John 6:46

46 (Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God--this one 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 is able to come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day.
45 It is written in the prophets, 'And they will all be taught by God.' Everyone who hears from the Father and learns comes to me.
46 (Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God--this one has seen the Father.)
47 Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes has eternal life.
48 I am the bread of life.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. The switch from first person in vv. 44-45 to third person here and back to first person in vv. 47-51 suggests that this verse is a parenthetical comment by the author rather than the words of Jesus
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.