Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

JOHN 6:27KJV
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John 6:27 (KJV)

What does John 6:27 mean?

John 6:27 tells readers not to focus their efforts on food that spoils, but instead to seek the kind of nourishment that lasts forever, which Jesus—the Son of Man—will give, because God the Father has marked him with authority. The verse shifts attention from temporary, physical needs to something lasting and spiritual that only Jesus can provide.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd that had followed him after he fed thousands with bread and fish. The people are interested in more physical food, but Jesus challenges them to look for something deeper. He points to himself as the one who can give "everlasting life," and says that God has "sealed" him, meaning God has given him a unique role and authority.

The Greek behind John 6:27

  • "Labour" (ἐργάζεσθε, ergazesthe): This word means to work or put in effort. Jesus is not condemning all work, but is redirecting their energy toward what truly matters.
  • "Meat" (βρῶσιν, brōsin): This Greek word means food in general, not just meat. The contrast is between ordinary food that spoils and spiritual food that endures.
  • "Perisheth" (ἀπολλυμένην, apollymenēn): This word means to be destroyed or to pass away. It highlights the temporary nature of physical food.
  • "Sealed" (ἐσφράγισεν, esphragisen): In the ancient world, a seal meant authority, approval, or ownership. Here, it means God has given Jesus his approval and set him apart for this purpose.

Why John 6:27 matters

  • John 6:27 helps clear up the misunderstanding that Jesus came just to meet physical needs; he is offering something much greater—eternal life.
  • The verse shows that Jesus claims a special relationship with God, who has given him authority to give this lasting life.
  • This teaching sets up the rest of John 6, where Jesus explains more about the "bread of life" and what it means to truly believe in him.

Where else these words appear

“meat” Greek G1035 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
  • John 6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

“hath” Greek G4972 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
  • Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
  • Revelation 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

“Labour” Greek G2038 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • Acts 13:41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
  • Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

“him” Greek G5126 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
  • John 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
  • Acts 16:3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.