John 6:27 Meaning and Explanation
“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus calls them to labor not for food that perishes but for food enduring to everlasting life, which the Son of man gives — for the Father has set his seal on him.
What Does John 6:27 Mean?
Jesus redirects the crowd's energy. The bread they chased spoils by morning, as the manna once did; there is another food that endures unto everlasting life. The Son of man gives it, and God the Father has sealed him — marked him as authentic, approved, and his own.
The verse does not condemn working for bread; it warns against working only for bread. Every appetite we have is a parable of a deeper one. The food that endures is not earned in any case — it shall be given — but it must be sought with at least the diligence we spend on groceries. The sealed Son is both the giver and, as the chapter unfolds, the gift.
John 6:27 in the Original Language
sphragizo (σφραγίζω), 'sealed' -- to stamp with a seal, marking something as genuine, approved, and belonging to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 6:27
What does John 6:27 mean?
Jesus calls them to labor not for food that perishes but for food enduring to everlasting life, which the Son of man gives — for the Father has set his seal on him.