King James Bible
"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
Jesus identifies himself as sustenance that originates from God's realm, contrasting with the manna given to Israel in the wilderness. The phrase 'living bread' suggests not merely physical nourishment but spiritual vitality that transcends earthly food. This conditional promise extends eternal life to anyone who partakes of Christ, emphasizing universal accessibility. 'Eating' here functions as a metaphor for belief and spiritual appropriation, connecting to themes of faith throughout John's Gospel. Jesus clarifies that this bread involves his physical body offered in sacrifice, foreshadowing the crucifixion. The scope expands from individual believers to 'the world,' revealing the cosmic dimension of his redemptive mission.