So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus’ question, “Do you want to go away as well?” carries an expectation for a negative answer, highlighting that while God doesn't force anyone to stay, He does offer the choice to remain. This tender inquiry, directed at His closest followers after many others had left, wasn't born of doubt but of deep affection and a desire to confirm their commitment to Him.
So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a challenging teaching where many followers found Jesus' words too difficult and "walked away," Jesus turns to his closest group, the twelve apostles. He directly asks if they, too, are considering leaving, testing their commitment amidst the widespread defection. This moment serves as a crucial point to affirm their loyalty and to reveal the deeper commitment Peter will express.
Jesus saw a massive crowd deserting Him after a difficult teaching. Then, He turned to His closest followers and asked a profound question. What does this moment reveal about genuine commitment?
A Moment of Truth
Jesus had just delivered a challenging message about His identity and authority, and many followers found it too difficult. They "went back and walked with him no more" (John 6:66).
Instead of focusing on those who left, Jesus directs His attention to the twelve apostles. He doesn't demand their loyalty; He asks for it. "Do you want to go away as well?"
This question is pivotal because:
As the crowd thinned, Jesus looked at His chosen twelve. He knew their hearts, yet He still asked about their willingness to stay. What does His selection of the twelve mean in light of their human frailty?
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Chosen, Not Perfect
Jesus’ question to the twelve isn't a sign of doubt about their ultimate fate, but rather a tender invitation for them to affirm their commitment and to strengthen their resolve.
This moment of mass defection profoundly tested Jesus' closest followers. His question to the twelve wasn't just about their loyalty, but a deliberate moment to solidify their commitment by contrasting it with the faithlessness of the crowd.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, including the core group of twelve apostles. His popularity grows, attracting large crowds.
c. AD 30
Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus miraculously feeds thousands of people. This event draws immense attention and leads to a significant following, but also stirs political and religious unease.
c. AD 30
Jesus' "Bread of Life" Discourse
Following the feeding miracle, Jesus delivers a challenging discourse in the synagogue at Capernaum, explaining that true spiritual life comes from 'eating his flesh and drinking his blood.' This is deeply misunderstood by many.
c. AD 30— this verse
Mass Defection of Disciples
After Jesus' difficult discourse, many of his followers find his words too hard and 'turned back and no longer walked with him.' This marks a crisis in his public ministry.
c. AD 30
Jesus Questions the Twelve
Jesus turns to his inner circle of twelve apostles and asks if they too intend to leave, testing their commitment amidst the mass departure of others.
c. AD 30
Peter's Confession
Peter, speaking for the twelve, professes their unwavering faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, cementing their loyalty.
This passage echoes Jesus' question by showing that persistent disobedience can lead to God forsaking a people, just as Jesus questioned if the disciples would also turn away after others had.
Matthew 16:16Peter's powerful declaration of faith here, though later, stands as the direct answer to Jesus' probing question in John 6:67, demonstrating a commitment that contrasted with the departing crowd.
1 Corinthians 10:13This verse offers comfort and assurance by stating that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability, implying that when faced with difficult choices like those in John 6, God provides a way of escape, even when Jesus asks, 'Do you want to go away as well?'
Jude 1:3Jude urges believers to contend for the faith, which resonates with Jesus' challenge to the twelve, as it implies that holding fast to truth amidst departing crowds requires a steadfast decision and a willingness to stand firm.
barnesJohn 6:67: "Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?"
The twelve - The twelve apostles. Will ye also go away? - Many apostatized, and it was natural now for Jesus to submit the question to the twelve. "Will you, whom I have chosen, on whom I have bestowed the apostleship, and who have seen the evidence of my Messiahship, will you now also leave me?" This was the time to try them; and it is always a time to try real Christians when many professed disciples become cold and turn back…
vincentJohn 6:67: "Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?"
The twelveJohn assumes that the number is known. It is implied in the twelve baskets of fragments. As in so many other instances in this Gospel, facts of the synoptic narrative are taken for granted as familiar.Will ye also go away? (μὴ καὶ ὑμεῖς θέλετε ὑπάγειν)The interrogative particle μὴ shows that a negative answer is expected. Surely ye will not. Will ye go is not the future tense of the verb to go, but is expresse…
Jesus’ question, “Do you want to go away as well?” carries an expectation for a negative answer, highlighting that while God doesn't force anyone to stay, He does offer the choice to remain. This tender inquiry, directed at His closest followers after many others had left, wasn't born of doubt but of deep affection and a desire to confirm their commitment to Him.
Following a challenging teaching where many followers found Jesus' words too difficult and "walked away," Jesus turns to his closest group, the twelve apostles. He directly asks if they, too, are considering leaving, testing their commitment amidst the widespread defection. This moment serves as a crucial point to affirm their loyalty and to reveal the deeper commitment Peter will express.
Following a challenging teaching where many followers found Jesus' words too difficult and "walked away," Jesus turns to his closest group, the twelve apostles. He directly asks if they, too, are considering leaving, testing their commitment amidst the widespread defection. This moment serves as a crucial point to affirm their loyalty and to reveal the deeper commitment Peter will express.
"So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”" — Jesus’ question, “Do you want to go away as well?” carries an expectation for a negative answer, highlighting that while God doesn't force anyone to stay, He does offer the choice to remain. This ten…
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Last reviewed October 2026