6:53a

So: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as So here introduces what Jesus said in response to the criticisms.

Truly, truly, I tell you: This phrase emphasizes what Jesus was about to say. See the notes on 1:51a, where the same phrase is used. See also 6:26a and 6:32a.

6:53b

unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man: This clause states two conditions. The two conditions use two figures of speech to say those conditions.

Here are other ways to translate this clause:

If you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood (Good News Translation)
-or-
you must eat the Son of Man’s flesh and drink his blood. If you do not….

eat the flesh and drink the blood: Church groups understand this expression in different ways. See the explanation above at Paragraph 6:52–59. It is necessary to translate this expression literally. That is because of the different understandings and because those who heard Jesus thought that what he said was difficult.

the Son of Man: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the Son of Man is more literally “the Son of the human/person.” Jesus was referring to himself. He used this title to imply two things:

(a) He was a true human being, and he represented all people.

(b) He came from God and had authority from God.

Try to use an expression that implies both meanings. Here are some possible translations:

the Human-born
-or-
the True Man from God/Heaven
-or-
the Representative of Humanity/Humans

Translate this title as you did in other verses, for example, 1:51; 3:13, 14. See also Key Biblical Terms, Son of Man.

6:53c

you have no life in you: This clause indicates that apart from Christ people do not really live. They do not live in a true or spiritual way. You may need to make this more explicit. For example:

Otherwise, you won’t have real life in you. (New Century Version)
-or-
you won’t live unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man (Contemporary English Version)

General Comment on 6:53b–c

In some languages it may be natural to put 6:53c at the beginning of 6:53b. For example:

53c You will not have ⌊true⌋ life 53b if you do not eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man.

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