John 6:68

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

Then {G3767} Simon {G4613} Peter {G4074} answered {G611} him {G846}, Lord {G2962}, to {G4314} whom {G5101} shall we go {G565}? thou hast {G2192} the words {G4487} of eternal {G166} life {G2222}.

Shim‘on Kefa answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the word of eternal life.

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.

Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

Commentary

Context of John 6:68

John 6:68 follows a pivotal and challenging moment in Jesus' ministry. After miraculously feeding the five thousand (John 6:1-14), Jesus delivered His profound "Bread of Life" discourse (John 6:35-58). In this teaching, He spoke of His flesh as true food and His blood as true drink, essential for eternal life. Many of His disciples found this teaching too difficult to accept, leading them to abandon Him (John 6:66). Faced with this mass departure, Jesus turned to the twelve apostles and asked, "Will ye also go away?" Simon Peter's powerful and unwavering response in verse 68 encapsulates the core of true discipleship and stands as a testament to his faith.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unwavering Loyalty and Commitment: Simon Peter's question, "Lord, to whom shall we go?" highlights a profound loyalty to Jesus. Despite not fully grasping every aspect of Jesus' challenging teachings, Peter recognized that there was no alternative source of ultimate truth or salvation. This demonstrates a commitment that transcends complete intellectual understanding, resting on the person of Christ.
  • Jesus as the Sole Source of Eternal Life: The heart of Peter's confession is the declaration, "thou hast the words of eternal life." This affirms Jesus' unique divine authority and His exclusive role as the giver of true, unending life. It underscores that spiritual life and salvation are found only in Him, not in any other philosophy, leader, or system. This echoes Jesus' own statement, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
  • The Power of Jesus' Words: Peter acknowledges that Jesus' words are not mere human philosophy but possess divine power to impart eternal life. These are "words" (rhēmata in Greek) that convey divine revelation and spiritual reality, capable of transforming and sustaining life.
  • Faith Amidst Difficulty: Peter's confession stands in stark contrast to the many who turned away. It represents faith that perseveres even when the path is unclear or the teachings are challenging, trusting in the person of Jesus above all else.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "words of eternal life" translates the Greek rhēmata zōēs aiōniou. The term rhēmata (words, sayings) here emphasizes not just individual utterances but the collective body of Jesus' teachings and His very message. It's more than just abstract concepts; it's the active, living truth that flows from Him. Zōēs aiōniou (eternal life) signifies a quality of life that is divine, spiritual, and unending, not merely prolonged existence. It is the very life of God, freely offered through Christ, and a central promise throughout the New Testament, as seen in John 3:16.

Practical Application

John 6:68 offers profound relevance for believers today. In a world full of competing philosophies, spiritual paths, and promises of fulfillment, Peter's question remains pertinent: "To whom shall we go?" This verse challenges us to consider where we place our ultimate hope and trust.

  • Exclusivity of Christ: It reminds us that Jesus Christ is the sole source of salvation and true eternal life. When faced with doubts or confusing teachings, our ultimate anchor must be the person and words of Jesus.
  • Perseverance in Faith: Like Peter, we may not always fully understand every aspect of God's plan or His Word. However, this verse encourages us to remain committed to Jesus, trusting that His words lead to life, even when they challenge our comfort or comprehension.
  • The Value of Jesus' Teachings: It highlights the supreme value of immersing ourselves in Jesus' teachings, recognizing them as the very "words of eternal life" that nourish our souls and guide us toward God's purposes. Just as Jesus promised, "I give unto them eternal life."
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 73:25

    Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.

  • 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.

  • 1 John 5:11

    And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

  • 1 John 5:13

    These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

  • Acts 4:12

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

  • Acts 5:20

    Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

  • Acts 7:38

    This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and [with] our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
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