John 6:46

46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father.

John 6:46 in Other Translations

KJV
46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
ESV
46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father.
NLT
46 (Not that anyone has ever seen the Father; only I, who was sent from God, have seen him.)
MSG
46 No one has seen the Father except the One who has his Being alongside the Father - and you can see me.
CSB
46 not that anyone has seen the Father except the One who is from God. He has seen the Father.

John 6:46 Meaning and Commentary

John 6:46

Not that any man hath seen the Father
This is said, lest it should be thought from the above words, that our Lord meant that men should be so taught of God, as that they should visibly see the Father, and vocally hear his voice, and be personally instructed by him; for his voice is not heard, nor his shape seen; see ( John 1:18 ) ( 5:37 ) ;

save he which is of God;
who is begotten of him, and of the same nature and perfections with him, though a distinct person from him, and who was always with him, and lay in his bosom:

he hath seen the Father;
has perfect knowledge of him, personal communion with him; has seen the perfections and glory of his person, and the thoughts, purposes, and counsels of his heart, his whole mind, and will, and all the grace, goodness, and mercy which is in him, and has declared it; see ( John 1:18 ) .

John 6:46 In-Context

44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.
45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.
46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father.
47 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.
48 I am the bread of life.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S John 1:18; John 5:37; John 7:29
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.