John 6:48
What does John 6:48 mean?
A plain-English look at John 6:48 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 6:48 means
Jesus repeats, “I am the bread of life,” reinforcing that He Himself is the gift of God. Repetition signals importance: the central claim stands firm despite murmuring and confusion. He is the one who satisfies and sustains eternally. This identity is not a metaphor detached from reality; it is a way of expressing the truth that life with God is found only in union with Jesus. By affirming it again, He prepares to contrast Himself with the manna that could not prevent death.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I am the bread of life.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I am that bread of life.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I am the bread of life.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I am the bread of life.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I am the bread of the life;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I am the bread of life.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I am the bread of life.
Context
This restatement follows the promise that the believer has eternal life and frames the coming contrast with Israel’s wilderness experience. The discourse narrows from general promises to a pointed comparison: the fathers ate manna and died, but those who eat the true bread will not die. The next verses develop that contrast and lead to the startling claim that the bread He gives is His flesh for the life of the world.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 6:41
The Jews therefore murmured concerning him, because he said, I am the bread which came down out of heaven.
- John 6:33
For the bread of God is that which cometh down out of heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
- 1 Corinthians 10:16
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a communion of the body of Christ?
- John 6:51
I am the living bread which came down out of heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: yea and the bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.
- 1 Corinthians 11:24
and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me.
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