John 6:35

KJV

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, I {G1473} am {G1510} the bread {G740} of life {G2222}: he that cometh {G2064} to {G4314} me {G3165} shall never {G3364} hunger {G3983}; and {G2532} he that believeth {G4100} on {G1519} me {G1691} shall {G1372} never {G3364}{G4455} thirst {G1372}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered, “I am the bread which is life! Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever trusts in me will never be thirsty.

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.

American Standard Version

Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 6:35, Jesus declares Himself to be the "bread of life," a profound metaphor signifying His unique role as the sole source of spiritual sustenance and eternal satisfaction. This declaration promises that all who come to Him and believe in Him will experience complete spiritual fulfillment, never again suffering from the deepest hunger or thirst of the soul.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration is the pivotal point in Jesus' discourse following the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, as recorded in [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand and Walks on Water"). The crowd, having been physically satisfied, seeks Jesus out, primarily motivated by the desire for more miraculous food ([John 6:26](/john/6-26 "John 6:26 - Seeking Jesus for Food")). Jesus uses their earthly preoccupation with perishable food as a springboard to introduce a spiritual reality, contrasting the physical manna given to their ancestors in the wilderness with Himself as the true, heavenly bread that gives eternal life ([John 6:31-33](/john/6-31-33 "John 6:31-33 - The True Bread from Heaven")). This "I AM" statement is the first of seven such declarations in John's Gospel, each revealing a unique aspect of Jesus' divine identity and His essential provision for humanity's deepest needs. The discourse continues to elaborate on the nature of this "bread" and the necessity of "eating" His flesh and "drinking" His blood, leading to significant misunderstanding and division among His followers ([John 6:53-66](/john/6-53-66 "John 6:53-66 - Eating My Flesh and Drinking My Blood")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The feeding of the five thousand occurred in a desolate place near the Sea of Galilee, a region where people were familiar with the Old Testament narratives, particularly the Exodus and the provision of manna in the wilderness ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness")). The Jewish people of Jesus' day anticipated a new prophet like Moses who would again provide bread from heaven, a messianic expectation that Jesus directly addresses and redefines. Bread was the staple of life in ancient Israel, symbolizing sustenance, life, and God's provision. The daily act of breaking bread was fundamental to their existence, making it a powerful and relatable metaphor for spiritual nourishment. The concept of "hunger" and "thirst" also carried deep spiritual connotations in Jewish thought, often representing a longing for God, righteousness, or divine wisdom, as seen in prophetic literature like [Isaiah 55:1-2](/isaiah/55-1-2 "Isaiah 55:1-2 - Invitation to Spiritual Sustenance")).
* **Key Themes:** [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand and Walks on Water") is rich with theological themes that converge in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). The primary theme is **Jesus as the Divine Provider**, contrasting temporary physical provision with eternal spiritual sustenance. This highlights the theme of **Eternal Life**, which is not merely prolonged existence but a qualitative, abundant life found only in relationship with Christ. The passage also emphasizes **Faith and Belief** as the essential means by which one receives this life, linking "coming to" Jesus with "believing in" Him. Furthermore, the chapter explores the **Nature of True Satisfaction**, demonstrating that worldly pursuits and physical sustenance cannot ultimately quench the soul's deepest longings, only Jesus can. Finally, the **Divine Identity of Jesus** is central, as His "I AM" statements echo God's self-revelation to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM"), asserting His deity and unique authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **I am (Greek, _egṓ eimí'_):** This phrase, a direct translation of the Greek, carries immense theological weight. As seen in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM"), it is God's self-designation, Yahweh. By using "I am" (G1473 egṓ, G1510 eimí), Jesus unequivocally asserts His divine nature, equating Himself with the eternal, self-existent God of Israel. This declaration is not merely a statement of identity but a claim to deity, signifying His absolute authority and sufficiency.
* **bread (Greek, _ártos'_):** (G740 ártos) In this context, "bread" is a profound metaphor. Beyond its literal meaning as a staple food, it represents essential nourishment and life itself. Jesus' identification as "the bread" positions Him as the fundamental source of spiritual sustenance, the very means by which eternal life is sustained, contrasting with the perishable manna of the wilderness.
* **believeth (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** (G4100 pisteúō) This verb signifies more than intellectual assent; it denotes active trust, reliance, and commitment. To "believe on me" implies a personal relationship of faith, a turning to Jesus as the sole object of one's spiritual hope and dependence. It is the active response required to receive the spiritual nourishment Jesus offers, leading to the promised satisfaction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus said unto them,"**: This introductory clause sets the scene for a direct and authoritative declaration from Jesus, addressing the crowd that had followed Him after the miraculous feeding. It signals a shift from their physical desires to a spiritual truth.
* **"I am the bread of life:"**: This is the first and foundational "I AM" statement in John's Gospel. Jesus identifies Himself as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance. Just as physical bread sustains physical life, Jesus provides the spiritual nourishment necessary for eternal life. He is not merely a provider of bread, but the very essence of life-giving sustenance.
* **"he that cometh to me shall never hunger;"**: This clause outlines the condition and the promise. "Cometh to me" implies a deliberate act of seeking, approaching, and entering into a relationship with Jesus. The promise "shall never hunger" uses a strong double negative (Greek: _ou mē_, G3364) to emphasize an absolute and eternal cessation of spiritual longing and dissatisfaction, indicating complete fulfillment.
* **"and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."**: This second clause parallels the first, reinforcing the condition and promise. "Believeth on me" is synonymous with "cometh to me," highlighting faith as the means of receiving spiritual life. The promise "shall never thirst" again uses the emphatic double negative, signifying an unending quenching of the soul's deepest spiritual desires and an eternal satisfaction found exclusively in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
[John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life." This metaphor powerfully communicates His role as the essential, life-sustaining nourishment for the soul, drawing a direct parallel to the physical necessity of bread for bodily life. This is not merely a comparison but an identification, asserting His unique and indispensable nature. The phrase "shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Strong Negation** (through the Greek _ou mē_), emphasizing the absolute and eternal nature of the satisfaction Jesus offers. This is not a temporary relief but a permanent state of spiritual contentment. Furthermore, the structure of the latter half of the verse exhibits **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "he that cometh to me shall never hunger" is echoed and reinforced by "and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." This repetition underscores the interconnectedness of coming to Jesus and believing in Him, both leading to the same profound spiritual fulfillment. Finally, the declaration "I AM" (Greek: _Egō eimi_) functions as a form of **Divine Self-Identification** or **Theophany**, echoing God's revelation of His name to Moses in the Old Testament, thereby asserting Jesus' inherent divinity and eternal existence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating Jesus' unique role as the ultimate source of spiritual life and satisfaction. It connects deeply with Old Testament themes of divine provision, particularly the manna in the wilderness, but elevates them to a new, eternal dimension. Unlike the manna that only sustained physical life temporarily, Jesus offers life that transcends the physical and endures eternally. This verse underscores the Christian understanding of salvation as not merely forgiveness of sins, but a transformative relationship with Christ that satisfies the deepest longings of the human spirit. It posits that true spiritual hunger and thirst, which manifest as a longing for meaning, purpose, peace, and connection with the divine, can only be quenched by Jesus Himself. His identity as "the bread of life" signifies His complete sufficiency for all human needs, both now and for eternity.

* [John 4:13-14](/john/4-13-14 "John 4:13-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")
* [Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone")
* [Isaiah 55:1-2](/isaiah/55-1-2 "Isaiah 55:1-2 - Invitation to Spiritual Sustenance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") serves as a profound invitation and a powerful truth for believers today. In a world constantly seeking satisfaction through fleeting pleasures, material possessions, or human achievements, Jesus' declaration reminds us that true and lasting fulfillment for the soul is found exclusively in Him. Our innate spiritual hunger and thirst, often masked by external pursuits, can only be quenched by a personal, active relationship with Christ. This verse calls us to regularly "come to" Him through prayer, worship, and study of His Word, and to continually "believe on" Him, trusting in His sufficiency for every aspect of our lives. It encourages us to shift our focus from temporary earthly provisions to the eternal spiritual nourishment that Jesus offers, assuring us that in Him, we will find an unending source of peace, purpose, and joy that the world cannot provide or take away.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are you currently seeking to satisfy your deepest longings? How might these pursuits fall short of the lasting satisfaction Jesus offers?**
* **In what practical ways can you "come to" Jesus and "believe on" Him more fully in your daily life?**
* **How does understanding Jesus as "the bread of life" change your perspective on your spiritual needs and God's provision?**
* **If you truly "never hunger" and "never thirst" in Christ, what implications does that have for your anxieties and desires?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "I am the bread of life"?**

Answer: When Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life," He is using a powerful **metaphor** to explain His essential role in providing spiritual sustenance. Just as physical bread is necessary to sustain physical life, Jesus is the indispensable source of spiritual and eternal life. He is not merely a provider of life, but the very essence of life-giving nourishment. This statement contrasts with the manna that sustained the Israelites in the wilderness ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness")), which was temporary and physical. Jesus offers a spiritual sustenance that leads to eternal life and complete satisfaction, fulfilling the deepest longings of the human soul.

**What is the significance of "he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst"?**

Answer: This promise highlights the **conditions** for receiving the spiritual nourishment Jesus offers and the **result** of that reception. "Cometh to me" and "believeth on me" are presented as two sides of the same coin, emphasizing a personal, active response of faith and commitment to Jesus. To "come" implies seeking Him out, drawing near, and entering into a relationship. To "believe" means to place one's trust, reliance, and faith entirely in Him. The emphatic promise that such a person "shall never hunger" and "shall never thirst" signifies an absolute and eternal cessation of spiritual longing, dissatisfaction, and emptiness. It means finding complete and enduring fulfillment for the soul's deepest needs exclusively in Christ, a satisfaction that no worldly pursuit can provide. This echoes Jesus' similar promise of living water in [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the incarnate Son of God. He is the true and living bread, not merely a symbol, but the very substance of eternal life given from heaven. His coming into the world ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) was the divine act of God providing Himself as the ultimate sustenance for a spiritually famished humanity. The "bread of life" points directly to His sacrificial death on the cross, where His body was "broken" for the life of the world ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - I Am the Living Bread")). Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus became the means by which humanity's deepest spiritual hunger for forgiveness, righteousness, and reconciliation with God is eternally satisfied. To "come to Him" and "believe on Him" is to partake in His finished work, receiving His Spirit as an indwelling source of life and an earnest of eternal glory ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Jesus fulfills the Old Testament types of manna and sacrificial offerings, becoming the one, perfect, and everlasting provision for every spiritual need, ensuring that those who feast on Him by faith will never again experience the gnawing emptiness of a soul separated from its Creator, but will instead find an overflowing abundance of life in Him ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Life Abundantly")).

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

Revelation 22:17

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

John 6:48

I am that bread of life.

John 6:58

This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

Isaiah 55:1

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.

John 6:41

The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.

John 7:37

¶ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.