What does John 6:34 mean?

When Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman (John 4:1–26), she misunderstood His spiritual teaching in a material way. When Jesus mentioned living water to her, she asked Him to give her that water to drink (John 4:15). Whether sarcastic or serious, her response showed that her focus was on actions, works, and material things. The rest of Jesus' conversation with the woman was meant to explain the spiritual nature of His claims.

This verse is another example of Jesus needing to correct confusion between physical and spiritual matters. Jesus has been speaking to the crowds about being the "true bread from heaven." Rather than looking to perishable food, the people ought to pursue eternal food (John 6:27; Isaiah 55:2). That food comes only in the form of belief, specifically the Son of Man (John 6:27–29). Jesus has just made a clear statement that the "bread of God" is a person come from heaven who gives life to the world. Just as the Samaritan woman did, these people completely miss the point, and once again ask for something material.