1.
After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
After these things . This expression occurs seven times in John's Gospel; and "after this" three times.
After. Greek. meta. App-104 . Compare John 5:1 .
Jesus. See App-98 .
went = went away.
of. The Genitive of Relation. See App-17 .
which is the sea of. This is the rendering of the Genitive "of "Tiberias.
Tiberias . The city is still in existence. It was not visited by the Lord, and therefore not guilty of rejecting Him. All the cities which did reject Him have perished.
2.
And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
multitude = crowd.
followed = was following. saw = beheld. Greek horao. App-133 . Not the same word as in verses: John 6:5 ; John 6:14 ; John 6:19 ; John 6:22 ; John 6:24 ; John 6:26 ; John 6:30 ; John 6:40 ; John 6:62 , but same as in verses: John 6:36 , John 6:46 , John 6:46 . L Tr. A WI R. read theoreo, App-133 ., as in John 6:19 .
His. All the texts omit "His".
miracles = signs. See note on John 2:11 . App-176 .
did = was doing, or working.
on . Greek. epi. App-104 .
3.
And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
into . Greek. eis. App-104 .
a mountain = the mountain, i.e. the one overlooking the lake.
sat = was sitting [when He saw the crowds approach ing].
with = amid. Greek. meta. App-104 .
4.
And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
5.
When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
When . . . lifted up = having lifted up.
then = therefore. Compare John 6:15 , and see App-176 .
saw = having seen. Greek. theaomai, App-133 .
a great . . . come = that a great . . . is coming.
company = crowd, as in John 6:2 .
unto = toward. Greek pros. App-104 . Not the same word as in verses: 16, 27.
Philip. Because Bethsaida ( App-169 ) was a neighbouring town. Compare John 1:44 ; John 12:21 . See App-141 .
bread = loaves.
that = in order that. Greek. hina.
6.
And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
to prove = proving, i.e. putting him to the test. knew. Greek. oida. App-132 . See note on John 1:26 .
would do = was about to do.
7.
Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
pennyworth . See App-51 .
not. Greek ou. App-105 .
every . . . little . Recorded only in John.
8.
One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,
of . Greek. ek. App-104 .
Andrew . App-141 . He appears with Philip in John 1:44 ; John 12:22 .
Simon Peter . App-141 .
9.
There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
a lad = a little boy. Greek. paidarion. App-108 . The "baker boy", with his basket of barley-loaves, is still to be seen where people congregate.
five. See App-10 .
barley . Greek. krithinos. Occurs only here and John 6:13 . Compare Judges 7:13 . 2 Kings 4:42 .Ezekiel 13:19 .
small fishes . Greek. opsarion. Occurs only here, John 6:11 , and John 21:9 , John 21:10 , John 21:13 .
among = for. Greek. eis. App-104 .
10.
And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
men. App-123 .
sit down = recline.
Now, &c. See note on "and we", John 1:14 . in. Greek en. App-104 .
11.
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.
to the disciples , and the disciples. Om. by all the texts and Syriac.
and likewise = likewise also, as much as they would. Recorded only in John.
would = wished. App-102 .
12.
When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13.
Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
twelve , one for each of the apostles.
baskets . Greek. kophinos = a wicker hand-basket, not the same as in Matthew 15:37 . Mark 8:8 .
unto them that had eaten . Recorded only by John.
eaten = fed. Greek. bibrosko. Occurs only here. Root of our "browse", to feed in the open.
14.
Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
15.
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
perceived . See note on John 1:10 . App-132 .
would come = were about to come.
to = in order that (Greek. hina) they might.
departed = withdrew. Greek. anachoreo. Only here in John.
16.
And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
17.
And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
a ship = a fishing-smack. Greek. ploion. Not ploiarion, as in John 6:22 .
went = were going.
toward . Greek. eis. App-104 .
Capernaum. See App-169 .
was = had become.
now = already.
not. Greek. ou, but all the texts read oupo, " not yet".
to. Greek. pros. App-104 .
18.
And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
arose = was rising.
wind. Greek. anemos. Only here in John.
that blew = [that was] blowing.
19.
So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
five and twenty . . . furlongs ( App-51 ). About half way. see. Greek. theoreo. App-133 .
20.
But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
It is I = I am [He]. Compare John 4:26 ; John 8:24 , John 8:28 , John 8:58 ; John 13:19 ; John 18:5 , John 18:6 , John 18:8 . Mark 13:6 . Luke 21:8 .
not. Greek. me. App-105 . Same word as in verses: John 6:27 , John 6:43 . Not the same as in verses: John 6:7 , John 6:17 , John 6:22 , John 7:24 , John 7:26 , John 7:32 , John 7:36 , John 7:38 , John 7:42 , John 7:46 , Joh 7:56 , Joh 7:64 , Joh 7:70 .
21.
Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
willingly received = were willing to receive.
and . . . went . Recorded only by John.
was = became. at. Greek. epi. App-104 .
land , or shore. Greek. ge . App-129 .
whither = to (Greek. eis)) which.
went = were bound.
22.
The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
people = crowd.
the other side . The eastern. In John 6:26 , the western; Compare John 6:39 .
none. Greek. ouk. App-105 .
other . App-124 .
boat = dinghy. Greek. ploiarion. The one belonging to the ploion of John 6:17 (which had gone away). Ploiarion occurs only here, verses: John 6:23 , John 6:24 , John 21:8 . John 6:8 . Mark 3:9 ; Mark 4:36 . Ploion, here = smack, is the usual word for "ship"; ploiarion = the dinghy belonging to it.
whereinto = into (Greek. eis. As in John 6:3 ) which.
were gone = went away.
23.
(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
Howbeit. See note on "and we beheld", John 1:14 .
from = out from. Greek. ek. App-104 .
the Lord. See App-98 . B.C.
24.
When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
they = themselves. Emphatic.
took shipping = entered into (Greek. eis, v. 3) the boats (ploia), but all the texts read ploiaria.
to = unto. Greek. eis, as in John 6:3 .
25.
And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
the other side . The western. In John 6:22 , the eastern.
Rabbi . See App-98 .
camest Thou hither = hast Thou got here.
26.
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
27.
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Labour not . . . but = Labour for the latter rather than for the former. Figure of speech Heterosis (of Degree). App-6 .
meat . Greek brosis, the act of eating (Matthew 6:19 , Matthew 6:20 = "rust "). Not broma = food (John 4:34 ). Compare also 1 Corinthians 8:4 .
endureth . Greek. meno. Same as "dwelleth", John 6:56 . See note on "abode", John 1:32 .
unto . Greek. eis. App-104 . Not the same as in verses: John 6:5 ,
everlasting. Greek. aionios. See App-151 .
life . Greek. zoe. See note on John 1:4 , and App-170 . the Son of man. See App-98 .
him hath God the Father sealed = for Him (= this One) the Father, even God, sealed.
God . See App-98 .
the Father . See note on John 1:14 .
sealed . The Jews discussed "the seal of God", e.g. "What is the seal of the Holy, Blessed God? Rabbi Bibai answered, ' Truth'. But what is 'truth'? Rabbi Bon saith, ' the living God and King eternal'. Rabbi Chaninah saith . ., 'truth is the seal of God'. " Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedr., quoted by Lightfoot, vol. xii, p. 291 (Pitman's ed.)
28.
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
What shall we do . . . ? = What are we to do . . . ?
work the works . Figure of speech Polyptoton. App-8 .
works . See note on John 4:34 .
29.
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
answered and said . See App-122 ., and note on Deuteronomy 1:41 .
believe on. See App-150 ., and note on John 1:7
sent. Greek. apostello. App-174 .
30.
They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
31.
Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Our fathers , &c. See Exodus 16:15 . Over half a million able for war; probably three millions in all. Numbers 2:32 .
manna = the manna.
as = according as.
He gave , &c. Quoted from Psalms 78:24 . This was their hope and belief; and this was the "sign "looked for in "the days of Messiah". So the Midrash (a Commentary on Ecc.): "The former Redeemer [Moses] caused manna to descend for them; in like manner shall our latter Redeemer [Messiah] cause manna to come down, as it is written: ' There shall be a handful of corn in the earth' (Psalms 72:16 ). "See Lightfoot, vol. ail, p. 293.
heaven. Singular. See note on Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 .
32.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
33.
For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
He , or "That". the world. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for its inhabitants. Used in John to show that Gentiles will be included in Israel's blessing.
34.
Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
Lord . App-98 .
evermore. Greek. pantote, see notes on John 6:35 .
35.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
am the bread of life . A form of expression peculiar to this Gospel. The Figure of speech Metaphor ( App-6 ), which carries over, and asserts that one thing is, i.e. represents the other; thus differing from Simile, and Hypocatastasis ( App-6 ). See App-159 . Note the seven ( App-10 ) examples in this Gospel: I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35 , John 6:41 , John 6:48 , John 6:51 ); the Light of the world (John 8:12 ; John 9:5 ); the Door of the sheep (John 10:7 , John 10:9 ); the Good Shepherd (John 10:11 , John 10:14 ); the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25 ); the true and living Way (John 14:6 ); the true Vine (John 15:1 , John 15:5 ).
never = in no wise. Greek. ou me. App-105 .
never thirst = in no wise at any time (Greek. ou me . . . popote) thirst. Greek.supply the Ellipsis by repeating "popote" after "hunger". Both Authorized Version and Revised Version renderings are inadequate. The Authorized Version includes the Greek popote in the second "never". The Revised Version weakens the first "never" by rendering it "not". Neither Authorized Version nor Revised Version give the force of the strong negative ou me.
36.
But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
ye also have seen Me = ye have seen Me also; with emphasis on "seen".
and = yet.
believe . App-150 .
37.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
All = Whatever (Neut. singular)
come . . . cometh. "come" = reach, denoting arrival; "cometh" denotes the act and process.
in no wise . Greek. ou me. App-105 . As "never" in John 6:35 .
cast out. Referring to the Divine Supplement "send away" in Matthew 14:15 . Put by Figure of speech Tapeinosis ( App-6 ) for giving blessing to such.
out = without.
38.
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
I came down = I am come down.
will. Greek. thelema. App-102 .
sent. See note on John 1:22 .
39.
And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
of all = whatever, as in John 6:37 . Compare John 6:44 , and John 12:32 .
lose nothing = not ( App-105 ) lose any of (Greek. ek. App-104 ) it.
raise . App-178 .
at the last day . An expression found only in John (five times): here; verses: John 6:44 , John 6:54 , John 11:24 ; John 12:48 . Compare 1 John 2:18 . It refers to the coming of Messiah, and was used idiomatically for "the age to come", at the end of that dispensation (see Lightfoot, vol. xii, p. 294. Pitman's ed.) It would then have taken place had Israel repented. See Acts 3:19-21 .
at = in. Greek. en. App-104 .
40.
And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
the Son. Compare John 8:36 .
may = should.
and will = and (that) I should.
41.
The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
murmured = were murmuring. Greek gonguzo, the Septuagint word for Israel's murmuring in the wilderness. See 1 Corinthians 10:10 . Compare Jude 1:16 .
at = concerning. Greek. peri. App-104 .
42.
And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
they said = were saying.
43.
Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
among yourselves = with (Greek. meta. App-104 ) one another.
44.
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
No man = No ( App-105 ) one.
can come = is able to come (two verbs).
except . Greek. ean me. App-118 and App-105 .
draw him. Those thus drawn are defined in John 6:37 as "all "those who are given (without exception). In John 12:32 the "all" are not thus defined, and denote "all" (without distinction).
45.
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
It is written = It standeth written.
the prophets . See Isaiah 54:13 .Jeremiah 31:34 .
all. Here it denotes "all" without exception. See note on "draw him", John 6:44 .
taught of God . In 1 Thessalonians 4:9 the words are compounded (theodidaktos).
of = from. Greek. para. App-104 ., implying close intimacy. See John 6:46 .
46.
Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
47.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
hath = possesseth. Not, of course, in himself (or he would never die), but by faith in Christ.
48.
I am that bread of life.
that = the.
49.
Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
did eat = ate.
are dead = died.
50.
This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
a man = any one: i.e. without distinction.
thereof = of (Greek. ek. App-104 .) it.
51.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
living . See note on John 4:10 .
if. For the condition, see App-118 .
this bread = this [One before you]. One of three passages in which "this" indicates the speaker. Compare John 2:19 . Matthew 16:18 .
he shall live ; in and by resurrection. See note on John 4:50 , John 4:51 , John 4:53 .
for ever = unto the age. See App-151 . a.
and the bread that I will give = but the bread, moreover, which I will give. The omission of the particle (" de") in Authorized Version hides the line of the discussion: (1) I will give this bread; (2) This bread is My flesh; (3) My flesh is My body which I will give up in death.
My flesh = Myself. Put by the Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Part), App-6 , for the whole person, as in Genesis 17:13 .Psalms 16:9 (Acts 2:26-31 ). Proverbs 14:30 . Matthew 19:5 . Rom 3:20 . 1 Corinthians 1:29 . 2 Corinthians 7:5 ; and for Christ's own person, Joh 1:14 . 1 Timothy 3:16 . 1 Peter 3:18 . Heb 10:20 . 1 John 4:2 . Just as "My soul" is also put for the whole person (Numbers 23:10 . Judges 16:30 . Psalms 3:2 ; Psalms 16:10 ; Psalms 33:19 ; Psalms 103:1 .Isaiah 58:5 .Acts 2:31 .Romans 13:1; Romans 13:1 ). In view of the Jews' unbelief, the Lord used the Figure of speech Synecdoche here. To take a figure of speech literally, and treat what is literal as a figure, is the most fruitful source of error.
flesh . See note on John 1:13 .
I will give. All the texts omit this, but not the Syriac. See App-94 .
for. Greek huper. App-104 .
52.
The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
strove = were contending. Greek. machomai. Only here, Act 7:26 . 2 Timothy 2:24 .James 4:2 . An advance on "murmuring" in John 6:41 .
among themselves = with (Greek. pros. App-104 .) one another.
53.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
eat . . . drink, &c. The Hebrews used this ex pression with reference to knowledge by the Figure of speech Me tonomy (of the Subject), App-6 , as in Exodus 24:11 , where it is put for being alive; so eating and drinking denoted the operation of the mind in receiving and "inwardly digesting" truth or the words of God. See Deuteronomy 8:3 , and p. Jeremiah 15:16 . Ezekiel 2:8 . No idiom was more common in the days of our Lord. With them as with us, eating included the meaning of enjoyment, as in Ecclesiastes 5:19 ; Ecclesiastes 6:2 ; for "riches "cannot be eaten; and the Talmud actually speaks of eating (i.e. enjoying) "the years of Messiah", and instead of finding any difficulty in the figure they said that the days of Hezekiah were so good that "Messiah will come no more to Israel; for they have already devoured Him in the days of Hezekiah" (Lightfoot, vol. xii, pp 296, 297). Even where eating is used of the devouring of enemies, it is the enjoyment of victory that is included. The Lord's words could be understood thus by hearers, for they knew the idiom; but of "the eucharist" they knew nothing, and could not have thus understood them. By comparing verses: John 6:47-48 with verses: John 6:53-54 , we see that believing on Christ was exactly the same thing as eating and drinking Him.
flesh . . . blood. By the Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Part), App-6 , this idiom is put for the whole Person. See note on "flesh", John 1:13 , and compare Matthew 16:17 . 1 Corinthians 15:50 . Galatians 1:1 , Galatians 1:16 . . Ephesians 6:12 .Hebrews 2:14 .
no = not. App-105 .
54.
Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
55.
For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
indeed = truly. Greek. alethos. All the texts read alethes ( App-175 ) but not the Syriac.
56.
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
57.
As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
As = According as. See John 13:15 . 1Jn 2:6 ; 1 John 2:4 .
live. See note on John 4:50 .
by = through. Greek. dia. App-104 .John 6:2 .
58.
This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
59.
These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
synagogue . See App-120 .
60.
Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
61.
When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
it = this.
offend = cause to stumble.
you? Emph.; i.e. you, as well as those Jews.
62.
What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
What and if, &c.? The Apodosis which is wanting (by Ellipsis) must be supplied thus: "If" (as in John 6:51 ) therefore ye should behold the Son of man ascending up where He was before [will ye be offended then]? "
ascend = ascending.
63.
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
64.
But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
from the beginning. First occurance of "ex arches" in John. As in John 1:1 , the Ellipsis of dependent noun must be supplied here, and in the only other occurrence (John 16:4 ): "from the beginning [of the Lord's ministry]". For the occurance of arche with other prepositions, see notes on John 1:1 ; John 8:44 , and Hebrews 1:10 .
believed not = would not believe. Note the subjective emphasis of' me. App-105 . See also App-150 .
should = would.
65.
And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
66.
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
that time = this cause. It is the same cause to this day. back. Greek. eis ta opiso.
walked = walked about.
no more . Compound of ou. App-105 .
67.
Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
Will ye also go away? = Surely ye also do not (Greek. me. App-105 ) wish ( App-102 ) to go away? Implying a negative answer,
68.
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
69.
And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
believe = have believed. App-150 .
are sure = have got to know. Greek. ginosko See App-132 . See note on John 1:10 .
that Christ = the Messiah. App-98 .
the Son of . . . God . Thus, the second portion of the Lords ministry ends with a similar declaration on the part of Simon Peter, as in Matthew 16:16 , though not the same occasion. So the Syriac reads, showing that the various readings of the Greek need not be heeded. See App-94 .
the living God . This expression always implies the contrast with all other gods.
70.
Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
Have I not chosen = Did I not choose. Compare 13. 14, 15, 16, 19. Luke 6:13 .
twelve = the twelve. See App-141 .
71.
He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
He spake = But, or Now He was speaking.
Judas . App-141 .
Iscariot = a man of Kerioth, which was in Judah (Joshua 15:25 ). Kerioth now probably Khan Kureitin.
the son of Simon . So designated only here, John 12:4 ; John 12:13 , John 12:2 , John 12:26 . The only apostle not a Galilean. Compare John 12:6 .
that should betray Him = [who] was about to betray Him. Note the two verbs. Thus ends the second por tion of the Lord's ministry ( App-119 ), and thus is ushered in the third.