Can the original Greek shed light Jesus’ words?
Yes. Jesus uses two Greek words for “eat” in John 6. The first word is “ephagon” which means to eat. It is seen in various forms in John 6:49,50,51,52,53, 58. “Eat” could be taken physically or symbolically. Once the murmuring starts, Jesus switches to a more physical word, “trogon”, which suggests gnawing or munching. It is seen in John 6: 54,56,57,58. The author of this Gospel thought these Greek words accurately translated the actual Aramaic words that Jesus spoke. “Gnawing” is physical, and would be difficult for anyone to take figuratively. 6) Did the Early Church interpret John 6 literally? Yes! First, we must consider the words of St. Paul to the church in Corinth, “Is not the cup of blessing we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread we break a sharing in the body of Christ?” (1 Cor 10:16) Or again, when he quotes Jesus: “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor 11:23-30) The early church maintained this perspective, as we se
