What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

JOHN 6:62KJV
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John 6:62 (KJV)

What does John 6:62 mean?

John 6:62 records Jesus asking his listeners what they would think if they saw "the Son of man ascend up where he was before," pointing to his return to heaven. Jesus is challenging his audience’s understanding of who he is, hinting at his divine origin and future ascension.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd that has struggled with his earlier claims about being the "bread from heaven." By mentioning the possibility of seeing him ascend, Jesus is preparing them for the idea that he came from heaven and will return there. This question pushes his listeners to reconsider their doubts about his identity and authority.

The Greek behind John 6:62

  • "ascend up" (ἀναβαίνω, anabainō): This word means to go up or ascend. Here, it suggests not just a physical rising, but a return to a higher, heavenly place, emphasizing Jesus’ origin and destination.
  • "where" (ὅπου, hopou): This word points to a specific place—here, it refers to heaven, the place Jesus claims as his original home.
  • "before" (πρότερον, proteron): This word means earlier or previously, underlining that Jesus was in heaven before coming to earth, which hints at his pre-existence.

Why John 6:62 matters

  • John 6:62 clarifies that Jesus is not just a teacher or prophet but claims a heavenly origin and destiny, which was a challenging idea for his listeners.
  • The verse connects to the larger conversation in John 6, where Jesus explains spiritual truths that many find hard to accept, especially about his identity.
  • By mentioning his ascension, Jesus foreshadows later events in the Gospel and invites his audience to think beyond earthly expectations about the Messiah.

Where else these words appear

“before” Greek G4386 · used in 10 verses

  • John 7:51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
  • Galatians 4:13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
  • Hebrews 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

“see” Greek G2334 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
  • John 6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
  • Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

“up” Greek G305 · used in 77 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:
  • John 1:51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
  • Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

“where” Greek G3699 · used in 77 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:
  • Mark 16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.