What does John 6:31 mean?

Explanation

John 6:31 refers to a conversation between Jesus and a group of Jews about the miraculous provision of manna, which God sent from heaven to feed the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness.

The verse shows the people recalling the scriptural heritage of God's providence, associating manna with physical sustenance from heaven.

However, in this chapter, Jesus begins to reveal a deeper spiritual significance by drawing a parallel between the manna their ancestors ate and Himself, laying the foundation for the discourse on Him being the "true bread from heaven" that gives eternal life, as opposed to the manna, which only provided temporary relief from physical hunger.

Historical Context

The verse is situated within the Gospel of John, believed to have been written toward the end of the first century AD.

The historical context is set in a period after the feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus had multiplied loaves and fishes to feed a large crowd.

The following day, the crowd seeks Jesus out again, possibly expecting another miraculous meal.

In their dialogue, they reference the miracle of manna described in the Book of Exodus, expressing an understanding of God's provision from their Jewish heritage.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is rich with typological significance.

Manna in the desert is viewed as a type or foreshadowing of Christ, the true sustenance from God.

The crowd's reference to the manna illustrates a Jewish expectation of the Messiah's coming to be associated with signs similar to those in the history of Israel.

Some theologians might point to Jesus' response to this verse as critical, as He shifts the focus from seeking temporal bread to seeking the eternal bread that He offers, the bread of life, Himself.

This aligns with the concept of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and expectations.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, John 6:31 can inspire believers to look beyond their immediate needs and desires, seeking spiritual nourishment and growth.

It also serves as an encouragement to trust in God's provision, both physical and spiritual, reflecting on the ways He has sustained His people throughout history.

Cross-References

• Exodus 16:4: "Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no."
• Deuteronomy 8:3: "And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live."
• Nehemiah 9:15: "And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them."
• John 6:32-33: "Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world."

Language Study

In the original Greek, "manna" is transliterated as "μάννα" (manna), directly referencing the Old Testament substance. Another key term is "bread from heaven," which in Greek is "ἄρτος ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ" (artos ek tou ouranou).

The word "ἄρτος" (artos) means bread and by extension, food of any kind.

The phrase communicates the concept of divine provision, a gift from above, with "οὐρανοῦ" (ouranou), meaning heaven or sky.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this to other ancient mythologies, there are stories of divine food given by the gods, such as the food of the gods in Greek mythology, "ambrosia," which conferred immortality.

However, in these myths, the food typically remains within the realm of the gods, whereas the manna was a tangible gift from God to people.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, discussions about manna have included attempts to determine its composition and origin.

Some theories suggest that the manna described in the Bible may have been a natural substance secreted by plants or insects in the Sinai Peninsula, which the Israelites could have collected and eaten.

However, these discussions do not account for the theological implications of divine provision that this verse in John emphasizes.

Commentaries

Commentaries often focus on the connection between the manna given in the past and Jesus' role as the bread of life.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for instance, highlights how the Old Testament provision of manna was a shadow of the much greater gift that was to come through Christ.

Similarly, the MacArthur Study Bible notes the contrast between the temporary physical relief manna provided and the eternal satisfaction found in Christ.

These commentaries emphasize the fulfillment of Jesus as the true bread from heaven that transcends the miraculous yet temporary provision that manna represented.