Bible Strands
John 6:62
Then what will happen if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before?
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to His disciples immediately after they grumble over His teaching about His flesh and blood. He poses a direct question to confront their reaction to His impending departure.
The words — ἀναβαίνοντα (anabainonta) literally means "ascending," denoting Christ's return to His former location. The conditional ἐὰν (ean) translates as "what if," framing the event as a future test of perception and belief.
The thread — The ascent is identified in John 3:13 as the unique work of the Son of Man who descended from heaven. The historical event is recorded in Mark 16:19 and Luke 24:51, where Jesus is taken up into heaven after His resurrection.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to confront their response to Christ's divine origin and exaltation rather than rejecting Him based on physical limitations. It demands a shift from demanding earthly proof to accepting heavenly authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
Cross-references
- John 3:13 No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the Son of Man.
- Mark 16:19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
- Luke 24:51 While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven.
- Ephesians 4:8 This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”
- John 16:28 I came from the Father and entered the world. In turn, I will leave the world and go to the Father.”
- John 17:4 I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.
- Acts 1:9 After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.
- 1 Peter 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.
- John 17:11 I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one.
- John 6:27 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.”