John 6:68

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:68 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry following His challenging "Bread of Life" discourse, which caused many disciples to abandon Him. Faced with this mass defection, Jesus turned to the Twelve, asking if they too would leave. Simon Peter, acting as spokesman, delivers a profound confession of faith, declaring that Jesus alone possesses the "words of eternal life," affirming His unique authority and the indispensable nature of His teachings for true spiritual existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a dramatic turning point in John's Gospel. Jesus has just delivered His "Bread of Life" discourse in [John 6:25-59](/john/6-25-59 "John 6:25-59 - The Bread of Life Discourse"), a teaching that culminates in the shocking statement that His flesh is "true food" and His blood "true drink" for eternal life. This teaching, misunderstood and deemed "hard" by many, led to a mass exodus of disciples, as recorded in [John 6:66](/john/6-66 "John 6:66 - Many Disciples Turn Away"). Jesus then directly challenges the Twelve, asking, "Will ye also go away?" ([John 6:67](/john/6-67 "John 6:67 - Jesus Challenges the Twelve")). Peter's response in verse 68 is thus a direct answer to Jesus' probing question, serving as a powerful counterpoint to the widespread defection and re-establishing the loyalty of the inner circle. It underscores the profound commitment required for true discipleship, even when understanding is incomplete.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is likely Capernaum, a significant center for Jesus' Galilean ministry. The "Bread of Life" discourse itself was delivered in the synagogue, indicating a public, instructional setting. The Jewish audience, steeped in Old Testament imagery, would have understood "bread" as a symbol of sustenance and God's provision (e.g., manna in the wilderness, referenced in [John 6:31](/john/6-31 "John 6:31 - Manna in the Wilderness")). However, Jesus' radical reinterpretation of this symbol, linking it to His own flesh and blood, would have been deeply offensive and scandalous to their sensibilities, potentially invoking taboos against cannibalism or the consumption of blood (cf. [Leviticus 17:10-14](/leviticus/17-10-14 "Leviticus 17:10-14 - Prohibition Against Consuming Blood")). This cultural and religious shock explains why so many found His words "unbearable" and departed. Peter's confession, therefore, is made against a backdrop of widespread rejection, highlighting a faith that transcends cultural offense and intellectual stumbling blocks.

* **Key Themes:** John 6:68 contributes significantly to several major themes within the Gospel of John. Firstly, it reinforces the **divine authority and uniqueness of Jesus**, explicitly stating that He alone possesses the words that lead to eternal life, a concept central to John's portrayal of Christ as the Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")) and the source of all life ([John 5:26](/john/5-26 "John 5:26 - The Son Has Life in Himself")). Secondly, it highlights the **nature of true discipleship**, which is characterized by unwavering loyalty and trust in Jesus, even when His teachings are challenging or difficult to comprehend, contrasting sharply with the fair-weather followers who departed ([John 6:66](/john/6-66 "John 6:66 - Many Disciples Left")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **life-giving power of Jesus' words**, positioning them not as mere human philosophy but as divine revelation capable of imparting spiritual and eternal existence. This theme resonates with Jesus' earlier declaration that His words are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words Are Spirit and Life")). Finally, it underscores the **exclusivity of Christ as the sole source of salvation and eternal life**, a foundational tenet of Christian theology.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** From G2962, meaning "supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)." Peter's address of Jesus as "Lord" is not merely a polite address but a recognition of His divine sovereignty and authority. It signifies an acknowledgment of Jesus' position as the ultimate Master, to whom one owes allegiance and obedience. This title carries significant theological weight, especially in the context of Jesus' challenging claims, indicating Peter's submission to His divine person and teaching.
* **words (Greek, _rhēma_):** From G4487, meaning "an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute)." This term refers not simply to individual spoken words but to the entire body of Jesus' teachings and His message. It implies a divine revelation, a living truth that emanates from Him. Unlike mere human discourse, Jesus' _rhēmata_ are imbued with spiritual power and convey ultimate reality, making them distinct from common speech or philosophy.
* **life (Greek, _zōḗ_):** From G2222, meaning "life (literally or figuratively)." In this context, _zōḗ_ refers to a quality of life that is divine, spiritual, and unending. It is not merely biological existence or prolonged temporal existence, but the very life of God, freely offered through Christ. This "eternal life" is a central promise throughout the New Testament, signifying a deep, abiding relationship with God that begins now and extends into eternity, characterized by spiritual vitality and fellowship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Simon Peter answered him":** This clause highlights Peter's characteristic role as the spokesman for the Twelve. His response is immediate and decisive, contrasting with the silence or confusion of others. It underscores his leadership and the depth of his conviction in the face of widespread doubt and departure.
* **"Lord, to whom shall we go?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question. It expresses Peter's profound loyalty and the realization that there is no viable alternative. It implies that Jesus is the unique and sole source of ultimate truth, salvation, and meaning. In a world of competing philosophies and religious paths, Peter asserts that only Jesus offers what truly satisfies the deepest human longings.
* **"thou hast the words of eternal life.":** This is the core confession. Peter identifies Jesus as the exclusive possessor of "the words of eternal life." This statement affirms Jesus' unique divine authority and His exclusive role as the giver of true, unending life. It emphasizes that spiritual life and salvation are found only in Him and through His teachings, which are not merely human wisdom but divine revelation with the power to transform and sustain life eternally.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:68 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("to whom shall we go?"). This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful assertion: there is no other legitimate option for ultimate truth and salvation. It highlights the unique and indispensable nature of Jesus. Peter's declaration also functions as a powerful **Confession** of faith, a pivotal moment where the disciples, through Peter, articulate their unwavering belief in Jesus' identity and mission, even when His teachings are challenging. This confession stands in stark **Contrast** to the many disciples who had just turned away, emphasizing the distinction between superficial adherence and deep, committed discipleship. Furthermore, the phrase "words of eternal life" can be understood as a form of **Metonymy**, where "words" stands for the entire message, teaching, and person of Jesus, implying that His very essence imparts life. It also carries strong **Symbolism**, as Jesus' words are not just information but are imbued with divine, life-giving power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's confession in John 6:68 stands as a foundational theological statement, affirming Jesus' unique and exclusive claim as the source of eternal life. It underscores the Christian conviction that salvation and true spiritual vitality are found solely in Christ and His teachings. In a world that constantly seeks meaning and fulfillment through various philosophies, religions, or self-help doctrines, Peter's rhetorical question, "to whom shall we go?", powerfully asserts that only Jesus possesses the divine revelation capable of imparting life that transcends temporal existence. This declaration aligns perfectly with the Gospel of John's overarching purpose: to present Jesus as the Son of God, through whom believers might have life ([John 20:31](/john/20-31 "Purpose of John's Gospel")). It highlights the radical nature of Christian faith, which places ultimate trust not in human wisdom or institutions, but in the person and words of the Incarnate Word.

* [Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Peter's Confession of Christ")
* [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation Through Christ Alone")
* [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:68 offers profound relevance for believers today, serving as a timeless anchor in a world brimming with competing ideologies and promises of fulfillment. Peter's question, "Lord, to whom shall we go?", compels us to examine the ultimate object of our hope and trust. In moments of doubt, confusion, or spiritual challenge, when the path seems unclear or God's ways appear difficult to comprehend, this verse calls us back to the fundamental truth: Jesus Christ is the sole source of eternal life and ultimate truth. It challenges us to cultivate a deep, unwavering loyalty to Him, recognizing that His words, though sometimes demanding, are always life-giving. Our perseverance in faith is not based on perfect intellectual understanding, but on the Person of Christ, who embodies the truth He speaks. Therefore, we are called to continually immerse ourselves in His teachings, trusting that they are indeed the "words of eternal life" that nourish our souls, guide our steps, and secure our eternal destiny.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "go" elsewhere for fulfillment or truth, apart from Jesus?**
* **How do you respond when Jesus' teachings are challenging or difficult to understand? Do you persevere like Peter, or are you tempted to turn away?**
* **What does it mean practically to live as though Jesus alone has "the words of eternal life"? How does this impact your daily choices and priorities?**

### FAQ

**What was the "Bread of Life" discourse that led to this moment?**

Answer: The "Bread of Life" discourse (found in [John 6:35-58](/john/6-35-58 "The Bread of Life Discourse")) was Jesus' teaching where He declared Himself to be the true bread from heaven, superior to the manna God provided in the wilderness. He spoke metaphorically of eating His flesh and drinking His blood as essential for eternal life, a concept that many of His followers found shocking and difficult to accept, leading to their departure ([John 6:66](/john/6-66 "Many Disciples Turn Away")).

**What is the significance of Peter calling Jesus "Lord" in this context?**

Answer: Peter's use of "Lord" (Greek: _kýrios_) here is more than a polite address; it signifies a recognition of Jesus' divine authority and supreme mastery. In the face of widespread defection, Peter's confession elevates Jesus above any other teacher or leader, acknowledging His unique status as the one to whom ultimate allegiance is owed. It's a foundational statement of submission and faith in Jesus' identity as the Son of God.

**What does "eternal life" truly mean in John's Gospel?**

Answer: In John's Gospel, "eternal life" (Greek: _zōḗ aiōnios_) is not merely unending existence, but a quality of life that is divine, spiritual, and unending. It refers to the very life of God, which is imparted to believers through their relationship with Jesus Christ. This life begins in the present moment through faith ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "Hearing and Believing Leads to Eternal Life")) and extends into eternity, characterized by fellowship with God and spiritual vitality. It is a gift freely given by God through His Son ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's Love and Eternal Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's profound confession in [John 6:68](/john/6-68 "Peter's Confession of Eternal Life") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ Himself. When Peter declares, "thou hast the words of eternal life," he is not merely pointing to Jesus' teachings as a collection of wise sayings, but to Jesus as the embodiment of life itself. Jesus is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), and His words are life-giving because He *is* the life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The "eternal life" Peter speaks of is not an abstract concept but a reality found in union with Christ, who conquered death through His resurrection ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Newness of Life Through Christ")). He is the one who gives His sheep eternal life, and they will never perish ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus Gives Eternal Life")). Thus, Peter's statement is a recognition that all spiritual longing, all pursuit of truth, and all hope for unending life are perfectly and exclusively satisfied in Jesus, the Christ, who is the beginning and the end, the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")).

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

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: