John 6:46

46 not that any one has seen the Father, except he who is of God, he has seen the Father.

John 6:46 Meaning and Commentary

John 6:46

Not that any man hath seen the Father
This is said, lest it should be thought from the above words, that our Lord meant that men should be so taught of God, as that they should visibly see the Father, and vocally hear his voice, and be personally instructed by him; for his voice is not heard, nor his shape seen; see ( John 1:18 ) ( 5:37 ) ;

save he which is of God;
who is begotten of him, and of the same nature and perfections with him, though a distinct person from him, and who was always with him, and lay in his bosom:

he hath seen the Father;
has perfect knowledge of him, personal communion with him; has seen the perfections and glory of his person, and the thoughts, purposes, and counsels of his heart, his whole mind, and will, and all the grace, goodness, and mercy which is in him, and has declared it; see ( John 1:18 ) .

John 6:46 In-Context

44 No one can come to me except the Father who has sent me draw him, and I will raise him up in the last day.
45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every one that has heard from the Father [himself], and has learned [of him], comes to me;
46 not that any one has seen the Father, except he who is of God, he has seen the Father.
47 Verily, verily, I say to you, He that believes [on me] has life eternal.
48 I am the bread of life.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Para with genitive: 'from with.'
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.