But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

JOHN 6:64KJV
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John 6:64 (KJV)

What does John 6:64 mean?

John 6:64 means that Jesus was fully aware that some of the people following Him did not truly believe in Him, and He also knew from the very beginning who would eventually betray Him. This verse highlights Jesus’ knowledge of people’s hearts and future actions, even when those around Him did not realize it.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a group of His disciples after teaching about being the bread of life—a teaching that many found hard to accept. Jesus points out that not everyone present has genuine faith, and He already knows both the unbelievers and the one who will betray Him (referring to Judas Iscariot). The verse sets the stage for the coming events and shows that Jesus’ awareness is not limited by time or appearances.

The Greek behind John 6:64

  • ἦν (ēn, G1526) and εἰσίν (eisin, G1526): Both forms of the verb “to be,” used here to show that unbelief was already present among the group, not something that developed later.
  • παραδιδόναι (paradidonai, G3860): Means “to betray” or “to hand over.” The Greek word carries the sense of a deliberate act of turning someone over, hinting at the seriousness of Judas’s coming action.
  • ἐξ ἀρχῆς (ex archēs, G1537 + G746): Translates as “from the beginning.” This phrase emphasizes that Jesus’ knowledge was not recent or reactive; He knew the truth about each person from the outset.

Why John 6:64 matters

  • John 6:64 clarifies that outward association with Jesus does not guarantee true belief; even among His close followers, there were those who did not genuinely trust Him.
  • The verse reveals Jesus’ divine insight, showing that He was not surprised by disbelief or betrayal, which adds depth to His later responses to both the crowds and Judas.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in John’s Gospel about belief and unbelief, helping readers understand why some turn away and why Jesus’ mission unfolds as it does.

Where else these words appear

“beginning” Greek G746 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
  • Acts 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
  • Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

“betray” Greek G3860 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
  • Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
  • John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.

“are” Greek G1526 · used in 146 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 7:49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
  • Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.