The word translated real is alēthēs, whereas in 1.9 and 6.32 real renders another Greek adjective, alēthinos. In the two earlier passages there is an element of contrast: real light, as opposed to natural light; real bread from heaven, as opposed to manna. Here, however, Jesus’ flesh and blood are not contrasted with some other kind of food but are declared to be food in the proper sense. This food is often referred to in translation as “true food.” Although one commentator gives a distinct meaning for alēthinos (“the only real”), the distinction between the two adjectives may be purely contextual, and in any case both can be translated by real. Differences of opinion exist with respect to the interpretation of real or “true.” The most obvious meaning is that which equates the flesh and blood with physical food and drink. But real is understood by many persons as suggesting a higher level of reality than mere physical identification. Accordingly, real in this sense would be understood as pointing to the spiritual significance of the flesh and blood as being more real than the physical aspects. To justify this interpretation persons often refer to verse 63. Good News Translation translates the adjective here as the real, while most translations have simply “real.”

Instead of the adjective real, some ancient manuscripts have an adverb, “really.” Apparently no modern translations follow that reading. The weight of the manuscript evidence is strongly in favor of the adjective real.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .