Keraia
John 6

John 6:11

The Feeding of the Five Thousand · John 6:1–15
Read John 6

Translations

Modern
Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.
Traditional
And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
Literal
And Jesus took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those reclining; likewise also of the small fish, as much as they were wanting.
Latin
Accepit ergo Jesus panes: et cum gratias egisset, distribuit discumbentibus: similiter et ex piscibus quantum volebant.

Interlinear

Greek
English
Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.

Notes

John 6:11

The simple meal provided the crowd with as much as they wanted. This was similar to the miracle of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:35). In that earlier story, God gave bread from heaven through Moses. Now, Jesus provided bread for the people in a similar way.

John 6:1–15

Jesus feeding the 5,000 recalls the Old Testament story of manna (bread from heaven) when Israel was in the wilderness (Exodus 16). In that story, God provided bread each day for his people.

In the time of Jesus, some Jewish teachers believed that the Messiah would again give bread from heaven (Exodus 16:4). They expected a new act of divine provision.

When Jesus fed the crowd, he met this expectation. However, he was not only giving physical bread. He was pointing to himself as the true bread from heaven, who gives life to the world.

John 6:1–71

Each story in this chapter uses the setting of the Feast of the Passover (6:4) to communicate a deeper meaning.

Events

Parallels

Matthew 14:13–21 Mark 6:30–44 Luke 9:10–17

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Agriculture Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bread Food and Food Preparation Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of John, Gospel of Lord’s Supper, the Miracle Sea of Galilee Spirit of Jesus Christ

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Miracles of More than Five-Thousand People Fed Jesus, the Christ: The Twelve Apostles Return Prayer: Thanksgiving And, Before Receiving Food Thankfulness: should be offered: Before Receiving Food Thanksgiving: Christ Set an Example of Thanksgiving: should be offered: Before Taking Food