John 6:40

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} this {G5124} is {G2076} the will {G2307} of him that sent {G3992} me {G3165}, that {G2443} every one {G3956} which {G3588} seeth {G2334} the Son {G5207}, and {G2532} believeth {G4100} on {G1519} him {G846}, may have {G2192} everlasting {G166} life {G2222}: and {G2532} I {G1473} will raise {G450} him {G846} up {G450} at the last {G2078} day {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, this is the will of my Father: that all who see the Son and trust in him should have eternal life, and that I should raise them up on the Last Day.”

Berean Standard Bible

For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

American Standard Version

For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:40 stands as a profound declaration of God's redemptive purpose, revealing that the Father's ultimate will is for every individual who genuinely perceives and believes in His Son to receive everlasting life, culminating in a bodily resurrection on the final day. This verse encapsulates the divine initiative, the human response of faith, and the glorious dual promise of present spiritual life and future physical restoration, all centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 6:40 is a pivotal statement within Jesus' extensive "Bread of Life" discourse, delivered in the synagogue at Capernaum. This discourse immediately follows two significant miracles: the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on water. These events initially drew crowds seeking further physical sustenance, prompting Jesus to pivot the conversation from earthly bread to Himself as the true spiritual "Bread of Life" that offers eternal sustenance, as declared in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). The verses preceding [John 6:40](/john/6-40 "John 6:40 - The Father's Will and the Promise of Eternal Life") (specifically [John 6:37-39](/john/6-37-39 "John 6:37-39 - Those Given to Jesus")) emphasize the Father's sovereign role in drawing people to Jesus and Jesus' unwavering commitment to preserve every one of those given to Him, ensuring that none are lost. Verse 40 then succinctly summarizes the Father's ultimate intention for salvation and the means by which it is accomplished, reiterating and expanding upon the promises of eternal life and resurrection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting in the Capernaum synagogue is significant, as it places Jesus' teaching within a traditional Jewish context. The audience, largely Jewish, would have been familiar with concepts like the Messiah, the "last day" (referring to the eschatological day of judgment and resurrection), and the idea of manna from heaven. Jesus' declaration that He is the true "bread" (a clear allusion to the manna in the wilderness) would have challenged their conventional understanding, shifting the focus from physical provision to spiritual sustenance. The concept of "seeing" and "believing" would resonate with the Jewish emphasis on observing God's works and trusting His word, though Jesus here elevates it to a spiritual discernment of His divine identity. The promise of resurrection "at the last day" was a well-established belief among the Pharisees and many Jews, providing a common ground for understanding the ultimate hope, which Jesus now grounds in Himself.

* **Key Themes:** John 6:40 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of John and the broader chapter. It underscores the **Sovereignty of God the Father**, highlighting that salvation is not merely a human endeavor but originates from "the will of him that sent me." This divine initiative is paramount, as seen throughout [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - The Bread of Life Discourse"). The verse also profoundly articulates **Christ's Identity and Mission**, presenting Jesus as the Son through whom the Father's will is executed, the one who grants everlasting life and possesses the power to raise the dead. Furthermore, it emphasizes **Salvation by Faith**, making it clear that the human response required is to "seeth the Son, and believeth on him." This is not a passive intellectual assent but an active, spiritual perception leading to ongoing trust. Finally, the verse clearly delineates the nature of **Eternal Life and Resurrection**, presenting everlasting life as a present reality for believers and the future resurrection as its ultimate physical culmination, a promise reiterated by Jesus in passages such as [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - The Father Draws and Jesus Raises") and [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **will (Greek, _thélēma'_):** From G2307, this term signifies a determination, purpose, or decree, and also active choice or volition. In John 6:40, it emphasizes that the Father's desire for humanity's salvation through the Son is not a passive wish but an active, sovereign, and benevolent purpose. It is God's deliberate and determined plan.
* **seeth (Greek, _theōréō'_):** From G2334, this verb means to be a spectator of, to discern, to behold, or to perceive. It implies more than mere physical sight; it suggests a deep, contemplative understanding and recognition. In this context, "seeing the Son" means grasping His true identity as the divine Messiah, the "Bread of Life," and the unique revelation of the Father. It's a spiritual apprehension that goes beyond superficial observation.
* **believeth (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, this word means to have faith in, upon, or with respect to a person or thing; to credit; or to entrust, especially one's spiritual well-being. Coupled with "seeth," "believeth" signifies an active, ongoing trust and reliance upon Jesus, accepting His claims and committing oneself to Him. It is the volitional response to the spiritual perception of who He is.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this is the will of him that sent me,"**: This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine origin and authority behind the subsequent declaration. Jesus is not speaking His own words but revealing the express purpose and desire of God the Father, who "sent" Him into the world. This highlights the unity of purpose between the Father and the Son in the plan of salvation.
* **"that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him,"**: This clause specifies the condition for receiving the Father's intended blessing. The phrase "every one" underscores the universal scope of God's invitation. The dual action of "seeth the Son, and believeth on him" describes the essential human response. "Seeing" implies spiritual discernment and recognition of Jesus' divine nature and messianic role, while "believing" signifies an active, personal trust and commitment to Him. This combination of spiritual perception and saving faith is the pathway to eternal life.
* **"may have everlasting life:"**: This is the immediate and profound promise for those who fulfill the condition. "Everlasting life" (Greek: _aiṓnios zoḗ_) is not merely endless existence but a new quality of life—a participation in God's own divine life, characterized by fellowship with God and knowledge of Him. This life begins at the moment of genuine faith and continues eternally.
* **"and I will raise him up at the last day."**: This final clause provides a crucial future dimension to the promise of everlasting life. Jesus explicitly states His own power and intention to resurrect believers physically. This assures that the "everlasting life" promised is not solely spiritual but also encompasses the ultimate redemption and glorification of the physical body, confirming the hope of a future bodily resurrection at the culmination of history.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:40 employs several powerful literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the two main outcomes promised: "may have everlasting life" and "I will raise him up at the last day." These two phrases, while distinct, are presented as complementary aspects of the same divine gift, emphasizing both the present spiritual reality and the future physical culmination of salvation. There is also a subtle **Juxtaposition** between the present reality of "everlasting life" (which begins now) and the future promise of resurrection "at the last day," highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work across time. The phrase "the will of him that sent me" serves as a powerful **Emphasis** on divine authority and purpose, grounding the entire promise in God's sovereign plan. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "the Son" as the object of both spiritual sight and saving faith functions as a form of **Anaphora** (though not strictly word-for-word repetition, it's a thematic repetition), underscoring Christ's indispensable role as the mediator of the Father's will and the source of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:40 is a cornerstone verse that beautifully integrates several profound theological truths. It underscores the **sovereign grace of God** as the initiator of salvation, revealing that eternal life is fundamentally "the will of him that sent me." This divine will is not arbitrary but is expressed through the Son, highlighting the **unity of purpose within the Trinity** in the work of redemption. The verse also affirms **human responsibility** in the act of "seeing" and "believing," demonstrating that while salvation is God's gift, it requires a responsive faith. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a profound spiritual apprehension and active trust in Jesus Christ. The promise of "everlasting life" speaks to the **qualitative nature of salvation**, a present participation in God's divine life, and the future promise of resurrection "at the last day" assures the **completeness of redemption**, encompassing both spirit and body. This dual promise provides immense comfort and certainty, assuring believers of both immediate spiritual vitality and ultimate physical glorification.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Everlasting Life")
* [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing and Believing Leads to Eternal Life")
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Raises from the Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:40 offers profound assurance and a clear call to action for believers today. It reminds us that our salvation is not a precarious human endeavor but rests securely in the determined "will of him that sent me." This truth should fill us with deep gratitude and peace, knowing that God Himself desires our eternal well-being. The verse challenges us to continually deepen our "seeing" of the Son—to grow in our spiritual understanding and apprehension of who Jesus truly is, beyond superficial knowledge. This spiritual perception should fuel an ever-increasing "belief" in Him, a dynamic, active, and ongoing trust that shapes every aspect of our lives. The promise of "everlasting life" is a present reality, inviting us to live in the fullness of God's life now, experiencing His presence, peace, and purpose. Furthermore, the future hope of resurrection "at the last day" provides steadfast comfort in the face of death and suffering, anchoring our hope in Christ's ultimate victory over the grave. This verse calls us to live with confident hope, knowing that our future is secure in the hands of the One who has conquered death and holds the keys to eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "the will of him that sent me" impact your assurance of salvation?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper "seeing" of the Son in your daily life?**
* **What does it mean for your faith to be an active, ongoing "believing" rather than a one-time event?**
* **How does the promise of "everlasting life" (both present and future) shape your perspective on current challenges and future hopes?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "seeth the Son" in John 6:40?**

Answer: To "seeth the Son" (Greek: _theōréō_) in this context means more than just a physical glance. It implies a deep, spiritual discernment and contemplative understanding of Jesus' true identity. It is to recognize Him for who He truly is: the divine Son of God, the Messiah, the unique revelation of the Father. This spiritual perception is foundational to genuine faith, as one cannot truly believe in someone they do not spiritually apprehend. It's a recognition of His authority, His claims, and His saving power, leading to a personal conviction about His person.

**Is "everlasting life" simply endless existence, or something more?**

Answer: "Everlasting life" (Greek: _aiṓnios zoḗ_) is far more than mere endless existence. While it certainly encompasses eternal duration, its primary emphasis is on the *quality* of life. It signifies a new, divine quality of life that is characterized by fellowship with God, knowledge of Him, and participation in His very nature. This life begins the moment a person believes in Jesus Christ, as stated in [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing and Believing Leads to Eternal Life"), and continues unbroken into eternity. It is a life of spiritual vitality, purpose, and communion with God, fundamentally different from life lived apart from Him.

**How does the promise of resurrection "at the last day" relate to "everlasting life"?**

Answer: The promise of resurrection "at the last day" is the ultimate physical culmination and completion of "everlasting life." While everlasting life begins spiritually in the present, it is not fully realized until the believer's body is raised and glorified. This shows that God's redemptive plan is holistic, encompassing both the spiritual and physical aspects of humanity. Jesus' promise to "raise him up at the last day" guarantees that death does not have the final word and that believers will experience a bodily resurrection, confirming the triumph of life over death, as foreshadowed in passages like [1 Corinthians 15:51-54](/1_corinthians/15-51-54 "1 Corinthians 15:51-54 - The Victory of Resurrection"). It assures us that our hope is not just for a disembodied spiritual existence but for a glorious, resurrected body in a new heaven and new earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:40 stands as a powerful testament to the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. It is through Jesus, the "Son," that the Father's will for eternal life and resurrection is fully accomplished. Jesus is not merely the messenger of this will; He is the very embodiment and means of its fulfillment. His incarnation allowed humanity to "see the Son" in a tangible way, revealing the Father's character and purpose (cf. [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")). His sacrificial death on the cross secured the forgiveness of sins, making "everlasting life" accessible to all who believe (cf. [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")). Furthermore, Jesus' own resurrection from the dead serves as the irrefutable guarantee that He possesses the power to "raise him up at the last day," making Him the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Thus, the Father's will is perfectly executed through the Son's obedient life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection. He is the life-giver, the resurrection, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire for humanity's complete and eternal salvation.

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 6:54

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

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 5:24

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 11:25

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

John 3:15

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:18

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.