Paragraph 6:52–59

This paragraph continues Jesus’ extended metaphor comparing himself to bread/food. The people did not understand what he meant by eating the bread/food. In Jesus’ response he talked about eating his flesh and drinking his blood. Church groups understand the meaning of what Jesus said in different ways. Here are the two major interpretations:

(1) Jesus used the words “eat” and “drink” figuratively. He meant that people must believe in the Son of Man and receive him personally so that they would have life. He is spiritual food and spiritual drink, giving spiritual life and strength to those who trust him.

(2) Jesus was referring to communion and so the words “eat” and “drink” should be understood more literally. He meant that people must take communion to have spiritual life and strength.

Some of the disciples that heard Jesus understood his words literally. And today, church groups understand this passage in different ways. So it is recommended that you translate it more literally. Do not explain Jesus’ expressions in your translation.

6:52a

At this, the Jews began to argue among themselves: The word argue indicates that the people did not understand the metaphor of eating the bread. They began to argue with one another about what Jesus might mean.

Here are other ways to translate this clause:

Then the people began arguing with each other about what he meant. (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
This started an angry argument among them. (Good News Translation)

the Jews: As in 6:41a, the phrase the Jews probably refers to the people who opposed Jesus at that time. Translate this phrase in a way that indicates that it is the same group as in 6:41a.

6:52b

How can this man give us His flesh to eat?: This is a rhetorical question. It makes this a strong statement that giving one’s own flesh to eat is impossible, something that people cannot even think about. Jesus did not mean that they should eat his body, but the people thought that he might have said that. And that possibility disturbed them.

Even though the question is rhetorical, it also implies a real question: “Whatever does he mean?” or “What can he be talking about?” There are several ways to translate this rhetorical question:

• Use a rhetorical question. For example:

How can he give us his flesh to eat? (Contemporary English Version)

• Use a strong statement or exclamation. For example:

He cannot give us his flesh to eat!

• Use two sentences, one making the implied question explicit. For example:

It is not possible for him to give us his flesh to eat. ⌊What is he talking about?⌋

this man: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as this man is more literally “this one.” The people were not speaking with respect. They were referring to Jesus in an insulting way. Use an expression that is natural in your language. For example:

this person
-or-
this one

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