For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

JOHN 6:38KJV
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John 6:38 (KJV)

What does John 6:38 mean?

John 6:38 describes Jesus saying that he came down from heaven not to do what he wanted, but to do the will of the one who sent him. This means Jesus is emphasizing that his purpose and actions are directed by God the Father, not by his own personal desires.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after feeding the five thousand, explaining why he has come into the world. He makes it clear that his mission is not self-directed but comes from God, highlighting his obedience and unique relationship with the Father. This statement sets the stage for his teaching about being the true bread from heaven.

The Greek behind John 6:38

  • The word for "will" is θέλημα (thelēma), which means intention, desire, or purpose. Jesus repeats this word to stress the contrast between his own will and the will of the one who sent him, showing his submission.
  • The phrase "came down" uses the Greek word καταβαίνω (katabainō), which often carries the sense of descending from a higher place. Here, it points to Jesus’ origin being from heaven, not just from earth.
  • The word for "sent" is πέμπω (pempō), which means to send with a purpose or commission. This highlights that Jesus’ coming was intentional and directed by God.

Why John 6:38 matters

  • John 6:38 clears up any idea that Jesus was acting independently or for his own benefit; he is acting as the representative of God’s will.
  • This verse emphasizes Jesus’ heavenly origin and unique authority, connecting his mission directly to God the Father.
  • It prepares the reader for the following verses, where Jesus explains more about his role as the bread of life and what it means for those who believe in him.

Where else these words appear

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

“own” Greek G1699 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
  • John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“down” Greek G2597 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • Luke 19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
  • Acts 10:21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

“sent” Greek G3992 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • John 7:18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
  • Acts 19:31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.