John 6:50

KJV

This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

KJV (with Strong's)

This {G3778} is {G2076} the bread {G740} which {G3588} cometh down {G2597} from {G1537} heaven {G3772}, that {G3363} a man {G5100} may eat {G5315} thereof {G1537}{G846}, and {G2532} not {G3363} die {G599}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the bread that comes down from heaven is such that a person may eat it and not die.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die.

American Standard Version

This is the bread which cometh down out of heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:50 presents Jesus' definitive declaration regarding His identity as the true, life-giving bread sent from heaven, contrasting Himself with the temporary sustenance of manna. This verse encapsulates the core message that belief in Him, symbolized as "eating" this bread, offers not merely physical nourishment but eternal life, transcending the inevitability of physical death and offering spiritual immortality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Jesus' extensive "Bread of Life" discourse, which spans much of [John 6](/john/6 "John Chapter 6 - The Bread of Life"). The discourse immediately follows the miraculous feeding of the five thousand ([John 6:1-14](/john/6-1-14 "John 6:1-14 - Feeding the Five Thousand")), an event that drew a large crowd seeking more physical food. Jesus, however, seeks to elevate their understanding from earthly provisions to spiritual realities. He explicitly contrasts Himself with the manna that sustained their ancestors in the wilderness ([John 6:31-32](/john/6-31-32 "John 6:31-32 - Manna in the Wilderness")), emphasizing that while the manna provided temporary physical life, it did not prevent death ([John 6:49](/john/6-49 "John 6:49 - The Fathers Ate Manna and Died")). Verse 50, therefore, serves as a powerful summary and emphatic re-assertion of the superiority and unique life-giving power of the "bread" He offers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish audience in Capernaum would have been deeply familiar with the Exodus narrative, particularly the miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")). Manna was seen as a divine gift, a symbol of God's provision and covenant faithfulness. Jesus' claim to be the "bread from heaven" directly invoked this powerful historical memory, but simultaneously challenged their understanding by asserting His own greater, ultimate divine origin and purpose. The concept of "eating" was also deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern covenantal practices, where sharing a meal signified fellowship, commitment, and participation in a shared life. Jesus uses this familiar imagery to convey a profound spiritual truth about intimate communion and reliance upon Him.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [John 6](/john/6 "John Chapter 6 - The Bread of Life") is Jesus as the **source of true life**. This verse contributes significantly by highlighting several sub-themes: **Jesus' divine origin** ("cometh down from heaven") underscores His unique authority and identity as God's Son, sent to earth. The contrast between physical death and eternal life emphasizes **spiritual sustenance over temporal needs**, redirecting focus from mere survival to everlasting existence. Furthermore, the concept of "eating" this bread introduces the theme of **faith as reception**, where spiritual nourishment and salvation are obtained through belief in and reliance upon Jesus, as further elaborated in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bread (Greek, _ártos'_):** This term refers to a loaf of bread, a staple food in the ancient world. In this context, it is used metaphorically by Jesus to describe Himself as the essential spiritual nourishment for humanity. Unlike physical bread, which sustains temporary life, this "bread" offers eternal life, signifying a complete and ultimate provision for spiritual hunger.
* **Cometh down (Greek, _katabaínō'_):** This verb signifies a descent from a higher place to a lower one. Its repeated use in [John 6](/john/6 "John Chapter 6 - The Bread of Life") (e.g., [John 6:33](/john/6-33 "John 6:33 - The True Bread from Heaven"), [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - I Have Come Down from Heaven")) emphasizes Jesus' divine origin and pre-existence. He is not merely a prophet or a human teacher, but one who has literally "come down" from the heavenly realm, bearing divine authority and life.
* **Die (Greek, _apothnḗskō'_):** This verb means to die off, to be dead, or to perish. In contrast to the manna, which sustained life but did not prevent the physical death of those who ate it ([John 6:49](/john/6-49 "John 6:49 - The Fathers Ate Manna and Died")), Jesus' bread offers a definitive escape from a particular kind of death. While physical death remains a reality for believers, the promise here is freedom from spiritual and eternal death, leading to everlasting life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This is the bread which cometh down from heaven":** Jesus unequivocally identifies Himself ("This") as the "bread" that has a divine origin ("cometh down from heaven"). This statement directly contrasts with the manna that came from the sky, asserting His superior, ultimate divine nature and authority as the true provision from God.
* **"that a man may eat thereof":** The purpose clause "that a man may eat thereof" indicates the intended outcome of this divine provision. "Eating" is a metaphor for believing in Jesus, receiving Him by faith, and internalizing His teachings and His very being as the source of life. It implies a personal, active appropriation of what Jesus offers.
* **"and not die":** This final clause presents the profound consequence and benefit of partaking of this bread. Unlike physical food which only postpones physical death, this spiritual "eating" grants immunity from spiritual death, leading to eternal life. It highlights the ultimate, everlasting nature of the life Jesus provides, transcending the limitations of mortal existence.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:50 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological depth. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Jesus refers to Himself as "the bread which cometh down from heaven." This powerful image conveys the idea that He is the essential, life-sustaining spiritual nourishment for humanity, just as physical bread sustains the body. The verse also employs **Contrast**, setting the temporary, life-sustaining but ultimately death-yielding manna (implied from the preceding verse) against Jesus, the true bread that offers eternal life and prevents spiritual death. This stark contrast underscores the superiority and unique efficacy of Jesus' provision. Furthermore, there is **Symbolism** in the act of "eating," which represents the spiritual act of believing, receiving, and internalizing Jesus as the source of salvation and life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:50 stands as a cornerstone of Johannine theology, articulating Jesus' unique role as the divine provision for humanity's deepest spiritual hunger. It emphasizes that true life is not found in earthly pursuits or temporary sustenance, but in a relationship with Jesus, who alone possesses the power to grant eternal life. This verse highlights the profound spiritual reality that salvation is not merely an intellectual assent but a transformative reception of Christ, leading to an everlasting union with God. It underscores the theme of divine initiative, as the "bread" "comes down from heaven," signifying God's gracious act of sending His Son to redeem humanity.

* [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life")
* [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:50 compels us to examine the nature of our deepest desires and the sources from which we seek fulfillment. In a world constantly offering temporary solutions to our hunger for meaning, security, and satisfaction, Jesus presents Himself as the ultimate and eternal answer. This verse challenges us to shift our focus from perishable things to the imperishable, from the fleeting to the eternal. To "eat" this bread means to place our complete trust in Jesus, to rely on His finished work on the cross for our salvation, and to continually draw spiritual life and strength from Him through His Word and Spirit. It calls us to live a life dependent on Christ, recognizing that only He can truly satisfy our spiritual longings and grant us a life that transcends the grave.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "breads" or sources of satisfaction am I currently pursuing that are ultimately temporary and cannot prevent spiritual death?**
* **In what practical ways can I "eat" of the bread that is Jesus, receiving His life and truth more fully into my daily existence?**
* **How does the promise of "not die" (spiritually) impact my perspective on the challenges and uncertainties of physical life and death?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "bread which cometh down from heaven"?**

Answer: By "bread which cometh down from heaven," Jesus is referring to Himself. He is asserting His divine origin and unique role as the spiritual sustenance provided by God. Unlike the manna that literally fell from the sky in the wilderness ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")), which only provided physical nourishment and did not prevent the death of those who ate it ([John 6:49](/john/6-49 "John 6:49 - The Fathers Ate Manna and Died")), Jesus is the true, spiritual bread from God that offers eternal life. This phrase underscores His pre-existence and His mission as the Son of God sent from the heavenly realm to give life to the world ([John 6:33](/john/6-33 "John 6:33 - The True Bread from Heaven")).

**How does one "eat" this bread to "not die"?**

Answer: To "eat" this bread is a metaphor for believing in Jesus, receiving Him by faith, and committing one's life to Him as Lord and Savior. It signifies a spiritual appropriation of His person and work. Just as physical food is consumed and assimilated to sustain the body, believing in Jesus means internalizing His truth, trusting in His sacrifice, and relying on Him for spiritual nourishment and eternal life. The promise "not die" refers to escaping spiritual and eternal death, gaining everlasting life with God, even though physical death remains a reality for all people ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:50 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "bread which cometh down from heaven." This declaration foreshadows His ultimate self-giving on the cross, where His body was "broken" and His blood "poured out" as the true, life-sustaining sacrifice for the sins of the world ([1 Corinthians 11:24-25](/1_corinthians/11-24-25 "1 Corinthians 11:24-25 - The Lord's Supper")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering Himself as the spiritual food that satisfies the deepest hunger of the human soul. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the power of spiritual death, offering all who believe in Him the promise of resurrection and eternal life ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")). Thus, to "eat" of this bread is to partake in the life-giving union with Christ, securing an everlasting relationship with God that triumphs over the grave.

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 6:33

For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

John 6:51

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

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.

Romans 8:10

¶ And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness.

John 8:51

¶ Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

John 6:42

And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?

John 3:13

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven.