The verb here translated eats was originally used only in reference to animals, and some commentators see here the meaning of “gnaw” or “munch,” which would underscore the realism of this passage as a reference to the Lord’s Supper. However, in New Testament times the verb was also used in reference to people, and so some commentators assume that John uses this verb for the present tense of “to eat.” Most translations have the equivalent of eats in the present context, though New American Bible has “feeds on.” The same verb is used four times in this paragraph (verses 54,56,57,58) and in 13.18. It appears also in Matthew 24.38, where it is again used of people, not animals.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .