John 6:37

KJV

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

KJV (with Strong's)

All {G3956} that {G3739} the Father {G3962} giveth {G1325} me {G3427} shall come {G2240} to {G4314} me {G1691}; and {G2532} him that cometh {G2064} to {G4314} me {G3165} I will {G1544} in no wise {G3364} cast {G1544} out {G1854}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will certainly not turn away.

Berean Standard Bible

Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away.

American Standard Version

All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:37 stands as a profound declaration of divine sovereignty and Christ's unwavering grace, assuring believers of God's initiative in salvation and Jesus' absolute commitment to welcome all who come to Him. Within the broader "Bread of Life" discourse, this verse shifts the focus from physical sustenance to the spiritual life found solely in Christ, emphasizing that those whom the Father draws will indeed come, and once they come, they will never be rejected. It offers deep comfort regarding the security of the believer and the boundless inclusivity of Christ's embrace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Jesus' extended "Bread of Life" discourse, recorded in [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - The Bread of Life Discourse"). The preceding narrative details the miraculous feeding of the five thousand ([John 6:1-15](/john/6-1-15 "John 6:1-15 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), which initially draws a large crowd seeking physical sustenance. Jesus then redirects their focus from perishable food to the spiritual nourishment He offers, declaring Himself to be the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). His teachings become increasingly challenging, particularly His statements about eating His flesh and drinking His blood ([John 6:53-58](/john/6-53-58 "John 6:53-58 - Eating His Flesh and Drinking His Blood")), which cause many disciples to stumble and withdraw ([John 6:60-66](/john/6-60-66 "John 6:60-66 - Many Disciples Turn Back")). In this context, [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All Who Come to Christ") serves as a foundational theological assertion, explaining *how* people come to Him—through the Father's giving—and affirming the absolute security of those who do. It provides a divine explanation for both the coming of some and the departure of others.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The discourse takes place in Capernaum, a significant center for Jesus' ministry in Galilee. The Jewish audience, accustomed to the Law and the Prophets, would have been familiar with concepts of divine election and God's initiative in establishing covenants. However, Jesus' claims to be the "Bread of Life" and His allusions to His flesh and blood were deeply controversial, challenging their traditional understanding of the Messiah and purity laws. The murmuring and disputing among the Jews ([John 6:41-42](/john/6-41-42 "John 6:41-42 - Jews Murmur Against Jesus")) reflect their struggle to reconcile Jesus' humble origins with His audacious divine claims. The concept of God "giving" people to a prophet or leader was not entirely alien in Jewish thought, but Jesus' assertion that the Father "gives" people to *Him* as the unique Son of God elevated His status far beyond that of a mere prophet, placing Him in a unique, divine relationship with the Father.

* **Key Themes:** [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - Divine Sovereignty and Christ's Welcome") powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, emphasizing that salvation originates with God the Father, who actively "gives" individuals to Jesus. This underscores the Trinitarian nature of salvation, where the Father draws, the Son receives, and the Spirit enables belief. Secondly, it speaks to **Human Response and Faith**, as those given by the Father "shall come" to Jesus, indicating a necessary act of faith and commitment on the part of the individual. This interplay between divine election and human responsibility is a recurring tension in theological discourse. Thirdly, the verse profoundly illustrates **Christ's Unwavering Acceptance and Security**, promising that anyone who comes to Him will "in no wise cast out." This theme of absolute assurance and eternal security is a cornerstone of John's Gospel, particularly evident in passages like [John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - My Sheep Will Never Perish"), where Jesus assures His followers that no one can snatch them out of His hand or the Father's hand. Finally, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of **Eternal Life**, which is presented as a present possession for those who believe in Jesus, the Bread of Life ([John 6:47](/john/6-47 "John 6:47 - He Who Believes Has Eternal Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **giveth (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb signifies "to give, bestow, grant, deliver up." In this context, it highlights the Father's active, intentional, and gracious act of bestowing certain individuals upon Jesus. It implies a divine initiative, a sovereign choice and gifting, underscoring that coming to Jesus is not merely a human decision but a divinely orchestrated event. The Father is the ultimate source of this spiritual gift.
* **come (Greek, _hḗkō'_):** While _érchomai_ (G2064) is used for "him that cometh," _hḗkō_ (G2240) is used for "shall come" in the first clause. This verb means "to arrive, to be present." Its use here emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of the arrival of those whom the Father gives. It's not merely a potential action but a guaranteed outcome, signifying a definite and decisive movement towards Christ, resulting in their presence with Him.
* **in no wise cast out (Greek, _ou mḗ ekbállō éxō'_):** This powerful phrase is a double negative in Greek (οὐ μὴ), forming the strongest possible negation, meaning "never, absolutely not, under no circumstances." The verb _ekbállō_ means "to eject, cast out, drive out," and _éxō_ means "outside, out of doors." Combined, it creates an emphatic promise of absolute acceptance and security. Jesus will never, under any condition, expel or reject anyone who comes to Him. This conveys an unwavering commitment and an unbreakable bond.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me":** This clause establishes the divine origin of salvation. It asserts that every individual whom God the Father sovereignly chooses and "gives" as a gift to Jesus will inevitably and certainly come to Him in faith. This highlights the Father's initiative in drawing people to His Son, emphasizing that genuine faith is not merely a human decision but a response enabled by divine grace.
* **"and him that cometh to me":** This phrase acknowledges the human response to the divine initiative. While the Father gives, the individual must still "come" to Jesus. This "coming" implies an act of faith, trust, and surrender—a personal turning to Christ for salvation. It signifies a volitional act of seeking and embracing Jesus as the source of life.
* **"I will in no wise cast out.":** This is a profound promise of absolute assurance and acceptance. Jesus emphatically declares that He will never, under any circumstances, reject, expel, or turn away anyone who comes to Him. The double negative in the original Greek ("ou mē") underscores the unwavering certainty of this promise, providing immense comfort and security to all who seek refuge in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:37 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second part of the verse ("and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out") builds upon and completes the thought of the first part ("All that the Father giveth me shall come to me"). The first clause speaks to the divine initiative, while the second speaks to Christ's reception and the security of the believer, demonstrating a seamless flow from God's giving to Christ's welcoming. The use of a **Double Negative** ("οὐ μὴ" - *ou mē*) in "I will in no wise cast out" is a powerful form of **Emphasis** or **Litotes**, creating the strongest possible affirmation of Christ's unwavering acceptance by negating the opposite with extreme force. This linguistic construction ensures that no doubt remains about Jesus' commitment. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy** where "the Father giveth me" represents the Father's sovereign act of drawing individuals to Christ, and "shall come to me" represents the act of believing and entering into a saving relationship with Jesus. The entire verse functions as a **Theological Statement**, a concise declaration of fundamental truths about salvation, divine sovereignty, and Christ's grace, serving as a pillar of assurance for believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:37 beautifully articulates the profound interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in salvation, a central theological tension throughout Scripture. It asserts that God the Father initiates the process by drawing individuals to Christ, ensuring that those whom He "gives" will indeed "come." This divine election, however, does not negate the necessity of a personal response of faith. Instead, it undergirds and guarantees it. The second part of the verse then provides an unparalleled promise of Christ's unwavering acceptance, assuring that anyone who comes to Him will never be rejected. This promise speaks to the eternal security of the believer, rooted not in human performance but in the steadfast character and power of Christ. It underscores the boundless grace of God, who both initiates and sustains the journey of faith.

* [John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - Eternal Security of Believers")
* [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:37 offers immense spiritual solace and practical guidance for every believer and seeker. For those burdened by sin, doubt, or feelings of unworthiness, this verse is a beacon of hope: Jesus promises absolute acceptance to all who come to Him, regardless of their past or present struggles. His embrace is unconditional, and His commitment to those who seek Him is unbreakable. This truth should embolden us to approach Christ with confidence, knowing that He will never turn us away. For believers, it provides profound assurance of eternal security. Our salvation is not precarious, dependent on our fluctuating performance or feelings, but is firmly grounded in the Father's sovereign gift and Christ's steadfast promise. This security should lead to a deeper trust, a greater freedom from anxiety, and a bolder witness to His unfailing love. It also reminds us that while we are called to evangelize, the ultimate drawing power rests with God, fostering humility and reliance on His divine work in the hearts of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that the Father "gives" people to Jesus impact your understanding of divine sovereignty and human free will in salvation?**
* **In what ways does Jesus' promise, "I will in no wise cast out," bring comfort or challenge to your personal faith journey?**
* **How can the assurance of Christ's unwavering acceptance empower you to live more boldly for Him or to approach Him with greater honesty about your struggles?**
* **Considering the context of the "Bread of Life" discourse, how does coming to Jesus relate to finding true spiritual nourishment and eternal life?**

### FAQ

**Does "All that the Father giveth me" imply that some are not given to Jesus, and therefore cannot be saved?**

Answer: This verse speaks to the divine initiative in salvation, emphasizing that salvation is ultimately God's work. While it highlights the Father's sovereign role in drawing individuals to Christ, it does not explicitly define the scope of "all" or negate human responsibility. Other scriptures emphasize God's desire for all to be saved ([1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God Desires All to Be Saved")) and the universal call to repentance and faith ([Acts 17:30](/acts/17-30 "Acts 17:30 - God Commands All to Repent")). The emphasis in [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - Divine Sovereignty") is on the *certainty* that those whom the Father draws will indeed come, and the *certainty* of Christ's acceptance of them, rather than on a restrictive scope of who can be drawn. It assures that God's plan for salvation is effective and those He calls will respond.

**What does it mean to "come to me" in this verse?**

Answer: To "come to me" is a recurring Johannine phrase signifying an act of faith, trust, and commitment to Jesus. It implies turning away from self-reliance and sin, and turning towards Christ as the sole source of eternal life and salvation. It's not merely a physical movement but a spiritual posture of reliance and surrender. In the context of the "Bread of Life" discourse, it means believing in Jesus as the one who provides true spiritual nourishment and eternal life, accepting His claims about Himself, and receiving Him as Lord and Savior. It is the human response to the divine drawing of the Father, leading to a saving relationship with Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:37 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the ultimate expression of God's sovereign grace and the perfect embodiment of divine welcome. He is the one to whom the Father "gives" all who are destined for eternal life, and He is the one who unfailingly receives them. This verse foreshadows His atoning work, where His sacrifice on the cross makes it possible for sinners to "come" to God without being "cast out." The promise of never being cast out is ultimately secured by His finished work, which perfectly satisfies divine justice and reconciles humanity to God. Jesus' very incarnation, life, death, and resurrection are the means by which the Father's giving and humanity's coming are made possible. He is the door through whom we enter ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")), the way to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and the Shepherd who gathers His sheep and ensures their eternal security ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - My Sheep Will Never Perish")). Thus, [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - Christ's Unwavering Welcome") is not just a promise about salvation, but a declaration of the person and work of Christ as the one who perfectly executes the Father's will and eternally embraces all who are drawn to Him.

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

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

John 6:39

And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

John 10:28

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

John 10:29

My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

John 17:24

¶ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

John 17:2

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

John 17:6

¶ I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.