πᾶν ὃ … τὸν ἐρχ. Note the significant change of gender. What is given (see on John 3:35) is treated as impersonal and neuter, mankind en masse (comp. John 3:6); what comes, with free will, is masculine. Men are given to Christ without being consulted; but each, if he likes, can refuse to come, as the Jews did: there is no coercion. Comp. John 17:2; John 1:11. Note also the different verbs for ‘come’; ἥκω expresses the arrival (Revelation 15:4), ἔρχομαι the coming. Comp. ‘Come unto Me, all ye that labour’ (Matthew 11:28).

οὐ μὴ ἐκβ. Litotes (John 3:19; John 8:40): so far from casting out, will keep and protect, John 10:28. Quale intus illud est, unde non exitur foras? Magnum penetrale et dulce secretum (S. Augustine).

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Old Testament