Devine Scripture

John 6:28

What does John 6:28 mean?

A plain-English look at John 6:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 6:28 means

They ask, “What must we do to work the works of God?” Their question reveals a common instinct: turn spiritual life into a list of tasks. They want to translate Jesus’s call into achievable deeds, to secure the enduring food by their effort. This shows both interest and misunderstanding. The works of God are not a ladder to climb; they are centered in a person to trust. Their plural “works” contrasts with Jesus’s singular focus that follows. The heart of obedience begins not with performance but with belief in the One God sent.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then they said to him, How may we do the works of God?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

They said therefore unto him, `What may we do that we may work the works of God?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

They said therefore unto him: What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

They said therefore to him, What should we do that we may work the works ofGod?

Context

This query comes in response to Jesus’s command to seek the food that endures and His claim to give it. The people want actionable steps that fit their framework of religious effort. Jesus’s next statement will overturn that framework, declaring that the work God requires is to believe in Him whom He has sent. This will set the stage for their demand for another sign, revealing persistent unbelief.

v.27Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed.

v.28This passage

v.29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Micah 6:7

    will Jehovah be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

  • Matthew 19:16

    And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

  • Acts 2:37

    Now when they heardthis, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?

  • Deuteronomy 5:27

    Go thou near, and hear all that Jehovah our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that Jehovah our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.

  • Jeremiah 42:20

    For ye have dealt deceitfully against your own souls; for ye sent me unto Jehovah your God, saying, Pray for us unto Jehovah our God; and according unto all that Jehovah our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it.

  • Acts 9:6

    but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

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