John 6:67

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

Then {G3767} said {G2036} Jesus {G2424} unto the twelve {G1427},{G3361} Will {G2309} ye {G5210} also {G2532} go away {G5217}?

So Yeshua said to the Twelve, “Don’t you want to leave too?”

So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?”

Jesus said therefore unto the twelve, Would ye also go away?

John 6:67 marks a poignant moment in Jesus' ministry, following His challenging "Bread of Life" discourse. Many of His followers, finding His teaching too difficult, had already turned back and walked no more with Him (John 6:66). In this verse, Jesus turns to His inner circle, the twelve apostles, posing a direct and searching question that tests their ultimate commitment.

Context

The immediate backdrop for this verse is the aftermath of Jesus' profound and often misunderstood teaching on Himself as the "Bread of Life" (John 6:25-59). His words about eating His flesh and drinking His blood (John 6:53), though spiritual in nature, were taken literally by many and caused great offense. This led to a significant defection among His broader group of disciples, leaving only the core twelve. Jesus' question to them is not born of ignorance, but rather a direct challenge to their faith and loyalty in the face of widespread abandonment.

Key Themes

  • The Cost of Discipleship: This verse powerfully illustrates that following Jesus is not always easy or popular. It demands unwavering commitment, especially when His teachings challenge our understanding or societal norms. It highlights the personal cost involved in true discipleship.
  • Faith and Perseverance: Jesus' question compels the twelve to examine their hearts. Will they, like the others, abandon Him when the way is hard, or will their faith sustain them through difficult truths? It emphasizes the need for perseverance in one's walk with Christ.
  • Loyalty to Christ: The question is a test of loyalty. Even when others turn away, Jesus seeks those who will remain steadfast, recognizing Him as the one with "the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "go away" in Greek is hypagete (ὑπάγετε), which means to depart, withdraw, or leave. It's the same verb used in John 6:66 to describe those who "went back." The use of "also" (καὶ ὑμεῖς - kai hymeis) in "Will ye also go away?" is crucial. It underscores the contrast between the multitude who had just departed and the select few who remained. It's a direct, personal appeal to their choice, despite Jesus already knowing the heart of Judas Iscariot (John 6:70-71).

Practical Application

John 6:67 remains highly relevant for believers today. We often face moments where Christ's teachings or the path of faith seem challenging, unpopular, or even counter-cultural. This verse prompts us to consider:

  • Am I willing to follow Jesus even when His words are difficult to accept or understand fully?
  • Will I remain committed to Him when others around me abandon their faith or choose an easier path?
  • Do I truly believe that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life, regardless of the cost?

The response of Peter in the subsequent verses serves as a powerful example of unwavering faith and conviction, choosing to stay with the Lord despite the difficulties.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 6:70

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

  • Luke 14:25

    ¶ And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

  • Luke 14:33

    So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

  • Ruth 1:11

    And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? [are] there yet [any more] sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

  • Ruth 1:18

    When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

  • 2 Samuel 15:19

    Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou [art] a stranger, and also an exile.

  • 2 Samuel 15:20

    Whereas thou camest [but] yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth [be] with thee.

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