John 6:64

KJV

But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} there are {G1526} some {G5100} of {G1537} you {G5216} that {G3739} believe {G4100} not {G3756}. For {G1063} Jesus {G2424} knew {G1492} from {G1537} the beginning {G746} who {G5101} they were {G1526} that believed {G4100} not {G3361}, and {G2532} who {G5101} should {G2076} betray {G3860} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

yet some among you do not trust.” (For Yeshua knew from the outset which ones would not trust him, also which one would betray him.)

Berean Standard Bible

However, there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him.)

American Standard Version

But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who it was that should betray him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:64 stands as a profound revelation of Jesus' divine omniscience and the spiritual state of His followers during the challenging "Bread of Life" discourse. This verse unveils Jesus' perfect foreknowledge, not only of the unbelief stirring among many who outwardly followed Him but also of the specific individual among His inner circle who would ultimately betray Him. It underscores the reality that proximity to Christ does not guarantee genuine faith and highlights the sovereign unfolding of God's redemptive plan, even amidst human rejection and treachery.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture within John's Gospel, specifically following Jesus' radical "Bread of Life" discourse delivered in the synagogue at Capernaum. The discourse itself was prompted by the crowds who had followed Jesus after He miraculously fed over five thousand people with five barley loaves and two fish ([John 6:1-14](/john/6-1-14 "John 6:1-14 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand")) and then walked on water ([John 6:16-21](/john/6-16-21 "John 6:16-21 - Jesus Walks on Water")). While the crowds sought more physical bread, Jesus redirected their focus to Himself as the true spiritual sustenance, the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). His teaching, particularly the call to "eat His flesh and drink His blood" ([John 6:53-56](/john/6-53-56 "John 6:53-56 - Eating His Flesh and Drinking His Blood")), proved to be a profound stumbling block. Many of His disciples found His words "hard" and began to murmur and question ([John 6:60-61](/john/6-60-61 "John 6:60-61 - Disciples Murmur")). John 6:64 serves as Jesus' direct, divinely informed response to this internal dissent, revealing His awareness of their unbelief and foreshadowing the departure of many, as recorded in [John 6:66](/john/6-66 "John 6:66 - Many Disciples Turn Back").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting in Capernaum, a significant center of Jesus' Galilean ministry, is crucial. The synagogue was the primary place for religious instruction, and Jesus' teaching there would have been understood within the framework of Jewish messianic expectations. Many Jews anticipated a Messiah who would deliver them politically and provide material prosperity, echoing the manna in the wilderness ([John 6:31](/john/6-31 "John 6:31 - The Manna in the Wilderness")). Jesus' emphasis on spiritual bread and eternal life, rather than earthly provisions, challenged these deeply ingrained expectations. Furthermore, the concept of a "disciple" (μαθητής, _mathētēs_) in this era involved a deep commitment to a rabbi's teachings and way of life, often including leaving one's former occupation. For some, this commitment was superficial, based on signs and benefits rather than genuine spiritual transformation. The cultural understanding of loyalty and betrayal within a close-knit group, especially a teacher-disciple relationship, would have made Judas's eventual act particularly shocking and painful, yet Jesus' foreknowledge places it within God's sovereign plan.

* **Key Themes:** John 6:64 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. The most prominent is **Divine Foreknowledge and Omniscience**, as Jesus' statement "knew from the beginning" unequivocally asserts His divine nature and perfect awareness of human hearts and future events. This theme is consistently woven throughout John, seen earlier when Jesus "knew what was in man" ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")). Another key theme is **The Nature of True Discipleship and Unbelief**, highlighting that outward association with Jesus does not equate to genuine, saving faith. The "Bread of Life" discourse serves as a spiritual litmus test, revealing the superficiality of many who followed Him for physical benefits rather than spiritual truth. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Betrayal and Divine Sovereignty**, specifically foreshadowing Judas Iscariot's treachery. This foreknowledge emphasizes that even the darkest acts of human sin, like betrayal, do not catch God by surprise but are, in a mysterious way, incorporated into His overarching redemptive plan, as seen in the prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _allá'_):** This particle signifies a strong contrast or opposition. In John 6:64, it introduces a stark reality that stands in opposition to the general perception or expectation of Jesus' followers. It marks a shift from the challenging discourse to Jesus' direct, internal assessment of His audience, emphasizing the deep division between outward adherence and genuine inward belief.
* **knew (Greek, _eídō'_):** Derived from a primary verb, this term, especially in its perfect tense form here, implies a deep, inherent, and comprehensive knowledge, not merely intellectual understanding or recent acquisition of information. It denotes a settled, experiential awareness that is part of Jesus' very being. This "knowing" transcends human perception, pointing to His divine omniscience and His ability to discern the innermost thoughts and future actions of individuals.
* **beginning (Greek, _archḗ'_):** This word denotes a commencement or origin. When paired with "knew" in this context ("from the beginning"), it can signify the very start of Jesus' public ministry, the inception of His relationship with His disciples, or even, in a profound theological sense, from eternity. It underscores that Jesus' knowledge of who would believe and who would betray was not a recent revelation but an intrinsic and foundational aspect of His divine awareness, predating the events themselves.
* **betray (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This verb means "to surrender," "to yield up," or "to intrust." While it can have neutral meanings, in this context, it carries the sinister connotation of "to deliver over" or "to hand over" someone to an enemy, implying treachery and disloyalty. Its use here unmistakably points to Judas Iscariot's future act of delivering Jesus to His adversaries, highlighting the deliberate and profound nature of his betrayal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But there are some of you that believe not."**: This opening clause, introduced by the strong adversative "But," reveals Jesus' direct confrontation of the spiritual reality within His own circle of followers. It indicates that despite their outward association, attendance to His teaching, and even participation in His ministry, a segment of His disciples lacked genuine, saving faith. This statement is a stark internal assessment, highlighting the superficiality of their commitment and the spiritual chasm between them and true believers.
* **"For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not,"**: This explanatory clause provides the divine rationale for Jesus' previous statement. The conjunction "For" connects His observation to His inherent knowledge. The phrase "knew from the beginning" powerfully asserts His omniscience, indicating that He possessed a deep, intrinsic, and prior understanding of the unbelief present among His disciples. This knowledge was not gained through observation or inference but was an inherent attribute of His divine nature, encompassing their hearts and intentions from the very outset of their association.
* **"and who should betray him."**: This final segment of the verse points to a specific, even more egregious act of unbelief and treachery. The conjunction "and" links this specific foreknowledge to the general knowledge of unbelief, signifying that the act of betrayal is the ultimate manifestation of this spiritual deficiency. This is an unmistakable reference to Judas Iscariot, revealing Jesus' full awareness of the individual who would deliver Him over to His enemies. It underscores that Jesus was not a victim of unforeseen circumstances but was fully aware of the path of suffering and betrayal that lay before Him, yet willingly embraced it as part of God's redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:64 employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus' direct statement about betrayal unequivocally points to Judas Iscariot's future act, building narrative tension and preparing the reader for the unfolding drama of the Passion. This specific prophecy highlights the deliberate nature of Jesus' journey to the cross. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: while the crowd and even some disciples are focused on physical bread and earthly benefits, Jesus' words reveal a deeper, spiritual reality of unbelief and impending betrayal within His closest circle. The outward appearance of discipleship stands in stark contrast to the inward spiritual state. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful declaration of Jesus' **Omniscience**, a thematic device that emphasizes His divine nature. His "knowing from the beginning" transcends human understanding, serving as a testament to His unique identity as the Son of God, who perceives not only external actions but also the hidden intentions and future choices of the human heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:64 profoundly underscores the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, a recurring theological theme throughout Scripture. Jesus' foreknowledge of unbelief and betrayal does not negate the genuine choices made by individuals. Those who did not believe, and Judas who betrayed Him, acted out of their own free will, yet their actions fit within God's predetermined plan for salvation. This verse reveals that God's plan is so comprehensive that even human sin and treachery are accounted for and ultimately serve His redemptive purposes. It challenges believers to examine the depth of their own faith, recognizing that true discipleship is not merely outward association but an inward, Spirit-wrought conviction that perseveres through difficult truths.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [Matthew 26:21-25](/matthew/26-21-25 "Matthew 26:21-25 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayer")
* [Acts 1:16-17](/acts/1-16-17 "Acts 1:16-17 - Judas's Betrayal Foretold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:64 serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to honestly examine the authenticity and depth of our own faith. In a world where outward religious affiliation can be superficial, this verse challenges us to ask if our belief is rooted in genuine conviction about who Jesus is and what He teaches, even when His words are challenging or demand radical commitment. Do we follow Him for the "loaves and fish" – for perceived benefits, comfort, or social acceptance – or for the "Bread of Life" – for eternal truth and spiritual sustenance? Jesus' unwavering knowledge, even in the face of impending betrayal, offers immense comfort: nothing in our lives, no disappointment, no act of treachery, no personal struggle, ever catches God by surprise. His sovereignty ensures that His purposes will prevail, even through the darkest valleys. This should inspire a deeper trust in His perfect plan and an assurance that He is always in control. Furthermore, Jesus' continued ministry to Judas, despite knowing his heart, offers a powerful example of enduring grace and patience, calling us to extend similar grace to others, even when we discern their imperfections or potential for failure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What motivates my own faith and discipleship? Am I seeking spiritual truth and eternal life, or am I primarily drawn to perceived earthly benefits or comfort?**
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge of betrayal impact my understanding of God's sovereignty amidst human sin and suffering?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate a deeper, more resilient trust in Jesus, especially when His teachings are challenging or difficult to accept?**
* **How can I extend grace and patience to others, even when I am aware of their flaws or potential for disappointment, reflecting Christ's example with Judas?**

### FAQ

**Did Judas have a choice, or was his betrayal predetermined by Jesus' foreknowledge?**

Answer: This verse highlights the profound theological tension between divine foreknowledge and human free will. Jesus' knowing "from the beginning" means that Judas's betrayal was not a surprise to Him; it was part of God's sovereign plan. However, this foreknowledge does not negate Judas's personal responsibility or choice. The Bible consistently presents Judas as making a deliberate decision to betray Jesus ([Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14-16 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus")). God's sovereignty and human responsibility are not mutually exclusive but coexist in a way that is fully understood only by God. Judas freely chose to act on his own covetousness and unbelief, and his actions, though sinful, ultimately served God's redemptive purpose.

**Why did Jesus choose Judas as one of the twelve, knowing he would betray Him?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state why Jesus chose Judas, but His foreknowledge underscores His divine nature and the deliberate nature of His mission. One theological perspective is that Jesus chose Judas to fulfill Old Testament prophecies concerning the betrayal of the Messiah ([Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend") and [Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of Thirty Pieces of Silver")). His choice also demonstrates His willingness to embrace the full scope of human sin and suffering, including betrayal from within His closest circle, as part of the redemptive plan. It also highlights the depth of God's grace, as Jesus extended the same opportunities and ministry to Judas as to the other disciples, even knowing his ultimate fate, until the very end.

**What does "from the beginning" imply about Jesus' knowledge?**

Answer: The phrase "from the beginning" (ἐξ ἀρχῆς, _ex archēs_) emphasizes the comprehensive and inherent nature of Jesus' knowledge. It can mean from the very outset of His public ministry, from the moment He called His disciples, or even, more profoundly, from eternity. In the context of John's Gospel, which emphasizes Jesus' pre-existence and divine nature ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")), it strongly suggests that Jesus' omniscience is an intrinsic attribute of His deity. He did not learn this information over time but possessed it as part of His divine being, demonstrating His full awareness of all things, past, present, and future.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:64, with its stark revelation of Jesus' foreknowledge of unbelief and betrayal, powerfully points to the person and work of Christ. It underscores His **divine omniscience**, an attribute of God alone, affirming His identity as fully God, who knows the hearts of all people and the future unfolding of events. This foreknowledge of His own betrayal is not a sign of weakness but of His sovereign control over all circumstances, even the darkest acts of human sin. Jesus willingly embraced this path, knowing full well the treachery that awaited Him, demonstrating His profound obedience to the Father's will and His unwavering commitment to the redemptive plan. His journey to the cross was not a tragic accident but a divinely orchestrated sacrifice, with every detail, including the betrayal, factored into God's perfect design for salvation. The betrayal by Judas, though a heinous act, ultimately served to bring about the very sacrifice that would atone for the sins of the world, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating that God can use even the most wicked human actions to accomplish His righteous purposes. Thus, John 6:64, while highlighting human failing, ultimately magnifies Christ's divine nature, His sacrificial love, and His sovereign triumph over sin and death, culminating in His ultimate victory on the cross and resurrection, which provides true life to all who genuinely believe in Him as the "Bread of Life" and 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")).

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 10:26

But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

Hebrews 4:13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

2 Timothy 2:19

¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

John 6:70

Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

John 6:71

He spake of Judas Iscariot [the son] of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

John 6:61

When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?

John 2:24

But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all [men],