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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 6:60 On hearing it, many of His disciples said, "This is a difficult teaching. Who can accept it?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/6-60.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/43_Jhn_06_60.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 6:60 - Many Disciples Turn Back" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="On hearing it, many of His disciples said, This is a difficult teaching. 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Who can accept it?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?” <a href="/esv/john/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” <a href="/bsb/john/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> On hearing it, many of His disciples said, “This is a difficult teaching. Who can accept it?” <a href="/blb/john/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore many of His disciples having heard, said, "This word is difficult; who is able to hear it?" <a href="/kjv/john/6.htm">King James Bible</a> Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? <a href="/nkjv/john/6.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” <a href="/nasb_/john/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So then many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This statement is very unpleasant; who can listen to it?” <a href="/nasb/john/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, &#8220This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Many therefore of His disciples, when they heard this said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” <a href="/lsb/john/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” <a href="/amp/john/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When many of His disciples heard this, they said, “This is a difficult and harsh and offensive statement. Who can [be expected to] listen to it?” <a href="/csb/john/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore, when many of his disciples heard this, they said, “This teaching is hard. Who can accept it? ” <a href="/hcsb/john/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore, when many of His disciples heard this, they said, &#8220This teaching is hard! Who can accept it?&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> Many therefore of his disciples, when they heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it? <a href="/cev/john/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Many of Jesus' disciples heard him and said, "This is too hard for anyone to understand." <a href="/erv/john/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> Many therefore of his disciples, when they heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it? <a href="/gwt/john/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When many of Jesus' disciples heard him, they said, "What he says is hard to accept. Who wants to listen to him anymore?" <a href="/gnt/john/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> Many of his followers heard this and said, "This teaching is too hard. Who can listen to it?" <a href="/isv/john/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> When many of his disciples heard this, they said, "This is a difficult statement. Who can accept it?" <a href="/msb/john/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> On hearing it, many of His disciples said, ?This is a difficult teaching. Who can accept it?? <a href="/net/john/6.htm">NET Bible</a> Then many of his disciples, when they heard these things, said, "This is a difficult saying! Who can understand it?" <a href="/nheb/john/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying. Who can listen to it?" <a href="/wbt/john/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it? <a href="/wey/john/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Many therefore of His disciples, when they heard it, said, "This is hard to accept. Who can listen to such teaching?" <a href="/web/john/6.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> many, therefore, of His disciples having heard, said, “This word is hard; who is able to hear it?” <a href="/blb/john/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore many of His disciples having heard, said, "This word is difficult; who is able to hear it?" <a href="/ylt/john/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> many, therefore, of his disciples having heard, said, 'This word is hard; who is able to hear it?' <a href="/slt/john/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Then many of his disciples, having heard, said, This is a hard word; who can hear it.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Many therefore of his disciples, hearing it, said: This saying is hard, and who can hear it? <a href="/cpdv/john/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 6:61>Therefore, many of his disciples, upon hearing this, said: “This saying is difficult,” and, “Who is able to listen to it?” <a href="/nabre/john/6.htm">New American Bible</a> Then many of his disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” <a href="/nrsvce/john/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Many of his disciples who heard it said, This is a hard saying; who can listen to it? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And many of his disciples who heard were saying, “This saying is hard. Who is able to hear it?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Therefore, many of his disciples, when they heard him, said: This is a hard saying; who can hear it? <a href="/godbey/john/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then many of His disciples, hearing, said, This is a hard sermon; who is able to hear it? <a href="/haweis/john/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Many therefore of his disciples, who heard him, said, Difficult is this discourse, who is able to fathom it? <a href="/mace/john/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> when many of his disciples, who heard him, said, this is strange doctrine, who can hear it? <a href="/wey/john/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Many therefore of His disciples, when they heard it, said, "This is hard to accept. Who can listen to such teaching?" <a href="/worrell/john/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Many, therefore, of His disciples, having heard this, said, "This is a hard saying! Who can hear it?" <a href="/worsley/john/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Many therefore of his disciples, when they heard Him, said, This discourse is hard to be understood, who can take it in? <a href="/parallel/john/6-60.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=2192" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/6.htm">Many Disciples Turn Back</a> 59Jesus said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. 60<a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akousantes (V-APA-NMP) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">On hearing it,</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly."></a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: Polloi (Adj-NMP) -- Much, many; often. ">many</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētōn (N-GMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipan (V-AIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">said,</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: houtos (DPro-NMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">“This</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/4642.htm" title="4642: Sklēros (Adj-NMS) -- Hard, violent, harsh, stern. From the base of skelos; dry, i.e. Hard or tough.">a difficult</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logos (N-NMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">teaching.</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">Who</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynatai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">can</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akouein (V-PNA) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">accept</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">it?”</a> 61Aware that His disciples were grumbling about this teaching, Jesus asked them, “Does this offend you?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/11-6.htm">Matthew 11:6</a> Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.” <a href="/matthew/13-57.htm">Matthew 13:57</a> And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor.” <a href="/mark/6-3.htm">Mark 6:3</a> Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him. <a href="/luke/4-22.htm">Luke 4:22-24</a> All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked. / Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to Me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in Your hometown what we have heard that You did in Capernaum.’” / Then He added, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. <a href="/john/3-12.htm">John 3:12</a> If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? <a href="/john/8-43.htm">John 8:43</a> Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message. <a href="/john/10-20.htm">John 10:20</a> Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and insane. Why would you listen to Him?” <a href="/john/12-48.htm">John 12:48</a> There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. <a href="/acts/7-51.htm">Acts 7:51</a> You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. <a href="/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32-33</a> Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, / as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">1 Corinthians 1:23</a> but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a> The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. <a href="/2_corinthians/2-16.htm">2 Corinthians 2:16</a> To the one we are an odor that brings death, to the other a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task? <a href="/galatians/5-11.htm">Galatians 5:11</a> Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11</a> We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?of his.<a href="/john/6-66.htm">John 6:66</a> From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.<a href="/john/8-31.htm">John 8:31</a> Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;This.<a href="/john/6-41.htm">John 6:41,42</a> The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven… <a href="/john/8-43.htm">John 8:43</a> Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.<a href="/matthew/11-6.htm">Matthew 11:6</a> And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/6-52.htm">Able</a> <a href="/john/5-44.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/luke/11-46.htm">Difficult</a> <a href="/john/6-24.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/john/4-38.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/john/5-30.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/john/6-45.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/john/5-25.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/john/4-39.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/john/6-59.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/john/5-38.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/6-65.htm">Able</a> <a href="/john/12-48.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/acts/15-19.htm">Difficult</a> <a href="/john/6-61.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/john/12-40.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/john/7-51.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/john/7-32.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/john/7-30.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/john/7-36.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/john/7-14.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/john/7-26.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">John 6</div>1. <a href="/john/6-1.htm">Jesus feeds five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes.</a> 15. <a href="/john/6-15.htm">Thereupon the people would have made him king;</a> 16. <a href="/john/6-16.htm">but withdrawing himself, he walks on the sea to his disciples;</a> 26. <a href="/john/6-26.htm">reproves the people flocking after him, and all the fleshly hearers of his word;</a> 32. <a href="/john/6-32.htm">declares himself to be the bread of life to believers.</a> 66. <a href="/john/6-66.htm">Many disciples depart from him.</a> 68. <a href="/john/6-68.htm">Peter confesses him.</a> 70. <a href="/john/6-70.htm">Judas is a devil.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>On hearing it, This phrase refers to the reaction of Jesus' disciples to His teaching in the preceding verses, particularly His discourse on being the Bread of Life. The context is crucial here, as Jesus had just explained the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood to have eternal life, which was a challenging concept for His audience. This teaching followed the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, which set the stage for deeper spiritual truths.many of His disciples said, The term "disciples" here includes not only the Twelve Apostles but also a broader group of followers who had been attracted to Jesus' ministry. This indicates that the teaching was not just difficult for outsiders or casual listeners but even for those who had been following Him closely. It highlights the distinction between true discipleship and superficial following.“This is a difficult teaching. The word "difficult" suggests that the teaching was hard to understand or accept, not necessarily because of its complexity, but because it challenged existing beliefs and expectations. In the Jewish context, the idea of consuming blood was particularly offensive due to dietary laws (<a href="/leviticus/17-10.htm">Leviticus 17:10-14</a>). This teaching required a shift from a literal to a spiritual understanding, which was a significant hurdle for many.Who can accept it?” This rhetorical question underscores the struggle to embrace Jesus' message. It reflects a broader theme in the Gospels where Jesus' teachings often separate true believers from those who are not fully committed. The question implies a sense of disbelief and resistance, which is a common human reaction to divine revelation that challenges personal or cultural norms. This moment foreshadows the eventual departure of some disciples, emphasizing the cost of true discipleship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, delivering teachings that challenge His followers. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> A group of Jesus' followers who are struggling to understand and accept His teachings. 3. <a href="/topical/c/capernaum.htm">Capernaum</a> The location where Jesus delivered the Bread of Life discourse, which precedes this verse. 4. <a href="/topical/b/bread_of_life_discourse.htm">Bread of Life Discourse</a> The teaching that Jesus is the Bread of Life, which is the context for the disciples' reaction in this verse. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a> Includes both committed disciples and others who are following Jesus, some of whom find His teachings hard to accept.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_difficult_teachings.htm">Understanding Difficult Teachings</a> Jesus' teachings often challenge our human understanding and require spiritual discernment. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith.htm">The Role of Faith</a> Accepting difficult teachings requires faith and trust in Jesus, even when we do not fully understand. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_maturity.htm">Spiritual Maturity</a> Growth in spiritual maturity helps us to comprehend and accept deeper truths of the faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> Following Jesus may involve grappling with hard teachings and making sacrifices. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_the_holy_spirit.htm">Dependence on the Holy Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit aids in understanding and accepting the truths of Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 6</a> <a href="/q/why_didn't_jesus_write_anything.htm">Why didn't Jesus write anything Himself?</a> <a href="/q/what's_functional_equivalence_translation.htm">Why did Jesus select Judas Iscariot as a disciple?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_jesus_say_to_eat_his_flesh.htm">Why did Jesus instruct eating His flesh and blood?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_'famine_of_hearing'.htm">What does "Famine of Hearing the Words of the Lord" mean?</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>(60) Many therefore of his disciples--i.e., of the disciples in the wider sense; those who more or less fully were accepting His teaching, and were regarded as His followers. From <a href="/john/6-64.htm" title="But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.">John 6:64</a>, the Apostles would seem to be included in the more general designation. In <a href="/john/6-67.htm" title="Then said Jesus to the twelve, Will you also go away?">John 6:67</a> they are separately addressed.This is an hard saying; who can hear it?--i.e., not hard to be understood, but hard to hear, a stumbling-block in the way of their faith. For the word itself, comp. <a href="/matthew/25-24.htm" title="Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew you that you are an hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not strewed:">Matthew 25:24</a>. His meaning was, indeed, not read by them, but the literal meaning was painfully clear, and one to which they will not listen. (Comp. <a href="/john/10-20.htm" title="And many of them said, He has a devil, and is mad; why hear you him?">John 10:20</a>.) They do not raise any formal objection to Him, but friends and companions who had talked together of the Teacher and His teaching before, talk again now, and many of them who have followed Him up to this point can follow Him no more.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 60-71. - (4) The twofold effect of these instructions. Verses 60-66.- (a) The unbelief of some, which led him to predict the ascension of his humanity to where HE was before. Verse 60. - Many therefore of his disciples. This word is used in a wider sense than of the twelve. The synoptists tell us of much labour already done in this neighbourhood, and a considerable harvest of souls reaped, so far as a general acknowledgement of his claims and an expectation that he was the Messiah was involved: When they heard it (i.e. the entire instruction given in open synagogue), said, This is a hard saying (λόγος cannot or need not be confined to any one of these ῤήματα, but may easily embrace them all). The discourse was σχληρός, harsh, the opposite of μαλακός, a word used by the unprofitable servant of his master (<a href="/matthew/25-24.htm">Matthew 25:24</a>). It does not mean "hard to be understood," but difficult to accept or be content with. Luthardt here reiterates his conviction that there is no reference in it to the death of Christ, and that the disciples were simply unwilling to accept the idea of his supreme claims and his constant return to the. eating and drinking of his flesh and blood and identification of this eternal life with participation in his corporality. But surely Meyer and Wcstcott, etc., are far nearer to the truth in referring the expression to their unwillingness to accept the bloody death of their Messiah, or to entrust themselves to a Divine Personality whose most distinctive act would be his sacrifice. This was the gross and terrible offence which made the cross a stumbling block to the Jew (see <a href="/john/12-34.htm">John 12:34</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">1 Corinthians 1:23</a>; <a href="/galatians/5-11.htm">Galatians 5:11</a>; <a href="/matthew/16-2.htm">Matthew 16:2</a>l, etc.). Who is able to listen to him? This seems not only to be the possible, but most probable, translation of the genitive with ἀκούω. It was the language, not of "the Jews," but of "the disciples." <a href="/commentaries/john/6-60.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>On hearing [it], ἀκούσαντες (akousantes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. many Πολλοὶ (Polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. of ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. disciples μαθητῶν (mathētōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. said, εἶπαν (eipan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “This οὗτος (houtos) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. a difficult Σκληρός (Sklēros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4642.htm">Strong's 4642: </a> Hard, violent, harsh, stern. From the base of skelos; dry, i.e. Hard or tough. teaching. λόγος (logos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. Who τίς (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. can δύναται (dynatai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. accept ἀκούειν (akouein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. it?” αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/6-60.htm">John 6:60 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/6-60.htm">John 6:60 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/6-60.htm">John 6:60 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/6-60.htm">John 6:60 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/6-60.htm">John 6:60 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/6-60.htm">John 6:60 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/6-60.htm">John 6:60 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/6-60.htm">John 6:60 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/6-60.htm">John 6:60 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/6-60.htm">John 6:60 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/6-60.htm">NT Gospels: John 6:60 Therefore many of his disciples when they (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/6-59.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 6:59"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 6:59" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/6-61.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 6:61"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 6:61" /></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>