John 4:34
What does John 4:34 mean?
A plain-English look at John 4:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 4:34 means
Jesus clarifies His mysterious statement, revealing that His ultimate "meat"—His true sustenance and satisfaction—is to "do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work." This profound declaration defines His life's purpose: complete obedience to the Father and the fulfillment of His divine mission, which brings Him deep spiritual nourishment and strength, far surpassing any physical food.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said, My food is to do the pleasure of him who sent me and to make his work complete.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus saith to them, `My food is, that I may do the will of Him who sent me, and may finish His work;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus saith to them: My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, that I may perfect his work.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus says to them, My food is that I should do the will of him that has sent me, and that I should finish his work.
Context
This verse is Jesus' profound clarification of His earlier cryptic statement about having food to eat that His disciples did not know. It directly addresses their confusion in verse 33. This declaration of His life's mission and purpose serves as a foundational teaching, connecting His spiritual sustenance to God's will, and setting the stage for His subsequent agricultural metaphor about harvest to further explain this work.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 15:10
Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
- Acts 20:35
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
- Hebrews 12:2
looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Luke 15:4
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
- Psalms 40:8
I delight to do thy will, O my God; Yea, thy law is within my heart.
- Luke 19:10
For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
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