John 6:64

John 6:64, in plain English

Jesus tells them plainly that some of them do not actually believe. And the writer adds that Jesus knew from the very beginning who would believe and who would betray Him.

Why it's here

This is a sobering moment. Jesus sees through every pretense. He knows who is really with Him and who is just going through the motions.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks honestly to His disciples, and the Gospel writer gives you a glimpse into what Jesus already knew.

Where it sits in the story

Even knowing that betrayal was coming, Jesus did not shut down or push people away. He kept teaching, kept loving, kept offering truth. His honesty here is both convicting and deeply moving.

The scholarly reading

Jesus reveals that some among His disciples do not believe, and the narrator adds that Jesus had known (ēdei) from the beginning (ex archēs) who the unbelievers and the betrayer were, demonstrating His omniscience.

Language and setting

The phrase ex archēs (from the beginning) may refer to the beginning of His ministry or even to pre-temporal divine knowledge. The mention of betrayal foreshadows Judas without naming him yet.

Voice

Jesus speaks to the group, and the narrator provides an editorial aside explaining the depth of Jesus' foreknowledge.

Significance

Jesus is not surprised by unbelief or betrayal. He has known all along who truly believes and who does not. Even the betrayer's actions were foreseen, yet Jesus continued to teach and love those around Him.

62Then what will happen if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before?

63The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

64However, there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him.)

65Then Jesus said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has granted it to him.”

66From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.

Read all of John 6 — Jesus feeds five thousand, walks on water, and then makes a claim so shocking that many of his followers abandon him on the spot.