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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 6:28 Then they inquired, "What must we do to perform the works of God?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/6-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/43_Jhn_06_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 6:28 - Jesus the Bread of Life" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then they inquired, What must we do to perform the works of God?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/6-28.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/6-28.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/6.htm">Chapter 6</a> > Verse 28</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/6-27.htm" title="John 6:27">◄</a> John 6:28 <a href="/john/6-29.htm" title="John 6:29">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/john/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/6.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then they asked him, &#8220What must we do to do the works God requires?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore they said to Him, "What must we do, that we may be doing the works of God?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore they said to Him, “What are we to do, so that we may accomplish the works of God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Therefore they said to Him, &#8220What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />They said therefore to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore they said to Him, “What should we do, so that we may work the works of God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then they asked Him, “What are we to do, so that we may <i>habitually</i> be doing the works of God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“What can we do to perform the works of God? ” they asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />What can we do to perform the works of God?&#8221 they asked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"What exactly does God want us to do?" the people asked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The people asked Jesus, "What does God want us to do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So they asked him, "What can we do in order to do what God wants us to do?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then they asked him, "What must we do to perform God's works?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then they inquired, ?What must we do to perform the works of God??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So then they said to him, "What must we do to accomplish the deeds God requires?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They said therefore to him, "What must we do, that we may work the works of God?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then said they to him, What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"What are we to do," they asked, "in order to carry out the things that God requires?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They said therefore to him, “What must we do, that we may work the works of God?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore they said to Him, “What may we do that we may work the works of God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore they said to Him, "What must we do, that we may be doing the works of God?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> They said therefore unto him, 'What may we do that we may work the works of God?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Then said they to him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They said therefore unto him: What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, they said to him, “What should we do, so that we may labor in the works of God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They said to him, What shall we do to work the works of God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And they were saying to him, “What shall we do to work the service of God?”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Then they said to him: What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Then they said to Him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />then said they to him, what shall we do, that our works may he agreeable to God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"What are we to do," they asked, "in order to carry out the things that God requires?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />They said, therefore, "What must we do, that we may work the works of God?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore said they unto Him, What should we do, that we may work the works <i>approved</i> of God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/6-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=1938" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/6.htm">Jesus the Bread of Life</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">27</span>Do 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.” <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: Eipon (V-AIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">they inquired,</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“What</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiōmen (V-PSA-1P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">must we do</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to</a> <a href="/greek/2038.htm" title="2038: ergazōmetha (V-PSM/P-1P) -- To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. ">perform</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: erga (N-ANP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">works</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God?”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">29</span>Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-17.htm">James 2:17-18</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20</a></span><br />Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12-13</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/4-4.htm">Romans 4:4-5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a></span><br />And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a></span><br />Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-25.htm">Luke 10:25-28</a></span><br />One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” / “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?” / He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Romans 10:3</a></span><br />Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">Galatians 3:10-12</a></span><br />All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” / Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” / The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-6.htm">Micah 6:6-8</a></span><br />With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? / Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? / 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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-16.htm">Deuteronomy 6:16-18</a></span><br />Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah. / You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has given you. / Do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, so that it may be well with you and that you may enter and possess the good land that the LORD your God swore to give your fathers,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then said they to him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?</p><p class="hdg">What.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-27.htm">Deuteronomy 5:27</a></b></br> 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 <i>it</i>, and do <i>it</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/42-3.htm">Jeremiah 42:3-6,20</a></b></br> That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/micah/6-7.htm">Micah 6:7,8</a></b></br> Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, <i>or</i> with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn <i>for</i> my transgression, the fruit of my body <i>for</i> the sin of my soul? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/6-15.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/john/5-34.htm">Order</a> <a href="/luke/11-29.htm">Requires</a> <a href="/john/6-27.htm">Work</a> <a href="/john/5-36.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/8-44.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/john/8-6.htm">Order</a> <a href="/john/6-29.htm">Requires</a> <a href="/john/6-29.htm">Work</a> <a href="/john/7-3.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">John 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/6-1.htm">Jesus feeds five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/6-15.htm">Thereupon the people would have made him king;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/6-16.htm">but withdrawing himself, he walks on the sea to his disciples;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/6-26.htm">reproves the people flocking after him, and all the fleshly hearers of his word;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/6-32.htm">declares himself to be the bread of life to believers.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">66. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/6-66.htm">Many disciples depart from him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">68. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/6-68.htm">Peter confesses him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">70. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/6-70.htm">Judas is a devil.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then they inquired</b><br>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.<p><b>“What must we do</b><br>The question reveals a works-based mindset prevalent in Jewish culture at the time, rooted in the Mosaic Law and the Pharisaic traditions that emphasized adherence to the law as a means of righteousness. This mindset is challenged by Jesus throughout His ministry, as He emphasizes faith and belief over mere works. The question also echoes the rich young ruler's inquiry in <a href="/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16</a>, where he asks Jesus what good deed he must do to have eternal life.<p><b>to perform the works of God?”</b><br>The phrase "works of God" suggests actions that are pleasing to God or that fulfill His will. In the Jewish context, this would have been understood as following the commandments and engaging in religious practices. However, Jesus redefines the "works of God" in the following verses, emphasizing belief in Him as the primary work God desires. This shift from works to faith is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of Paul, such as <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>, which underscores salvation by grace through faith, not by works. This question sets the stage for Jesus to reveal deeper spiritual truths about faith and the nature of true discipleship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>Central figure in the Gospel of John, the Son of God, who performs miracles and teaches about the Kingdom of God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a></b><br>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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/capernaum.htm">Capernaum</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_works_of_god.htm">Understanding the Works of God</a></b><br>The crowd's question reflects a common human desire to earn favor with God through actions. Jesus redirects this to focus on faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_as_the_primary_work.htm">Faith as the Primary Work</a></b><br>Jesus emphasizes that the primary "work" God desires is belief in Him. This shifts the focus from human effort to divine grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_works_in_the_christian_life.htm">The Role of Works in the Christian Life</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_spiritual_nourishment.htm">Seeking Spiritual Nourishment</a></b><br>Just as the crowd sought physical sustenance, believers are called to seek spiritual nourishment through a relationship with Jesus.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_intentional_inquiry.htm">The Importance of Intentional Inquiry</a></b><br>The crowd's question shows the importance of seeking understanding in our spiritual journey. Asking questions can lead to deeper faith and insight.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'place_of_the_skull'_mean.htm">How can we work effectively during the day?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_meritorious_works.htm">What defines meritorious works?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_jesus_christ.htm">Who is Jesus Christ?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_works_of_god.htm">What are the works of God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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?<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 28.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They say unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God?</span> 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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/6-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Then</span><br /><span class="grk">οὖν</span> <span class="translit">(oun)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> </span><span class="str2">Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they inquired,</span><br /><span class="grk">Εἶπον</span> <span class="translit">(Eipon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“What</span><br /><span class="grk">Τί</span> <span class="translit">(Ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">must we do</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιῶμεν</span> <span class="translit">(poiōmen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">ἵνα</span> <span class="translit">(hina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> </span><span class="str2">In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">perform</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐργαζώμεθα</span> <span class="translit">(ergazōmetha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2038.htm">Strong's 2038: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὰ</span> <span class="translit">(ta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">works</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔργα</span> <span class="translit">(erga)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God?”</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/6-28.htm">John 6:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/6-28.htm">John 6:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/6-28.htm">John 6:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/6-28.htm">John 6:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/6-28.htm">John 6:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/6-28.htm">John 6:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/6-28.htm">John 6:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/6-28.htm">John 6:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/6-28.htm">John 6:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/6-28.htm">John 6:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/6-28.htm">NT Gospels: John 6:28 They said therefore to him What must (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/6-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 6:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 6:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/6-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 6:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 6:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>