John 6:45

KJV

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

KJV (with Strong's)

It is {G2076} written {G1125} in {G1722} the prophets {G4396}, And {G2532} they shall be {G2071} all {G3956} taught {G1318} of God {G2316}. Every man {G3956} therefore {G3767} that hath heard {G191}, and {G2532} hath learned {G3129} of {G3844} the Father {G3962}, cometh {G2064} unto {G4314} me {G3165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is written in the Prophets, ‘They will all be taught by Adonai.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.

Berean Standard Bible

It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me—

American Standard Version

It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:45 encapsulates a profound truth regarding the nature of salvation and spiritual understanding: it is a work initiated and accomplished by God Himself. Jesus declares that all who are genuinely "taught of God" will inevitably come to Him, thereby affirming the Father's sovereign drawing power and the direct, internal instruction that leads individuals to faith in the Son. This verse highlights the divine origin of true spiritual knowledge and its ultimate purpose—to bring humanity into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 6:45 is situated within Jesus' extensive "Bread of Life" discourse, delivered in the synagogue at Capernaum following the miraculous feeding of the five thousand and His walking on water. This discourse is a pivotal moment where Jesus shifts from providing physical sustenance to revealing Himself as the true spiritual nourishment for eternal life. The immediate preceding verse, [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - The Father's Drawing"), states, "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." Verse 45 serves to clarify *how* this divine drawing occurs, explaining that the Father's drawing is intrinsically linked to His teaching. It addresses the murmuring of the Jews who struggled to accept Jesus' claims, particularly His assertion that He came down from heaven and that they must "eat His flesh and drink His blood" ([John 6:53](/john/6-53 "John 6:53 - Eating Jesus' Flesh and Drinking His Blood")). Jesus uses this prophetic reference to underscore the divine authority and scriptural basis for His claims, emphasizing that spiritual understanding is not achieved through human effort or intellectual debate alone, but through divine revelation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience in Capernaum consisted largely of Jews who were deeply steeped in the Old Testament prophecies and rabbinic traditions. They understood the concept of God's direct instruction, particularly as it related to the Law and the covenant. However, their expectation of the Messiah was often tied to political liberation and material blessings, rather than spiritual transformation. The reference to "the prophets" would have resonated with them, as they held the prophetic writings in high esteem. The idea of God teaching His people directly was a theme found in the Old Testament, particularly concerning the New Covenant era. For the Jewish people, learning was often associated with formal instruction by rabbis or scribes. Jesus' statement about being "taught of God" would have challenged their conventional understanding, suggesting a more intimate and internal form of divine education that transcended human institutions. This spiritual teaching was necessary for them to recognize and accept Jesus as the Messiah, fulfilling ancient promises.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within John's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God in Salvation**. The Father's initiative in drawing and teaching individuals is paramount, echoing the truth that salvation is fundamentally a divine work, not a human achievement. This theme is consistently present in John's Gospel, where Jesus repeatedly emphasizes His dependence on the Father and the Father's active role in bringing people to Him (e.g., [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All the Father Gives Will Come")). Secondly, it highlights the **Necessity of Divine Revelation and Instruction**. True spiritual understanding, which leads to faith in Christ, is not innate but must be imparted by God. This teaching is internal and transformative, enabling individuals to perceive spiritual truths that are otherwise hidden. This concept is foundational to understanding the new covenant promise where God writes His law on hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant")). Thirdly, the verse points to the **Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy**. By referencing "the prophets," Jesus asserts that His ministry and the nature of His followers were foretold long ago, demonstrating the continuity of God's redemptive plan through history. This theme of fulfillment is crucial throughout John's Gospel, validating Jesus' messianic claims. Finally, it emphasizes the **Centrality of Christ as the Destination of Divine Teaching**. The ultimate outcome of being "taught of God" is always to "come unto me" (Jesus). All divine revelation leads to a saving relationship with the Son, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb means "to grave," especially to write, or figuratively, to describe. In this context, it refers to the authoritative act of inscribing or recording divine revelation, specifically within the Old Testament prophetic books. Jesus' use of "It is written" immediately signals an appeal to the undeniable authority of Scripture, grounding His statement in the established word of God.
* **taught (Greek, _didaktós'_):** Derived from the verb *didáskō* (to teach), *didaktós* means "instructed" or "communicated by teaching." It emphasizes that the teaching is divinely imparted, implying an internal, spiritual instruction that goes beyond mere intellectual assent or human pedagogy. It signifies a direct, personal education from God Himself, leading to genuine understanding and conviction.
* **cometh (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This primary verb means "to come or go" in a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. Here, it signifies a spiritual movement towards Jesus, an act of faith and commitment. It is the active response to the Father's drawing and teaching, indicating a personal, volitional decision to believe in and follow Christ. The present tense suggests a continuous or habitual action, signifying an ongoing relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It is written in the prophets":** This phrase serves as Jesus' authoritative appeal to the Old Testament Scriptures, specifically the prophetic books. While not a direct quotation of a single verse, it is a clear allusion to passages like [Isaiah 54:13](/isaiah/54-13 "Isaiah 54:13 - All Your Children Taught by the Lord") and [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant Promise"), which speak of a future time when God's people will be directly taught by Him. Jesus uses this common rabbinic formula to establish the divine origin and prophetic fulfillment of His statement, validating His claims by connecting them to the revered traditions of His audience.
* **"And they shall be all taught of God.":** This is the core prophetic declaration Jesus references. It signifies a universal, internal, and spiritual teaching that originates directly from God. "All" implies that this teaching is available to everyone whom the Father draws, not just a select few or those with formal religious training. The teaching is not merely intellectual but transformative, imparting a spiritual understanding that enables recognition of divine truth. This divine instruction is foundational to true faith.
* **"Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father,":** This clause explains the human response to the divine teaching. "Heard" (Greek: *akoúō*) implies listening and perceiving, while "learned" (Greek: *manthánō*) suggests active comprehension, assimilation, and internalization of the truth. It's not a passive reception but an active engagement with the Father's revelation. The phrase "of the Father" emphasizes the direct source of this teaching, connecting it back to God's sovereign initiative in drawing individuals to Himself. Those who genuinely receive and understand this divine instruction are the ones who will respond appropriately.
* **"cometh unto me.":** This is the inevitable outcome and ultimate purpose of being taught by the Father. The "coming" is a spiritual act of faith, trust, and surrender to Jesus. It signifies believing in Him as the Messiah, accepting His claims, and entering into a saving relationship with Him. This clause underscores the Christ-centered nature of God's plan of salvation: all divine revelation and drawing ultimately lead to Jesus, who is the only way to the Father and to eternal life.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in John 6:45 is **Allusion**. Jesus does not quote a specific Old Testament verse verbatim but alludes to a well-known prophetic theme, particularly from [Isaiah 54:13](/isaiah/54-13 "Isaiah 54:13 - All Your Children Taught by the Lord") and similar passages. This allusion serves to connect His present teaching directly to the long-standing promises of God found in the Hebrew Scriptures, thereby lending divine authority and historical continuity to His claims. By referencing "the prophets," Jesus grounds His radical statements about Himself within the familiar and revered framework of Jewish expectation. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between human teaching and divine teaching. While the Jews were accustomed to instruction from rabbis, Jesus highlights a superior, internal teaching directly from God, which is essential for true spiritual understanding and coming to Him. The phrase "heard, and hath learned" also employs **Parallelism**, linking the act of hearing with the act of learning, suggesting a progression from initial reception to deep comprehension.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:45 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the divine initiative in salvation and the nature of true spiritual knowledge. It asserts that genuine faith in Jesus Christ is not merely a product of human will or intellectual assent, but the direct result of God's sovereign work in the human heart. The Father draws individuals to the Son by teaching them, imparting an internal understanding that transcends human wisdom. This divine teaching enables a person to recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah and to respond in faith. This concept profoundly emphasizes God's grace and His active involvement in bringing people into a saving relationship with Himself, ensuring that salvation is ultimately His work, for His glory.

* [Isaiah 54:13](/isaiah/54-13 "Isaiah 54:13 - All Your Children Taught by the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant Promise")
* [1 John 2:27](/1_john/2-27 "1 John 2:27 - The Anointing Teaches You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This profound verse offers immense comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that our faith is not a self-generated endeavor but a gracious gift, initiated and sustained by God. This truth should foster deep humility and gratitude, recognizing that our ability to hear and respond to the gospel comes from the Father's loving drawing and teaching. For those who struggle with doubt or feel distant from God, John 6:45 encourages persistent prayer for divine revelation and a deeper understanding of His Word, trusting that God delights to teach those who seek Him. It also profoundly impacts our approach to evangelism: while we faithfully proclaim the gospel, we must remember that true conversion is ultimately God's work, empowering us to pray for open hearts and to rely on the Holy Spirit's power to illuminate minds. This verse calls us to continually seek God's instruction, to listen intently to His voice through Scripture and prayer, and to allow His truth to transform our understanding, always leading us into a deeper and more committed relationship with Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of being "taught of God" influence your understanding of spiritual growth and learning?**
* **In what ways have you personally experienced God's "drawing" and "teaching" in your life, leading you closer to Christ?**
* **How does this verse shape your perspective on evangelism and the role of human effort versus divine initiative in bringing others to faith?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "It is written in the prophets"?**
Answer: When Jesus says, "It is written in the prophets," He is appealing to the authority of the Old Testament Scriptures, specifically the prophetic books. He is not quoting a single verse verbatim but is alluding to a recurring theme found in prophecies like [Isaiah 54:13](/isaiah/54-13 "Isaiah 54:13 - All Your Children Taught by the Lord"), which states, "All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the prosperity of your children." Another relevant passage is [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant Promise"), which speaks of God putting His law within His people and writing it on their hearts, and that "they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest." Jesus is asserting that the spiritual teaching He describes is a fulfillment of these ancient prophecies, indicating that the new covenant era brings a direct, internal instruction from God that leads people to Himself.

**How does being "taught of God" relate to human free will?**
Answer: This verse highlights a profound theological tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Jesus states that those taught by God *will* come to Him, implying a divine initiative that is effective. However, the phrase "every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father" also emphasizes a human response of hearing and learning. This suggests that while God's teaching is sovereign and draws individuals, it is not a coercive act that bypasses human volition. Instead, the divine teaching enables and empowers the human will to respond in faith. It's not that humans are passive robots, but that God graciously opens their hearts and minds, making them willing and able to believe. The Father's drawing and teaching overcome spiritual blindness and resistance, leading to a genuine, unforced desire to come to Christ. This is a mystery of faith, where God's sovereign grace works in conjunction with human response.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:45 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, as He is the very embodiment of God's teaching and the one to whom all divine instruction ultimately leads. He is the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the one sent by the Father to give life to the world. The prophecy that "they shall be all taught of God" is fulfilled through Christ's revelation of the Father and the subsequent work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the perfect Teacher, revealing God's character and will with unparalleled clarity, declaring, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing Jesus is Seeing the Father")). Furthermore, after His ascension, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, who continues the Father's teaching work, guiding believers into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")). Thus, to be "taught of God" in the new covenant era means to be taught by the Spirit of Christ, who illuminates the Scriptures and applies the truth of the gospel to the heart, enabling individuals to understand and embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior. Every genuine encounter with God's truth, every moment of spiritual illumination, is designed to draw us more deeply into a saving and transforming relationship with the Son, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

Isaiah 54:13

And all thy children [shall be] taught of the LORD; and great [shall be] the peace of thy children.

Jeremiah 31:33

But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Hebrews 10:16

This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

Hebrews 8:10

For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Hebrews 8:11

And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

1 Thessalonians 4:9

¶ But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.