Devine Scripture

John 6:61

What does John 6:61 mean?

A plain-English look at John 6:61 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 6:61 means

Jesus, knowing within Himself that His disciples are murmuring, asks if this offends them. He exposes the stumbling not to shame, but to bring it into the open. He understands hearts; nothing surprises Him. By naming their offense, He invites them to consider whether the problem lies in His words or in their expectations. The question prepares them for a greater revelation that will either cement faith or seal rejection. Jesus addresses disciples directly, not just the wider crowd, because even close followers can be unsettled by His claims.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said unto them, Doth this cause you to stumble?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said unto them, Doth this cause you to stumble?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

When Jesus became conscious that his disciples were protesting about what he said, he said to them, Does this give you trouble?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus having known in himself that his disciples are murmuring about this, said to them, `Doth this stumble you?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Many therefore of his disciples, hearing it, said: This saying is hard; and who can hear it?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples murmur concerning this, said to them, Does this offend you?

Context

This moment follows the disciples’ declaration that the teaching is hard. It marks Jesus’s pastoral engagement with wavering followers. Next, He will ask what they would think if they saw the Son of man ascending where He was before, and He will teach that the Spirit gives life while the flesh profits nothing, grounding their understanding of His words as spirit and life.

v.60Many therefore of his disciples, when they heardthis, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it?

v.61This passage

v.62What then if ye should behold the Son of man ascending where he was before?

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 11:6

    And blessed is he, whosoever shall find no occasion of stumbling in me.

  • John 6:64

    But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who it was that should betray him.

  • John 2:24

    But Jesus did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men,

  • Revelation 2:23

    And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.

  • Hebrews 4:13

    And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

  • John 21:17

    He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

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