New Testament
John 6:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Our fathers ate manna in the wilderness, as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"
Compare translations
Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
What John 6:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker refers to a significant event from the history of the Israelites when they were wandering in the wilderness after escaping Egypt. The 'manna' was a miraculous food provided by God to sustain them during their journey. By mentioning this, the speaker emphasizes God's provision and care for His people. The phrase 'bread from heaven' highlights the divine origin of this sustenance, suggesting that just as God provided for the physical needs of the Israelites, He continues to provide for spiritual needs. This reference sets the stage for a deeper discussion about Jesus as the true bread of life, indicating that He offers not just physical sustenance but spiritual nourishment that leads to eternal life. The connection between the past and the present illustrates the continuity of God's faithfulness and the importance of recognizing His ongoing provision in our lives.
How to apply John 6:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's provision in our lives. Just as He provided for the Israelites, we can rely on Him for our needs today. Reflecting on past blessings can strengthen our faith and remind us of His constant care.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Bread of Life (John 6:22–71)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 6:31
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 6:31
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 6:31 mean about manna in the wilderness?
In John 6:31, the speaker refers to the manna that God provided to the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness after their escape from Egypt. This miraculous food symbolizes God's provision and care for His people, illustrating how He meets their physical needs. The mention of 'bread from heaven' emphasizes the divine origin of this sustenance, setting the stage for Jesus to explain that He is the true bread of life, offering spiritual nourishment.
How does John 6:31 relate to Jesus as the bread of life?
John 6:31 connects the historical provision of manna to Jesus by highlighting that just as God provided physical sustenance to the Israelites, Jesus offers spiritual nourishment that leads to eternal life. This verse sets up a deeper discussion where Jesus claims to be the bread of life, indicating that faith in Him fulfills our spiritual hunger and need for salvation, much like the manna sustained the Israelites.
What can we learn from John 6:31 about God's provision?
John 6:31 teaches us that God is faithful in providing for our needs. Just as He provided manna to the Israelites, we can trust that He will meet our physical and spiritual needs today. This verse encourages us to reflect on our past experiences of God's provision, which can strengthen our faith and remind us of His constant care and presence in our lives.
Why is the reference to 'bread from heaven' important in John 6:31?
The reference to 'bread from heaven' in John 6:31 is significant because it underscores the divine origin of the sustenance provided to the Israelites. It highlights that God is the ultimate source of nourishment, both physically and spiritually. This phrase foreshadows Jesus' later declaration that He is the bread of life, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with Him, rather than just physical sustenance.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.