New Testament
John 6:57
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me will also live because of me."
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As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
What John 6:57 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus draws a parallel between His relationship with the Father and the relationship believers have with Him. Just as He is sustained by the Father, those who spiritually 'feed' on Him—believing in Him and accepting His teachings—will find eternal life. This metaphor of feeding signifies a deep, ongoing connection with Christ, emphasizing that true life comes from Him. The phrase 'live because of me' indicates that Jesus is the source of spiritual nourishment and vitality. This teaching highlights the importance of faith in Jesus as essential for spiritual sustenance and eternal life, just as physical food sustains our bodies. It reassures believers that their relationship with Christ is vital for their spiritual well-being, much like the relationship He has with the Father. Therefore, to truly live in a spiritual sense, one must engage with and rely on Jesus, who is the bread of life.
How to apply John 6:57 to your life
To apply this verse, prioritize your relationship with Jesus through prayer, reading Scripture, and participating in community worship. Recognize that just as physical food sustains your body, spiritual practices nourish your soul and deepen your faith, leading to a more fulfilling life in Christ.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Bread of Life (John 6:22–71)
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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.
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Keep studying John 6:57
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Key themes
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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 6:57 mean?
John 6:57 means that just as Jesus is sustained by His relationship with the Father, believers are spiritually nourished by their faith in Him. It emphasizes that true life comes from a deep connection with Christ.
What is the meaning of 'feeds on me' in John 6:57?
'Feeds on me' in John 6:57 refers to the act of believing in Jesus and accepting His teachings. It signifies a continuous and intimate relationship with Him that provides spiritual sustenance.
How does John 6:57 relate to eternal life?
John 6:57 relates to eternal life by stating that those who spiritually 'feed' on Jesus will live because of Him. It highlights that faith in Christ is essential for receiving eternal life.
What does 'live because of me' mean in John 6:57?
'Live because of me' means that Jesus is the source of spiritual life and vitality for believers. It indicates that true spiritual existence and fulfillment come from a relationship with Him.
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