John 6:30
What does John 6:30 mean?
A plain-English look at John 6:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 6:30 means
They ask for a sign so that they may see and believe, asking what work Jesus performs. The irony is thick: they were fed miraculously the day before. Their demand exposes a heart that treats faith as a bargain—“show us more, then we’ll believe.” But true faith responds to the signs already given, recognizing Jesus as the one sent by the Father. Their question reveals blindness to the meaning of the feeding and sets up Jesus to redefine bread from heaven. They are not neutral observers; they are resistant, masking unbelief under the pretense of seeking evidence.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000They said therefore unto him, What then doest thou for a sign, that we may see, and believe thee? what workest thou?
KJV
King James Version · 1611They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901They said therefore unto him, What then doest thou for a sign, that we may see, and believe thee? what workest thou?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So they said, What sign do you give us, so that we may see and have faith in you? What do you do?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862They said therefore to him, `What sign, then, dost thou, that we may see and may believe thee? what dost thou work?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752They said therefore to him: What sign therefore dost thou shew that we may see and may believe thee? What dost thou work?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They said therefore to him, What sign then doest thou that we may see and believe thee? what dost thou work?
Context
This request follows Jesus’s call to believe and precedes their citation of manna. It reveals that the crowd still interprets Jesus through the lens of Moses and national provision. The next verse will quote Scripture about bread from heaven, pressing Jesus to match or exceed Moses. Jesus will respond by correcting their attribution and identifying Himself as the true bread the Father now gives.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 15:32
Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reproached him.
- Hebrews 2:4
God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will.
- Luke 11:29
And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, he began to say, This generation is an evil generation: it seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah.
- John 2:18
The Jews therefore answered and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
- Isaiah 5:19
that say, Let him make speed, let him hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!
- Mark 8:11
And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, trying him.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 6
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 6.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Eternal Life
Eternal life, a gift from God, is knowing Him and Jesus Christ, and living forever in His presence.
Topic
Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ
Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.