A.T. Robertson Commentary John 6:51

"I am the living bread which came down out of heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: yea and the bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world." — John 6:51 (ASV)

The living bread (ο αρτος ο ζων). "The bread the living." Repetition of the claim in 35,41,48, but with a slight change from ζωης to ζων (present active participle of ζαω). It is alive and can give life. See 4:10 for living water. In Re 1:17 Jesus calls himself the Living One (ο ζων).

For ever (εις τον αιωνα). Eternally like αιωνιον with ζωην in 47.I shall give (εγω δωσω). Emphasis on εγω (I). Superior so to Moses.

Is my flesh (η σαρξ μου εστιν). See on 1:14 for σαρξ the Incarnation. This new idea creates far more difficulty to the hearers who cannot grasp Christ's idea of self-sacrifice.

For the life of the world (υπερ της του κοσμου ζωης). Over, in behalf of, υπερ means, and in some connexions instead of as in 11:50. See 1:30 for the Baptist's picture of Christ as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. See also 3:17; 4:42; 1 John 3:16; Matthew 20:28; Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:14f.; Romans 5:8. Jesus has here presented to this Galilean multitude the central fact of his atoning death for the spiritual life of the world.