John 4:32
What does John 4:32 mean?
A plain-English look at John 4:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 4:32 means
Jesus responds to His disciples' invitation to eat by stating, "I have meat to eat that ye know not." This enigmatic reply hints at a deeper, spiritual sustenance that transcends physical food. He implies that His strength and satisfaction come from a source beyond what they perceive, preparing them for a revelation about His true purpose and the spiritual nourishment derived from fulfilling God's will.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But he said to them, I have food of which you have no knowledge.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he said to them, `I have food to eat that ye have not known.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But he said to them: I have meat to eat which you know not.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But he said to them, I have food to eat which ye do not know.
Context
This verse is Jesus' initial, cryptic response to His disciples' suggestion that He eat. It directly follows their offer of food in verse 31. His statement immediately creates curiosity and sets up a spiritual lesson, as it indicates a source of replenishment unknown to them, leading to their obvious misunderstanding in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 4:34
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work.
- Psalms 63:5
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; And my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips;
- Isaiah 53:11
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by the knowledge of himself shall my righteous servant justify many; and he shall bear their iniquities.
- Psalms 119:103
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
- Job 23:12
I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
- Jeremiah 15:16
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy words were unto me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by thy name, O Jehovah, God of hosts.
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