Joh 6:1-13 | RWP | e4.org | After these things ( μετα ταυτα ). A common, but indefinite, note of time in John ( ; ; ; ). The phrase does not mean immediate sequence of events. As a matter of fact, a whole year may intervene between the events of chapter 5 in Jerusalem and those in chapter 6 in Galilee. There is no sufficient reason for believing that chapter 6 originally preceded chapter 5. The feeding of the five thousand is the only event before the last visit to Jerusalem recorded in all Four Gospels ( ; ; ; ). The disciples have returned from the tour of Galilee and report to Jesus. It was the passover time ( ) just a year before the end. To the other side of the Sea of Galilee ( περαν της θαλασσης της Γαλιλαιας ). The name given in Mark and Matthew. It is called Gennesaret in and "Sea of Tiberias" in . Here "of Tiberias" ( της Τιβεριαδος ) is added as further description. Herod Antipas A.D. 22 built Tiberias to the west of the Sea of Galilee and made it his capital. See verse for this city. Luke ( ) explains that it was the eastern Bethsaida (Julias) to which Jesus took the disciples, not the western Bethsaida of in Galilee.

‏ John 6:1-13

After these things ( μετα ταυτα ). A common, but indefinite, note of time in John (3:22; 5:1; 6:1; 7:1). The phrase does not mean immediate sequence of events. As a matter of fact, a whole year may intervene between the events of chapter 5 in Jerusalem and those in chapter 6 in Galilee. There is no sufficient reason for believing that chapter 6 originally preceded chapter 5. The feeding of the five thousand is the only event before the last visit to Jerusalem recorded in all Four Gospels (Mr 6:30-44; Mt 14:13-21; Lu 9:10-17; Joh 6:1-13). The disciples have returned from the tour of Galilee and report to Jesus. It was the passover time (Joh 6:4) just a year before the end.

To the other side of the Sea of Galilee ( περαν της θαλασσης της Γαλιλαιας ). The name given in Mark and Matthew. It is called Gennesaret in Lu 5:1 and "Sea of Tiberias" in Joh 21:1. Here "of Tiberias" ( της Τιβεριαδος ) is added as further description. Herod Antipas A.D. 22 built Tiberias to the west of the Sea of Galilee and made it his capital. See verse 23 for this city. Luke (Lu 9:10) explains that it was the eastern Bethsaida (Julias) to which Jesus took the disciples, not the western Bethsaida of Mr 6:45 in Galilee.

Followed ( ηκολουθε ). Descriptive imperfect active, picturing the crowd, but without the details of the boat for Christ and the rapid race of the crowd on foot (Mr 6:32f.; Mt 14:13f.).

They beheld ( εθεωρουν ). Imperfect active of θεωρεω. They had been beholding the signs which Jesus had been doing ( εποιε, imperfect again) for a long time (2:23), most of which John has not given (Mr 1:29f.; 2:1; 3:1; 6:5). The people were eager to hear Jesus again (Lu 9:11) and to get the benefit of his healing power "on them that were sick" ( επ των ασθενουντων, the weak or feeble, without strength, α privative and σθενος, strength).

Into the mountain ( εις το ορος ). From the level of the Jordan valley up into the high hill on the eastern side. Mark (Mr 6:46) and Matthew (Mt 14:23) mention that after the miracle Jesus went further up into the mountain to pray.

Sat ( εκαθητο ). Imperfect middle of καθημα, was sitting, a picture of repose.

The feast of the Jews ( η εορτη των Ιουδαιων ). Here used of the passover ( το πασχα ) as in 7:2 of the tabernacles. This is probably the third passover in Christ's ministry (2:13 and one unmentioned unless 5:1 be it). In 2:13, here, and 11:55 (the last one) the adverb εγγυς (near) is used. John is fond of notes of time. Jesus failed to go to this passover because of the hostility in Jerusalem (7:1).

Lifting up his eyes ( επαρας τους οφθαλμους ). First aorist active participle of επαιρω. See the same phrase in 4:35 where it is also followed by θεαομα; 11:41; 17:1; Lu 6:20. Here it is particularly expressive as Jesus looked down from the mountain on the approaching multitude.

Cometh unto him ( ερχετα προς αυτον ). Present middle indicative, "is coming to him." The same οχλος πολυς (here πολυς οχλος ) of verse 2 that had followed Jesus around the head of the lake.

Whence are we to buy? ( Ποθεν αγορασωμεν; ). Deliberative subjunctive (aorist active). John passes by the earlier teaching and healing of the Synoptics (Mr 6:34f.; Mt 14:14f.; Lu 9:11f.) till mid-afternoon. In John also Jesus takes up the matter of feeding the multitude with Philip (from the other Bethsaida, 1:44) whereas in the Synoptics the disciples raise the problem with Jesus. So the disciples raise the problem in the feeding of the four thousand (Mr 8:4; Mt 15:33). See Nu 11:13-22 (about Moses) and 2Ki 4:42f. (about Elisha).

Bread ( αρτους ). "Loaves" (plural) as in Mt 4:3.

That these may eat ( ινα φαγωσιν ουτο ). Purpose clause with ινα and the second aorist active subjunctive of εσθιω (defective verb).

To prove him ( πειραζων αυτον ). Present active participle of πειραζω, testing him, not here in bad sense of tempting as so often (Mt 4:1).

What he would do ( τ ημελλεν ποιειν ). Indirect question with change of tense to imperfect. As in 2:25 so here John explains why Jesus put the question to Philip.

Two hundred pennyworth of bread ( διακοσιων δηναριων αρτο ). "Loaves of two hundred denarii." The Roman coin originally for ten asses (afterwards sixteen), about 16 2/3 cents. The denarius was the usual pay for a day's labour (Mt 20:2, 9, 13). This item in Mr 6:37, but not in Matthew or Luke.

That every one may take a little ( ινα εκαστος βραχυ λαβη ). Final clause with ινα and second aorist active subjunctive of λαμβανω. This detail in John alone.

One of ( εις εκ ). So in 12:4; 13:23; Mr 13:1 without εκ.

Simon Peter's brother ( ο αδελφος Σιμωνος Πετρου ). So described in 1:40. The great distinction of Andrew was precisely this that he brought Simon to Christ. Philip and Andrew appear together again in 12:20-22, but in the Synoptics he is distinguished only in Mr 13:3. In the Muratorian Fragment Andrew received the revelation for John to write the Fourth Gospel.

A lad here ( παιδαριον ωδε ). Old word, diminutive of παις, here only in N.T., not genuine in Mt 11:16. How he came to have this small supply we do not know.

Barley ( κριθινους ). Adjective, here and verse 13 only in N.T., in the papyri, from κριθη, barley (Re 6:6). Considered an inferior sort of bread.

Fishes ( οψαρια ). Late diminutive of οψον, common in papyri and inscriptions for delicacies with bread like fish. In N.T. only here, verse 11; 21:9-13. Synoptics have ιχθυας.

Sit down ( αναπεσειν ). Literally, "fall back," lie down, recline. Second aorist active infinitive of αναπιπτω.

Much grass ( χορτος πολυς ). Old word for pasture, green grass (Mr 6:39) or hay (1Co 3:12). It was spring (Joh 6:4) and plenty of green grass on the hillside.

The men ( ο ανδρες ). Word for men as distinct from women, expressly stated in Mt 14:21.

In number ( τον αριθμον ). Adverbial accusative (of general reference).

About ( ος ). General estimate, though they were arranged in orderly groups by hundreds and fifties, "in ranks" like "garden beds" ( πρασια, Mr 6:40).

The loaves ( τους αρτους ). Those of verse 9.

Having given thanks ( ευχαριστησας ). The usual grace before meals (De 8:10). The Synoptics use "blessed" ευλογησεν (Mr 6:41; Mt 14:19; Lu 9:16).

He distributed ( διεδωκεν ). First aorist active indicative of διαδιδωμ, old verb to give to several ( δια, between).

To them that were set down ( τοις ανακειμενοις ). Present middle participle (dative case) of ανακειμα, old verb to recline like αναπεσειν in verse 10.

As much as they would ( οσον ηθελον ). Imperfect active of θελω, "as much as they wished."

And when they were filled ( ως δε ενεπλησθησαν ). First aorist (effective) passive indicative of εμπιμπλημ, old verb to fill in, to fill up, to fill completely. They were all satisfied. The Synoptics have εχορτασθησαν like Joh 6:26 ( εχορτασθητε ).

Gather up ( συναγαγετε ). Second aorist active imperative of συναγω, to gather together.

Broken pieces ( κλασματα ). From κλαω, to break. Not crumbs or scraps on the ground, but pieces broken by Jesus (Mr 6:41) and not consumed.

Be lost ( απολητα ). Second aorist middle subjunctive of απολλυμ with ινα in purpose clause. Only in John. There was to be no wastefulness in Christ's munificence. The Jews had a custom of leaving something for those that served.

Twelve baskets ( δωδεκα κοφινους ). One for each of the apostles. What about the lad? Stout wicker baskets (coffins, Wycliff) in distinction from the soft and frail σφυριδες used at the feeding of the four thousand (Mr 8:8; Mt 15:37). Here all the Gospels (Mr 6:43; Mt 14:20; Lu 9:17; Joh 6:13) use κοφινο. The same distinction between κοφινο and σφυριδες is preserved in the allusion to the incidents by Jesus in Mr 8:19, 20; Mt 16:9, 10.

Unto them that had eaten ( τοις βεβρωκοσιν ). Articular perfect active participle (dative case) of βιβρωσκω, old verb to eat, only here in N.T., though often in LXX.