John 6:39

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} this {G5124} is {G2076} the Father's {G3962} will {G2307} which {G3588} hath sent {G3992} me {G3165}, that {G2443} of all {G3956} which {G3739} he hath given {G1325} me {G3427} I should lose {G622} nothing {G3361}{G1537}{G846}, but {G235} should raise {G450} it {G846} up again {G450} at {G1722} the last {G2078} day {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And this is the will of the One who sent me: that I should not lose any of all those he has given me but should raise them up on the Last Day.

Berean Standard Bible

And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:39 serves as a profound declaration by Jesus, revealing the unwavering will of God the Father concerning those He entrusts to the Son. It articulates a divine purpose: that Jesus, the one sent by the Father, will not lose a single individual given to Him, but rather will ensure their preservation and ultimate resurrection on the final day, thereby guaranteeing the eternal security and future glorification of every true believer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of Jesus' "Bread of Life" discourse, delivered in Capernaum after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. The crowd, still focused on physical sustenance, has followed Jesus, prompting Him to redirect their attention from perishable food to the spiritual nourishment He alone provides. John 6:39 follows Jesus' assertion in [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All Who Come to Jesus Will Be Kept") that "all that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." Thus, verse 39 elaborates on the Father's specific intention for these individuals, emphasizing their absolute security and future resurrection as a direct outcome of Christ's mission. It reinforces the profound unity and shared purpose between the Father and the Son in the work of salvation, moving from the invitation to the assurance of preservation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of resurrection was a significant point of theological debate among Jewish groups in Jesus' day, with the Pharisees affirming it and the Sadducees denying it. Jesus' repeated references to "the last day" (e.g., [John 6:40](/john/6-40 "John 6:40 - Resurrection at the Last Day"), [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - Drawing and Raising by the Father"), [John 6:54](/john/6-54 "John 6:54 - Eating Flesh and Drinking Blood for Eternal Life")) would have resonated deeply within this eschatological framework, aligning Him with the Pharisaic belief in a future bodily resurrection. Furthermore, the idea of God "giving" people to His chosen one echoes Old Testament themes of divine election and covenant, where God sovereignly chooses and preserves His people. The audience, accustomed to the imagery of a shepherd protecting his flock, would grasp the profound implications of Jesus' promise not to "lose nothing" of those entrusted to Him.
* **Key Themes:** John 6:39 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God** in salvation, emphasizing that salvation originates in the Father's will and His active "giving" of individuals to the Son. Secondly, it underscores the **Eternal Security of Believers**, providing a bedrock assurance that those whom the Father has chosen and given to Christ are eternally preserved by divine power, a theme echoed in [John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - My Sheep Will Never Perish"). Thirdly, the verse points to the **Promise of Bodily Resurrection**, a central tenet of Christian hope that transcends mere spiritual survival, promising a future physical restoration and glorification. This eschatological hope is a recurring motif in this discourse, as seen in [John 6:40](/john/6-40 "John 6:40 - Resurrection at the Last Day"), demonstrating God's ultimate victory over death through Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **will (Greek, _thélēma'_):** (G2307) This word signifies a determination, purpose, or decree, as well as an active choice or volition. In John 6:39, it emphasizes that Jesus' mission is not self-initiated but is precisely aligned with the deliberate and sovereign purpose of God the Father. It speaks to the divine blueprint for salvation, highlighting the perfect unity of purpose within the Godhead.
* **lose (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** (G622) Meaning to destroy fully, to perish, or to be lost, this verb is used here with a strong negative construction ("lose nothing"). This signifies the absolute certainty of preservation for those given to Christ. It implies that none of these individuals will suffer eternal destruction or fall away from their secured salvation. Jesus acts as the faithful guardian, ensuring their ultimate safety.
* **raise up again (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** (G450) This verb means to stand up, to lift up, or to raise from the dead. Its use here specifically denotes a bodily resurrection. It clarifies that the preservation promised is not merely spiritual but culminates in a physical restoration at the end of time, linking the present security of the believer to their future glorification and victory over death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this is the Father's will which hath sent me,"**: This opening clause firmly establishes the divine origin and authority of Jesus' mission. Jesus' entire purpose, His very presence and work, is not His own initiative but is perfectly aligned with the sovereign will and specific directive of God the Father, who "sent" Him into the world. This highlights Jesus' obedience and the unified plan of salvation.
* **"that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing,"**: This is the core of the Father's will concerning humanity. It refers to those individuals whom the Father, in His sovereign grace, has chosen and drawn to the Son. The emphatic declaration "lose nothing" underscores the absolute security of these chosen ones. Jesus pledges to preserve every single one of them, ensuring that none will be lost to eternal destruction or fall away from His grasp.
* **"but should raise it up again at the last day."**: This clause reveals the ultimate outcome and culmination of the Father's will and Jesus' preserving work. The preservation is not merely for the duration of earthly life, but extends to a future bodily resurrection. "The last day" is an eschatological term referring to the final day of judgment and glorification, when believers will receive their resurrected bodies, completing their salvation and demonstrating Christ's ultimate victory over death.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:39 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Statement of Divine Purpose**, where Jesus directly articulates the Father's explicit will, lending immense authority and certainty to His words. There is a clear **Contrast** established between "lose nothing" and "raise it up again," highlighting the two facets of Christ's preserving work—prevention of loss and active glorification. The phrase "at the last day" is a powerful instance of **Eschatological Language**, pointing to the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the final triumph over death. While not explicitly stated as a metaphor, the underlying imagery throughout this discourse, including this verse, subtly portrays Jesus as the faithful **Shepherd** who meticulously guards and brings His flock safely to their eternal destiny, ensuring that none are lost.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:39 is a cornerstone for understanding the **eternal security of believers** and the **sovereignty of God in salvation**. It unequivocally states that the Father's will is for Christ to preserve every individual He has given to Him, culminating in their resurrection. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance, emphasizing that salvation is not contingent upon human ability to "hold on" but on the divine power and faithfulness of the Father who gives and the Son who preserves. It underscores the unity of purpose within the Trinity in the work of redemption, where the Father's election is perfectly executed by the Son's preserving power, leading to the ultimate glorification of the saints.

* [John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - My Sheep Will Never Perish")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")
* [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:39 offers profound assurance and hope to every believer. In a world fraught with uncertainty and the fear of loss, this verse declares that our eternal destiny is secured by the unchangeable will of God and the unfailing power of Jesus Christ. It reminds us that our salvation is not precarious, dependent on our fluctuating faith or performance, but is grounded in the sovereign plan of the Father and the perfect work of the Son. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of peace, fostering unwavering trust in God's faithfulness. It empowers us to live with confidence, knowing that the God who began a good work in us will bring it to completion, culminating in our glorious resurrection. This promise transforms our perspective on death, viewing it not as an end, but as a transition to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's sovereign will in salvation impact your daily walk with Christ?**
* **What comfort does the promise of not being "lost" bring to your heart amidst life's challenges and uncertainties?**
* **How does the promise of resurrection "at the last day" shape your hope for the future and your perspective on mortality?**
* **In what ways can understanding Jesus' role as the faithful guardian of those given to Him deepen your trust and worship?**

### FAQ
**What does "the Father's will" mean in this context?**

Answer: In John 6:39, "the Father's will" refers to God the Father's sovereign, predetermined purpose and decree concerning the salvation of humanity. It signifies that Jesus' entire mission—His coming, His life, His death, and His resurrection—is not an independent venture but is perfectly aligned with, and a direct fulfillment of, God's divine plan. Specifically, it means the Father's intention is to give certain individuals to the Son, and for the Son to preserve every single one of them without loss, ultimately raising them up to eternal life on the last day. This emphasizes God's initiative and ultimate control over the process of salvation, ensuring its certainty and completion.

**Who are "all which he hath given me"?**

Answer: "All which he hath given me" refers to those individuals whom God the Father, in His sovereign grace and election, has chosen and drawn to Jesus Christ for salvation. This group is not determined by human merit or initiative, but by the Father's divine prerogative. These are the ones who will believe in Jesus, come to Him, and receive eternal life. This concept highlights the Father's active role in bringing people to faith, as Jesus states elsewhere, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him" ([John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - Drawing and Raising by the Father")). It underscores that salvation is ultimately a gift from God, originating in His divine choice and purpose.

**What is the significance of "the last day"?**

Answer: "The last day" is a crucial eschatological term that appears repeatedly in John 6. It refers to the culmination of human history, the final epoch when God's redemptive plan will be fully realized. Specifically, it points to the day of the general resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom. For believers, "the last day" signifies the glorious moment when they will receive their resurrected, glorified bodies, fully triumphing over death and decay, and entering into the full experience of eternal life with Christ. It is the ultimate guarantee that God's work of salvation is comprehensive, encompassing not only spiritual life but also physical restoration, as promised in [John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - Resurrection of Life and Condemnation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:39 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' perfect obedience to the Father's will and His unparalleled power to accomplish it. Jesus is the faithful Son who perfectly executes the Father's divine purpose, ensuring that none of those entrusted to Him are lost. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, and then, through His resurrection, demonstrates His power to overcome death and guarantee their future resurrection. His death on the cross is the means by which the "lost" are redeemed, and His resurrection is the firstfruits of the bodily resurrection promised to all who believe in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Jesus is not merely a messenger of the Father's will, but the very embodiment and guarantor of it. He is "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), the one who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), and therefore the only one capable of fulfilling the Father's will to "lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." His faithfulness and power ensure the eternal security and future glorification of every believer, making Him the ultimate object of our trust and hope.

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

John 17:12

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

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.

John 18:9

That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

John 6:54

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

John 6:44

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

John 10:30

I and [my] Father are one.