No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

JOHN 6:44KJV
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John 6:44 (KJV)

What does John 6:44 mean?

John 6:44 means that no one is able to come to Jesus on their own initiative; it is only possible if God the Father draws them, and Jesus promises to raise up such a person at the end of time. This verse highlights that coming to Jesus is not just a human decision but involves God’s active role.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd in Capernaum after feeding the five thousand, explaining deeper spiritual truths about himself. He stresses that people cannot truly come to him unless the Father, who sent Jesus, draws them in. The promise to "raise him up at the last day" refers to resurrection and eternal life, tying this statement to the larger discussion about belief, spiritual life, and God’s initiative in salvation.

The Greek behind John 6:44

  • "draw" (ἑλκύσῃ, helkysē): This Greek word often means to pull or drag, sometimes with a sense of strong attraction or even resistance. Here, it emphasizes that the Father’s action is necessary and powerful in bringing someone to Jesus, not just a gentle invitation.
  • "can" (δύναται, dynatai): This word means to be able or to have the power to do something. It clarifies that, by themselves, people do not have the ability to come to Jesus without God’s involvement.
  • "raise...up" (ἀναστήσω, anastēsō): This is the verb for raising or resurrecting. Jesus is promising a future resurrection for those whom the Father draws, connecting belief in him with hope beyond death.

Why John 6:44 matters

  • John 6:44 clears up the idea that coming to Jesus is purely a matter of human choice, showing that God’s initiative is essential.
  • The verse emphasizes the close relationship between the Father and the Son, with both involved in the process of salvation.
  • This statement connects to the larger theme in John 6 about spiritual hunger and true belief, showing that faith itself is a response to God’s work, not just human effort.

Where else these words appear

“draw” Greek G1670 · used in 8 verses

  • John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
  • John 21:6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
  • Acts 16:19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,

“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.

“except” Greek G3362 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
  • Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

“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.