John 6:55

55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.

John 6:55 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.
New Living Translation (NLT)
55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.
The Message Bible (MSG)
55 My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.
American Standard Version (ASV)
55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
55 My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
55 because My flesh is real food and My blood is real drink.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
55 "My body is real food. My blood is real drink.

John 6:55 Meaning and Commentary

John 6:55

For my flesh is meat indeed
Not in a corporeal, but in a spiritual sense; and the same is said of his blood:

and my blood is drink indeed
that is, they are both "truly" meat and drink, as the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions render it; or are "true" meat and drink, as the Arabic version: in opposition to what was typical meat and drink; as the manna in the wilderness, the water out of the rock, the flesh and wine at the passover, the meat and drink offerings under the law, or any other meats and drinks under that dispensation; and which, though not when Christ said these words, yet now are abolished, being unprofitable, and not to be fed upon. Moreover, these phrases may denote the reality, substance, and solidity of that spiritual food believers have in Christ, in opposition to the imaginary food of sensual sinners, who feed on ashes and bread of deceit; and to that of self-righteous persons, who spend their labour and money for, and live upon that which is not bread, even upon their works of righteousness; and to the superficial tastes of hypocrites and formal professors; and to the charge of enthusiasm; and even to the outward elements of bread, and wine, in the Lord's supper, since instituted; and as it may be attended upon by persons destitute of the grace of God. And these words may also be expressive of the virtue, efficacy, and excellency of this food, it being soul quickening, nourishing, strengthening, satisfying, and delightful food, as well as spiritual and savoury; not to carnal persons, or outward professors, but to new born babes, and true believers; and which, by them, may be had, and to the full, and that in due season, even every day, and is what will abide for ever.

John 6:55 In-Context

53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.
55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.
56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.
57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.