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John 6:28

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 6:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God?
John 6:28 — American Standard Version

Context — John 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
25And when they found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
26Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled.
27Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him the Father, even God, hath sealed.
28They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God?
29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
30They said therefore unto him, What then doest thou for a sign, that we may see, and believe thee? what workest thou?
31Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.
← John 6:27John 6:29 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then said they unto him, etc.] Understanding by what he said, that they must labour and work, though not for perishing food, yet for durable food; and as they imagined, in order to obtain eternal life by working: what shall we do that we might work the works of God? Such as are agreeable to his will, are acceptable to him, and well pleasing in his sight: they seem to intimate, as if they desired to know whether there were any other works of this kind, than what Moses had directed them to, or than they had done; and if there were, they suggest they would gladly do them; for this was the general cast and complexion of this people; they were seeking for righteousness, and life not by faith,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“What shall we do . . . the works of God--such works as God will approve. Different answers may be given to such a question, according to the spirit which prompts the inquiry. (See Hos 6:6-8; Luk 3:12-14). Here our Lord, knowing whom He had to deal with, shapes His reply accordingly.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? - That is, such things as God will approve. This was the earnest inquiry of men who were seeking to be saved. They had crossed the Sea of Tiberias to seek him; they supposed him to be the Messiah, and they sincerely desired to be taught the way of life; yet it is observable that they expected to find that way as other sinners commonly do - by their works. The idea of doing something to merit salvation is one of the last that the sinner ever surrenders. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The works of God - Works pleasing to God. John 6:29”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“What: Deu 5:27; Jer 42:3-6, Jer 42:20; Mic 6:7, Mic 6:8; Mat 19:16; Luk 10:25; Act 2:37, Act 9:6; Act 16:30 John 6:29”
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Related study paths

Read John 6 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification