Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” New Living Translation They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” English Standard Version Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Berean Standard Bible Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Berean Literal Bible Therefore they said to Him, “What may we do so that we may work the works of God?” King James Bible Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? New King James Version Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” New American Standard Bible Therefore they said to Him, “What are we to do, so that we may accomplish the works of God?” NASB 1995 Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” NASB 1977 They said therefore to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Legacy Standard Bible Therefore they said to Him, “What should we do, so that we may work the works of God?” Amplified Bible Then they asked Him, “What are we to do, so that we may habitually be doing the works of God?” Berean Annotated Bible Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works (acts) of God {Theou}? Christian Standard Bible “What can we do to perform the works of God? ” they asked. Holman Christian Standard Bible What can we do to perform the works of God?” they asked. American Standard Version They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God? Contemporary English Version "What exactly does God want us to do?" the people asked. English Revised Version They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God? GOD'S WORD® Translation The people asked Jesus, "What does God want us to do?" Good News Translation So they asked him, "What can we do in order to do what God wants us to do?" International Standard Version Then they asked him, "What must we do to perform God's works?" NET Bible So then they said to him, "What must we do to accomplish the deeds God requires?" New Heart English Bible They said therefore to him, "What must we do, that we may work the works of God?" Webster's Bible Translation Then said they to him, What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? Weymouth New Testament "What are we to do," they asked, "in order to carry out the things that God requires?" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” World English Bible They said therefore to him, “What must we do, that we may work the works of God?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTherefore they said to Him, “What may we do that we may work the works of God?” Berean Literal Bible Therefore they said to Him, “What may we do so that we may work the works of God?” Young's Literal Translation They said therefore unto him, 'What may we do that we may work the works of God?' Smith's Literal Translation Then said they to him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThey said therefore unto him: What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, they said to him, “What should we do, so that we may labor in the works of God?” New American Bible So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” New Revised Standard Version Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThey said to him, What shall we do to work the works of God? Aramaic Bible in Plain English And they were saying to him, “What shall we do to work the service of God?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen they said to him: What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? Godbey New Testament Then they said to Him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God? Haweis New Testament Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? Mace New Testament then said they to him, what shall we do, that our works may he agreeable to God? Weymouth New Testament "What are we to do," they asked, "in order to carry out the things that God requires?" Worrell New Testament They said, therefore, "What must we do, that we may work the works of God?" Worsley New Testament Therefore said they unto Him, What should we do, that we may work the works approved of God? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jesus the Bread of Life…27Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.” 28Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” 29Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”… Cross References Then they inquired, Luke 3:10 The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Matthew 19:16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?” “What must we do Acts 16:30-31 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” / They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? to perform the works of God?” John 9:4 While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 14:12 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. James 2:17-18 So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. / But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. Romans 3:20 Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. Galatians 2:16 know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast. Titus 3:5 He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. / For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. Romans 4:4-5 Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation. / However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. Treasury of Scripture Then said they to him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? What. Deuteronomy 5:27 Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it. Jeremiah 42:3-6,20 That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do… Micah 6:7,8 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? … Jump to Previous Carry Order Requires Work WorksJump to Next Carry Order Requires Work WorksJohn 6 1. Jesus feeds five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes.15. Thereupon the people would have made him king; 16. but withdrawing himself, he walks on the sea to his disciples; 26. reproves the people flocking after him, and all the fleshly hearers of his word; 32. declares himself to be the bread of life to believers. 66. Many disciples depart from him. 68. Peter confesses him. 70. Judas is a devil. Then they inquired This phrase indicates a response from the crowd following Jesus' miraculous feeding of the 5,000. The crowd's inquiry shows their interest in understanding Jesus' teachings and their desire to engage with Him. This moment occurs in Capernaum, a significant location in Jesus' ministry, where He performed many miracles and taught in the synagogue. The crowd's question reflects a common theme in the Gospels, where people seek to understand the requirements of following God. “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristCentral figure in the Gospel of John, the Son of God, who performs miracles and teaches about the Kingdom of God. 2. The Crowd A group of people who followed Jesus after witnessing the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. They are seeking further understanding of Jesus' teachings. 3. Capernaum The location where this dialogue takes place, a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, often visited by Jesus during His ministry. Teaching Points Understanding the Works of GodThe crowd's question reflects a common human desire to earn favor with God through actions. Jesus redirects this to focus on faith. Faith as the Primary Work Jesus emphasizes that the primary "work" God desires is belief in Him. This shifts the focus from human effort to divine grace. The Role of Works in the Christian Life While belief is foundational, genuine faith naturally results in good works. These works are a response to God's grace, not a means to earn it. Seeking Spiritual Nourishment Just as the crowd sought physical sustenance, believers are called to seek spiritual nourishment through a relationship with Jesus. The Importance of Intentional Inquiry The crowd's question shows the importance of seeking understanding in our spiritual journey. Asking questions can lead to deeper faith and insight. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of John 6:28?2. What does "work the works of God" mean in John 6:28? 3. How can we apply John 6:28 to our daily faith practices? 4. How does John 6:28 connect with Ephesians 2:8-9 on faith and works? 5. In what ways can we seek to do God's work today? 6. How does John 6:28 challenge our understanding of faith and action? 7. What does John 6:28 mean by "works of God" in a faith-based context? 8. How does John 6:28 relate to the concept of salvation by faith alone? 9. Why do the people ask Jesus about performing works in John 6:28? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from John 6? 11. How can we work effectively during the day? 12. What defines meritorious works? 13. Who is Jesus Christ? 14. What are the works of God? What Does John 6:28 Mean Then they inquired- The crowd responds immediately to Jesus’ call to “work not for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27). - Similar scenes appear when people are convicted and look for direction—Acts 2:37; Luke 3:10; Luke 18:18. - Their question shows spiritual interest, yet their mindset is still rooted in human effort rather than divine provision. What must we do - The words “must we” reveal an assumption that personal merit secures God’s favor (cf. Romans 10:3; Galatians 3:2–3). - Scripture consistently corrects that assumption: - “By works of the Law no flesh will be justified” (Romans 3:20). - “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith … not by works” (Ephesians 2:8-9). - Their focus on “doing” echoes the rich young ruler’s question, “What good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16). to perform - “Perform” highlights an external, task-oriented outlook, contrasting with God’s desire for inner transformation (Micah 6:8; Isaiah 64:6). - Jesus repeatedly exposes empty performance (Matthew 6:1-6) and calls for authentic faith that bears fruit (John 15:5). - The crowd’s hunger for another sign (John 6:30) shows they still equate religion with visible achievement. the works of God? - They imagine multiple “works,” yet Jesus will answer with one singular requirement: “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent” (John 6:29). - Belief in Christ is the God-ordained work that unlocks every other act of obedience (1 John 3:23; John 3:16, 36). - Genuine faith unites the believer with Christ, allowing God to produce His works through us (Philippians 2:13; John 14:12). summary John 6:28 captures a well-intentioned but misguided question—“Tell us the checklist so we can earn eternal life.” Jesus redirects from self-reliant labor to Spirit-empowered belief. The verse prepares the way for John 6:29, where the Lord makes clear that the only “work” that pleases God is trusting His Son. Faith, not performance, is the doorway to every good work God desires. (28) This verse confirms the meaning given to the preceding words. They understand them in that sense. There are works for them to do which are appointed of God. What shall they do that they may work these works? They had seen Him doing mighty works, which clearly showed the power of God. Are there for them works of a like kind? What steps must they take that they too may work them?Verse 28. - They say unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God? The works of God might be, either works like those which are wrought by God the Father, but this would be a very improbable demand; or "the works of God" may be those which God has assigned to man as the conditions of his favour. There is a breadth about the question that may cover the ground involved in Christ's declaration, but it reveals, at the same time, the self-complacency, the carnal conception on the part of these Galilaeans of their being able, competent, to fulfil along certain lines to be specified, all the required conditions. But we must not be too hard on these Galilaeans, brought up as they were to believe in the efficacy of certain rounds of specific and arbitrary duties, methods of purification, forms of service and of abstinence, pilgrimages and fastings and feastings, as well as obedience to a specific moral code. They ask quite rationally, "What must we do?" and in various forms the same question bursts from the heart of all who have, starting from utter indifference, made any progress towards, or in the direction of, holy living or of Divine pleasing.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Thenοὖν (oun) Conjunction Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. they inquired, Εἶπον (Eipon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “What Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. must we do ποιῶμεν (poiōmen) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. to ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. perform ἐργαζώμεθα (ergazōmetha) Verb - Present Subjunctive Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural Strong's 2038: To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. works ἔργα (erga) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. of God?” Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. Links John 6:28 NIVJohn 6:28 NLT John 6:28 ESV John 6:28 NASB John 6:28 KJV John 6:28 BibleApps.com John 6:28 Biblia Paralela John 6:28 Chinese Bible John 6:28 French Bible John 6:28 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: John 6:28 They said therefore to him What must (Jhn Jo Jn) |
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