And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

JOHN 6:39KJV
Know the Bible

John 6:39 (KJV)

What does John 6:39 mean?

John 6:39 describes Jesus saying that it is the will of God the Father that Jesus should not lose anyone whom the Father has given him, but instead, Jesus will raise them up at the last day. This verse highlights Jesus’ role in preserving and ultimately resurrecting those entrusted to him by God.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after feeding the five thousand, explaining his purpose and relationship with God the Father. He emphasizes that his mission is not self-directed but rooted in God’s will, focusing on the security and future resurrection of those who belong to him. The verse reassures listeners that those given to Jesus by God are safe in his care and have the promise of resurrection.

The Greek behind John 6:39

  • The word "lose" (ἀπόλλυμι, apollymi) means to destroy or let perish. Here, it stresses that Jesus’ responsibility is to ensure that none of those given to him are lost or destroyed, underlining a sense of protection and security.
  • The phrase "raise it up" (ἀναστήσω, anastēsō) refers to resurrection. This word choice points to a physical raising from the dead, not just a spiritual renewal, making clear the promise of a future, bodily resurrection.
  • The term "the last day" (ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ, eschatē hēmera) is often understood as the final day of history or judgment. This situates the promise in a future, climactic event, not just a general hope.

Why John 6:39 matters

  • John 6:39 clarifies that Jesus’ mission is closely tied to God’s will, not his own independent agenda, which is a key theme in John’s Gospel.
  • The verse reassures readers about the security of those who belong to Jesus, countering fears of being lost or abandoned.
  • By connecting Jesus’ care with the promise of resurrection, the verse ties present faith to a concrete future hope, anchoring belief in both God’s present action and future fulfillment.

Where else these words appear

“last” Greek G2078 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
  • 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

“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;

“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.

“lose” Greek G622 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
  • John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.