From that time onThis phrase indicates a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. The context is the aftermath of Jesus' teaching on being the Bread of Life, which was difficult for many to accept. This teaching followed the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, a sign that pointed to Jesus as the sustainer of life. The phrase suggests a turning point where the crowd's enthusiasm waned due to the challenging nature of His message.
many of His disciples
The term "disciples" here refers not only to the Twelve Apostles but to a broader group of followers who had been accompanying Jesus. These individuals were initially attracted by His miracles and teachings. The use of "many" highlights that a significant number of these followers were unable to accept the deeper spiritual truths Jesus was revealing, distinguishing between mere followers and true believers.
turned back
This indicates a physical and spiritual departure. The Greek word used here implies a decisive action of leaving or withdrawing. It reflects a rejection of Jesus' teachings and a return to their previous way of life. This turning back is symbolic of a lack of faith and understanding, reminiscent of Israel's frequent turning away from God in the Old Testament.
and no longer walked with Him
Walking with Jesus is a metaphor for discipleship and fellowship. To "walk with Him" implies a continuous, committed relationship. The decision to no longer walk with Him signifies a complete severance of that relationship. This phrase underscores the cost of true discipleship, which requires acceptance of Jesus' identity and mission, even when it is difficult to understand or accept. This moment foreshadows the ultimate rejection Jesus would face, culminating in His crucifixion, and serves as a call to evaluate one's own commitment to following Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristCentral figure in the passage, whose teachings and claims about being the "bread of life" led to a division among His followers.
2.
DisciplesA broader group of followers beyond the Twelve Apostles, many of whom struggled with Jesus' teachings and chose to leave.
3.
CapernaumThe location where Jesus delivered the discourse on the bread of life, which is the context for this verse.
4.
The Twelve ApostlesThe core group of Jesus' followers who remained with Him despite the challenging teachings.
5.
The Bread of Life DiscourseThe event where Jesus explained that He is the spiritual sustenance necessary for eternal life, leading to the departure of many disciples.
Teaching Points
The Cost of DiscipleshipFollowing Jesus requires commitment, even when His teachings are difficult to understand or accept. True discipleship involves perseverance.
Spiritual DiscernmentBelievers are called to seek understanding and discernment through prayer and study of the Word, especially when faced with challenging teachings.
Faith and CommitmentThe departure of many disciples highlights the importance of a deep, personal commitment to Christ, beyond superficial belief.
Testing of FaithTrials and difficult teachings can serve as a test of faith, revealing the true nature of one's commitment to Jesus.
Community and SupportRemaining in fellowship with other believers can provide strength and encouragement to persevere in faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 6:66?
2.Why did many disciples turn back and no longer follow Jesus in John 6:66?
3.How can we remain steadfast when teachings are hard to accept?
4.What does John 6:66 teach about the cost of true discipleship?
5.How does John 6:66 connect with the parable of the sower?
6.In what ways can we strengthen our faith to avoid turning away?
7.Why did many disciples turn away in John 6:66?
8.What does John 6:66 reveal about true discipleship?
9.How does John 6:66 challenge our understanding of faith commitment?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 6?
11.Why did Jesus perform the miracle of walking on water?
12.What are key themes in the Book of John?
13.What does walking in the Spirit entail?
14.Why has God never revealed Himself in an undeniable, scientifically testable way?What Does John 6:66 Mean
From that time on“From that time on” placesJohn 6:66 immediately after Jesus’ Bread-of-Life discourse (John 6:35–65).
•John 6:60 says, “When they heard this, many of His disciples said, ‘This is a difficult teaching. Who can accept it?’” The timeline links their offense at His words with their departure.
•John 6:64-65 adds, “There are some of you who do not believe… no one can come to Me unless it is granted him by the Father.” Their leaving fulfills Jesus’ sober assessment.
• The phrase also echoes earlier turning points—e.g.,John 2:23-25, where many “believed” yet Jesus “did not entrust Himself to them.” Moments of crisis reveal authentic faith from superficial interest.
Many of His disciplesThe group that walks away is called “disciples,” showing a wider circle than the Twelve (John 6:67).
•Luke 14:25 notes that “large crowds were traveling with Him,” yet size never guaranteed commitment.
•John 8:31 records Jesus addressing “the Jews who had believed Him,” underscoring a category of followers whose belief proves temporary.
•Matthew 13:20-21 (rocky soil) illustrates the same reality: initial enthusiasm without rooted endurance.
Turned backTurning back is a decisive reversal—an abandoning of the path they had begun.
•Luke 9:62 warns, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
•Hebrews 10:38-39 contrasts those who “shrink back” with those who “have faith and preserve their souls.”
•1 John 2:19 explains the theological meaning: “They went out from us, but they did not belong to us.” Their departure exposed an unregenerate heart, not a loss of genuine salvation.
And no longer walked with HimLeaving Jesus meant severing ongoing fellowship, not merely skipping a meeting. Scripture regularly describes life with Christ as a walk.
•John 8:12: “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness.”
•John 15:4-6 stresses abiding: fruitfulness flows from continual union, but the branch severed “withers.”
•1 John 2:6: “Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.” To stop walking is to deny the very claim of discipleship.
•Galatians 5:25 urges, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in step with the Spirit,” highlighting constancy, not occasional bursts.
summaryJohn 6:66 captures the sobering moment when outward “disciples” abandoned Jesus because His words confronted their unbelief. The verse warns against superficial attachment, clarifies that true followers persist, and calls every professing believer to keep walking in continuous, abiding fellowship with the Lord.
(66)
From that time.--The addition of the word "time" has given a definite and questionable meaning to the Greek, which is indefinite. "From that" probably means on that account, because of the words He had spoken. The actual departure was the result of the teaching, which tested their faith and found it wanting, and was at that time, not gradually from that time onwards. (Comp. Note on
John 19:12.)
Many of his disciples.--Co-extensive with the same term inJohn 6:60.
Verse 66. -
Upon this (
ἐκ τούτου; cf.
ἐξ οῦ, equivalent to
qua propter). Not "from that time forwards," not a gradual thinning down or departure of some disciples, one today and another tomorrow, but a kind of rush and stampede took place. Those who a few hours before were ready to call him their Messianic King, were entirely disenchanted. The claims of Christ were so profoundly different from what they anticipated that
upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. The fascination those felt who had seen some of the excellences of Jesus led them to put themselves at his disposal, to wait upon him, to desert their ordinary occupations. Hence part of the phraseology of redemption was derived from the method of Christ. Men "came" to him; they "followed" him; they "walked" with him; they could "go back," desert, forsake their Lord. These actions of his first disciples have created the vocabulary of the kingdom of God. Christ's teaching tested as well as attracted men. There was a repellent force as well as an infinite fascination. He sifted as well as saved. The very deeds and words that broke some hearts into penitence roused impatient and angry remonstrance in others. There is seen in this Gospel a continual departure and a deepening faith.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
FromἘκ(Ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.that [time on],τούτου(toutou)Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.manyπολλοὶ(polloi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.ofἐκ(ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.Hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.disciplesμαθητῶν(mathētōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101:A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.turned backἀπῆλθον(apēlthon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 565:From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.no longerοὐκέτι(ouketi)Adverb
Strong's 3765:No longer, no more. Also ouk eti from ou and eti; not yet, no longer.walkedπεριεπάτουν(periepatoun)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4043:From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.withμετ’(met’)Preposition
Strong's 3326:(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.Him.αὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Gospels: John 6:66 At this many of his disciples went (Jhn Jo Jn) 
