the finished work of Christ, looking to Him as the author and finisher of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Finisher of Faith")). He is the Bread of Life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) given by the Father, and to partake of Him by faith is the true "work" that leads to eternal life.

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

Luke 10:25

¶ And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Acts 16:30

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Matthew 19:16

¶ And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

Acts 9:6

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Acts 2:37

¶ Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?

Deuteronomy 5:27

Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear [it], and do [it].

Micah 6:7

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, [or] with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn [for] my transgression, the fruit of my body [for] the sin of my soul?