John 6:29

KJV

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and {G2532} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, This {G5124} is {G2076} the work {G2041} of God {G2316}, that {G2443} ye believe {G4100} on {G1519} him {G3739} whom {G1565} he hath sent {G649}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered, “Here’s what the work of God is: to trust in the one he sent!”

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”

American Standard Version

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In [John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God is to Believe"), Jesus responds to a crowd seeking tangible "works" to perform for God, profoundly redefining their understanding of divine labor. He declares that the singular, paramount "work of God" is not a set of human actions or religious rituals, but rather the act of believing in Him, the one whom God the Father has divinely commissioned and sent into the world. This statement fundamentally shifts the focus from human effort to divine initiative and the essential human response of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Jesus's extended "Bread of Life" discourse in [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - The Bread of Life Discourse"). It immediately follows two significant miracles: the feeding of the five thousand ([John 6:1-15](/john/6-1-15 "John 6:1-15 - Feeding the Five Thousand")) and Jesus walking on water ([John 6:16-21](/john/6-16-21 "John 6:16-21 - Jesus Walks on Water")). The crowd, having been miraculously fed, actively seeks Jesus out, but their motivation is largely materialistic—they desire more physical sustenance, "the bread that perisheth" ([John 6:27](/john/6-27 "John 6:27 - Do Not Work for Perishable Food")). Their question in [John 6:28](/john/6-28 "John 6:28 - What Must We Do?") ("What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?") reveals a mindset focused on earning God's favor through deeds. Jesus's answer in [John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God is to Believe") directly confronts this transactional view, redirecting their attention from outward performance to the inward, spiritual reality of faith in Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism placed significant emphasis on obedience to the Mosaic Law and the performance of good deeds (mitzvot) as a means of righteousness and demonstrating faithfulness to God. The crowd's question reflects this cultural understanding of "works." Furthermore, there was an expectation that the Messiah would perform signs, perhaps even miraculously provide food as Moses had done with manna in the wilderness ([John 6:31](/john/6-31 "John 6:31 - Our Fathers Ate Manna")). Jesus's response, however, challenges this legalistic and performance-based paradigm, introducing a radical concept that the primary "work" God requires is not an action of human merit but a response of trust in His divinely sent Son. This would have been counter-cultural and potentially scandalous to those steeped in a works-righteousness theology.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Initiative** in salvation: God has already performed the ultimate "work" by sending His Son. Humanity's part is to respond to this divine provision, not to initiate a work of their own. Secondly, it highlights the **Nature of True "Work" for God**, redefining it from human effort to a singular act of faith. This foundational principle asserts that salvation and spiritual life are not earned through deeds but received through belief. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Identity and Authority of Jesus** as "him whom he hath sent," unequivocally pointing to Jesus as the Father's divinely appointed and commissioned representative, the Messiah through whom God's ultimate work of redemption is accomplished. Believing in Him means accepting His claims and His unique role as Savior, as further elaborated throughout the [Gospel of John](/john "The Gospel of John - The Deity of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Work (Greek, _érgon_):** G2041 - This term refers to toil, an effort, an occupation, or simply an act or deed. In [John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God is to Believe"), Jesus uses it in the singular: "the work of God." This singular usage is crucial, implying not a multitude of tasks or a checklist of religious duties, but a singular, divinely ordained and required action. It is the one essential "work" that God desires from humanity, contrasting sharply with the "works of God" (plural) that the crowd inquired about in [John 6:28](/john/6-28 "John 6:28 - What Must We Do?").
* **Believe (Greek, _pisteúō_):** G4100 - This verb signifies to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), to credit, or by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ). It is far more than mere intellectual assent to a set of facts; it denotes active trust, reliance, surrender, and commitment to the person of Jesus. It implies placing one's complete confidence and hope in Him and His mission. The preposition "on" or "into" (G1519, _eis_) further emphasizes this movement of faith *into* or *upon* Christ, suggesting a relational union.
* **Sent (Greek, _apostéllō_):** G649 - This verb means to set apart, or to send out, properly on a mission. It carries the connotation of divine commissioning and authority. The phrase "him whom he hath sent" (G1565, _ekeînos_, G3739, _hós_, G649, _apostéllō_) unequivocally identifies Jesus as the Father's divinely appointed and authorized agent. His mission is not self-initiated but originates from God, underscoring His unique relationship with the Father and the divine authority behind His claims and teachings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus answered and said unto them,"**: This is a common Johannine introductory phrase (G611, _apokrínomai_, G2036, _épō_, G2532, _kaí_, G846, _autós_), signaling an authoritative and direct response from Jesus to the crowd's preceding question. It sets the stage for a profound theological declaration.
* **"This is the work of God,"**: Jesus identifies "this" (G5124, _toûto_, G2076, _estí_) as the singular "work" (G2041, _érgon_) that truly belongs to or is required by "God" (G2316, _theós_). The emphasis on "the work" (singular) rather than "the works" (plural, as in the crowd's question) is critical, indicating a specific, unique, and all-encompassing divine requirement.
* **"that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."**: This clause (G2443, _hína_, G4100, _pisteúō_, G1519, _eis_, G3739, _hós_, G1565, _ekeînos_, G649, _apostéllō_) defines the singular "work of God." The purpose clause ("that ye believe") reveals that the divine expectation is not human performance, but human faith. "Him whom he hath sent" is a clear, yet indirect, reference to Jesus Himself, establishing His identity as the Father's divinely commissioned Messiah. The preposition "on" (_eis_) with "believe" denotes a deep, relational trust and commitment directed toward Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several literary devices in [John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God is to Believe") to convey His profound message. Most notably, there is **Redefinition**, where Jesus takes the crowd's concept of "works of God" (plural, human actions) and redefines it into "the work of God" (singular, divine requirement of faith). This reorients their understanding from earning salvation to receiving it through trust. There is also significant **Emphasis** through the use of the singular "work" (ἔργον) in contrast to the plural "works" (ἔργα) used by the crowd in the preceding verse. This highlights the supreme and singular importance of belief above all other religious or moral endeavors. Furthermore, Jesus uses **Christological Identification** through the phrase "him whom he hath sent." While not explicitly naming Himself, this circumlocution clearly points to His unique divine commission and serves as a subtle yet powerful assertion of His Messiahship and divine authority, compelling the audience to recognize His identity as central to God's plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God is to Believe") stands as a cornerstone of New Testament theology, articulating the fundamental principle that salvation is not attained through human effort or adherence to religious law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. It underscores God's sovereign initiative in providing salvation, contrasting sharply with any notion of human merit. This verse dismantles the idea of works-righteousness, proclaiming that the only "work" truly pleasing to God is the humble, trusting response of belief in the Son He has sent. It emphasizes that the divine plan for humanity's redemption culminates in Christ, making faith in Him the essential and sufficient means of entering into a right relationship with God.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"): "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
* [Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith"): "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God"): "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God is to Believe") offers a profound challenge and comfort to believers today. It challenges the inherent human tendency to earn, to perform, or to prove oneself worthy before God. In a world that often measures worth by achievement and output, Jesus redirects our focus to the simple yet profound act of trust. This verse calls us away from a works-based mentality, whether it's striving for moral perfection, engaging in endless religious rituals, or seeking to impress God with our service. Instead, it invites us to rest in the completed work of God through Christ and to respond with wholehearted belief. This understanding frees us from the burden of self-justification and empowers us to live out our faith not as a means to earn favor, but as a joyful response to the grace already given. True spiritual vitality flows from this foundational belief, shaping our motives, our service, and our very identity in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of "doing God's work" in my daily life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I still be subtly trying to earn God's favor or acceptance through my own efforts, rather than simply believing?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to "believe on him whom he hath sent" in a way that impacts my priorities and actions?**

### FAQ

**Is belief a "work" in the same way that good deeds or religious rituals are?**

Answer: No, Jesus's statement in [John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God is to Believe") fundamentally distinguishes belief from human-initiated "works" or efforts to earn salvation. When Jesus says "This is the work of God, that ye believe," the "work" refers to God's *divine requirement* and *provision*, not a human meritorious act. It is the singular, essential response God calls for, a response of trust and reliance on His Son. Unlike "works of the Law" or human good deeds, which are often attempts to earn righteousness, belief is a humble reception of God's grace. As [Ephesians 2:9](/ephesians/2-9 "Ephesians 2:9 - Not of Works") clarifies, salvation is "not of works, lest any man should boast." Belief is the means by which we appropriate God's gift, not a contribution to earn it. It is an act of surrender and reception, rather than a performance of merit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God is to Believe") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who *defines* the "work of God" as belief; He is the very *object* of that belief and the *embodiment* of the Father's ultimate "work" of salvation. The Father's greatest "work" was sending His Son, Jesus, into the world to accomplish redemption. Therefore, believing "on him whom he hath sent" means placing our complete trust in Jesus's identity as the Son of God, His atoning death on the cross, and His resurrection. He is the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the "bread of life" who gives eternal life to those who believe ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Our faith in Him connects us to the very life of God, making us participants in the divine nature. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, the "work of God" is ultimately God's work *in* Christ, for us, and our "work" is simply to embrace this divine provision by faith.

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

1 John 3:23

¶ And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Acts 16:31

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Hebrews 5:9

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

John 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

1 John 5:1

¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

John 5:39

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.