John 6:1-21
Proper 12B
1 After this JesusI wentII to the other side of the SeaIII of Galilee,IV also called the Sea of Tiberias.V
I “Jesus” = Iesous. From Hebrew Yehoshua (Joshua, the Lord is salvation); {from YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; the self-existent and eternal one); {from havah (to become) or from hayah (to come to pass, become, be)} + yasha (to deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue; properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. So, in a causative sense, this is to free someone)}. This is Jesus or Joshua in Greek – the Lord saves or the Lord is salvation.
II “went” = aperchomai. From apo (from, away from) + erchomai (to come or go). This is to depart, follow, or go off in a literal or figurative sense.
III “Sea” = thalassa. Perhaps from hals (sea, salt, a boy of saltwater) or halas (salt; can be figurative for prudence). This is the sea, a lake, or seashore.
IV “Galilee” = Galilaia. From Hebrew galil (cylinder, circuit, district); from galal (to roll in a literal or figurative sense, roll away, roll down, wallow, remove, trust). This is Galilee, meaning perhaps region or cylinder.
V “Tiberias” = Tiberias. 3x in NT. From Tiberios (Tiberius, as the emperor); from Latin Tiberius (Tiberius, which means from the Tiber); from Tiberis (the river Tiber); perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *teh₂- (“to flow, to melt”). This is Tiberias, a city in Galilee or another name for the Sea of Galilee. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Tiberius
2 A largeVI crowdVII kept followingVIII him because they sawIX
VI “large” = polus. This is much, often, plenteous – a large number or a great extent.
VII “crowd” = ochlos. Perhaps from echo (to have, hold, possess). This is a crowd, the common people, a rabble. Figuratively, it can refer to a riot.
VIII “following” = akoloutheo. From a (with, fellowship, union) + keleuthos (road, way). This is to accompany or follow someone, especially the way a disciple does.
IX “saw” = theoreo. From theaomai (to behold, look upon, see, contemplate, visit); from thaomai (to gaze at a spectacle; to look at or contemplate as a spectator; to interpret something in efforts to grasp its significance); from theoros (a spectator or envoy). This is gazing, beholding, experiencing, discerning. It is looking at something to analyze it and concentrate on what it means. This is the root of the word “theatre” in that people concentrate on the action of the play to understand its meaning.
the signsX that he was doingXI for the sick.XII
X “signs” = semeion. From the same as semaino (to give a sign, signify, indicate, make known); from sema (a sign or mark). It is literally a sign of any kind. It also refers to a sign given by God to confirm or authenticate a message or prophecy. It is not necessarily miraculous, but it can be. The Gospel of John generally uses this word instead of miracle.
XI “doing” = poieo. This is to make, do, act, construct, abide, or cause.
XII “sick” = astheneo. From asthenes (not having strength or weak in a moral sense; sick); {from a (not) + sthenes (strong, vigor); {from the base of sthenoo (to strengthen so that one can be mobile); from sthenos (strength)}}. This is sick, feeble, languishing, impotent. Can also refer to moral weakness.
3 Jesus went upXIII the mountainXIV and sat downXV there with his disciples.XVI
XIII “went up” = anerchomai. Related to “went” in v1. 3x in NT. From ana (up, again, back, anew) + erchomai (see note II above). This is to go up or ascend.
XIV “mountain” = oros. Perhaps from oro (to rise); perhaps akin to airo (raise, take up, lift, remove). This is mountain or hill.
XV “sat down” = kathemai. From kata (down, against, throughout, among) + hemai (to sit). This is to sit, be enthroned, or reside.
XVI “disciples” = mathetes. From matheteuo (to make a disciple of); from manthano (to learn key facts, gain knowledge from experience; generally implies reflection as part of the learning process); from math– (thinking things through). This is a disciple, learner, or student. It is where we get “mathematics” from.
4 Now the Passover,XVII the festivalXVIII of the Jews,XIX was near.XX
XVII “Passover” = pascha. From Aramaic corresponding to Hebrew pesach (Passover or the offering for Passover); from pasach (to stop, pass over, skit over, to spare). This is Passover – used for the feast, the lamb of sacrifice, the day, and the festival itself. This is where the term “paschal” comes from as in the “paschal lamb.”
XVIII “festival” = heorte. This is a holiday or feast.
XIX “Jews” = Ioudaios. From Ioudas (Judah, Judas); from Hebrew Yehudah (Judah, son of Jacob, his tribal descendants, a name for the southern kingdom. Literally, it means praised); probably from yadah (to throw one’s hands into the air in a gesture of praise); from yad (hand). This is Jewish, a Jew, or Judea.
XX “near” = eggus. Perhaps from agcho (to squeeze). This is nearby or near in time.
5 When he looked upXXI and sawXXII a large crowd comingXXIII toward him,
XXI “looked up” = epairo…ho + ophthalmos. Literally, “he lifted…the eyes.” Epairo is related to “mountain” in v3. 19x in NT. From epi (on, upon, among, what is fitting) + airo (see note XIV above). This is to lift up or raise in a literal or figurative sense. Figuratively, it could mean to exalt oneself. Ophthalmos is from optanomai (to appear, be seen by); from horao (to see, perceive, attend to, look upon, experience; to stare at, which implies clear discernment; by extension, attending to what was seen and learned; to see, often with a metaphorical sense, which can include inward spiritual seeing). This is eye or sight. It is used figuratively for the mind’s eye, a vision, or for envy.
XXII “saw” = theaomai. Related to “saw” in v2. See note IX above.
XXIII “coming” = erchomai. Related to “went” in v1 & “went up” in v3. See note II above.
Jesus saidXXIV to Philip,XXV “Where are we to buyXXVI breadXXVII for these people to eat?”XXVIII
XXIV “said” = lego. This is to speak, say, name, call, command. It is generally to convey verbally.
XXV “Philip” = Philippos. From philos (dear, beloved, a friend, an associate; friendship with personal affection, a trusted confidante; love from personal experience with another person) + hippos (horse). This is Philip, meaning one who loves horses or is fond of horses.
XXVI “buy” = agorazo. From agora (assembly, forum, marketplace, town square, thoroughfare); from ageiro (to gather). This is to go and buy something at market with a focus on goods being transferred. It can also mean to purchase or redeem.
XXVII “bread” = artos. Related to “mountain” in v3 & “looked up” in v5. Perhaps from airo (see note XIV above). This is bread or a loaf. It is a loaf as raised.
XXVIII “eat” = phago. This is to eat or figuratively to consume like rust does.
6 He said this to testXXIX him, for he himself knewXXX what he was going toXXXI do.
XXIX “test” = peirazo. From peira (trial, experiment, attempt, experience, assaying); from the base of peran (over, beyond, across); akin to pera (on the far side); from a derivative of peiro (to pierce). This is to test, try, tempt, or make proof of. It is to test, scrutinize, or assay something. It could also be examine, entice, prove, or discipline.
XXX “knew” = eido. This is to know, consider perceive, appreciate, behold, or remember. It means seeing with one’s eyes, but also figuratively, it means perceiving – seeing that becomes understanding. So, by implication, this means knowing or being aware.
XXXI “going to” = mello. Perhaps from melo (something that one is worried or concerned about, something one pays attention to or thinks about). Properly, this is ready, about to happen, to intend, delay, or linger. This is just on the point of acting.
7 Philip answered him, “Two hundredXXXII denariiXXXIII would not buy enoughXXXIV bread for eachXXXV of them to getXXXVI a little.”XXXVII
XXXII “two hundred” = diakosioi. 8x in NT. From dis (twice, utterly, again); from duo (two, both)} + hekaton (hundred). This is two hundred.
XXXIII “denarii” = denarion. 16x in NT. From Latin deni (ten each) + arius (belonging to). This is a silver Roman coin.
XXXIV “enough” = arkeo. 8x in NT. This is to be content or satisfied. It can also mean to ward off.
XXXV “each” = hekastos. Perhaps from hekas (separate). This is each one, any, every. It is every individual as a distinct entity as opposed to those counted as a group in small sets.
XXXVI “get” = lambano. It does not refer to passive receiving of something, but active acceptance or taking of something whether it is offered or simply nearby. It focuses on individual decision and action.
XXXVII “little” = brachus. 7x in NT. This is little, few, small area, short interval of time.
8 OneXXXVIII of his disciples, Andrew,XXXIX SimonXL Peter’sXLI brother,XLII said to him,
XXXVIII “one” = heis. This is one, a person, only, some.
XXXIX “Andrew” = Andreas. 13x in NT. From aner (man, male, sir, husband). This is Andrew, meaning manly.
XL “Simon” = Simon. From Hebrew Shimon (Simon – Jacob’s son and his tribe); from shama (to hear, often implying attention and obedience). This is Simon, meaning “he who hears.”
XLI “Peter’s” = Petros. Related to petra (large rock that is connected and or projecting like a rock, ledge, or cliff; can also be cave or stony ground). This is Peter, a stone, pebble, or boulder.
XLII “brother” = adelphos. From a (with, community, fellowship) + delphus (womb). This is a brother in a literal or figurative sense. It is also used of another member of the Church.
9 “There is a boyXLIII here who hasXLIV fiveXLV barleyXLVI loavesXLVII and twoXLVIII fish.XLIX But what are they among so many people?”
XLIII “boy” = paidarion. 1x in NT. From pais (child, youth, servant, slave); {perhaps from paio (to strike or sting)}. This is little boy, child.
XLIV “has” = echo. Related to “crowd” in v2. See note VII above.
XLV “five” = pente. This is five. It may be symbolically associated with the Temple or redemption.
XLVI “barley” = krithinos. 2x in NT– both in this passage. From krithe (barley). This is related to barley or made from barley. Barley was more commonly eaten by poor folk (wealthier people ate wheat). It was often fodder for horses.
XLVII “loaves” = artos. Same as “bread” in v5. See note XXVII above. Perhaps from airo (see note XIV above). This is bread or a loaf. It is a loaf as raised.
XLVIII “two” = duo. Related to “two hundred” in v7. See note XXXII above.
XLIX “fish” = opsarion. 5x in NT. Diminutive of opson (cooked food) OR from optos (roasted, cooked); {related to hepso (to steep)}. This is fish or little fish. It can also refer to a cooked sauce or salted fish served as a condiment.
10 Jesus said, “MakeL the peopleLI sit down.”LII
L “make” = poieo. Same as “doing” in v2. See note XI above.
LI “people” = anthropos. Related to “Andrew” in v8 & “looked up” in v5. Probably from aner (see note XXXIX above) + ops (eye, face); {from optanomai (see note XXI above)}. This is human, humankind. Used for all genders.
LII “sit down” = anapipto. 12x in NT. From ana (up, again, back, among, anew) + pipto (to fall literally or figuratively). This is to fall back, recline, lie down. One reclined at the dinner table.
Now there was a great dealLIII of grassLIV in the place,LV so they sat down,LVI about five thousandLVII in all.
LIII “great deal” = polus. Same as “large” in v2. See note VI above.
LIV “grass” = chortos. 15x in NT. This is food, grass, hay, wheat. It can also be a place of feeding, garden, court, or pasture.
LV “place” = topos. This is a place or region. It is a smaller space that can only hold a limited number of people whereas chora is a larger place. Figuratively it could be an opportunity.
LVI {untranslated} = ho + aner + ho + arithmos. Aner is related to “Andrew” in v8 & “people” in v10. See note XXXIX above. Arithmos is related to “mountain” in v3 & “looked up” and “bread” in v5. 18x in NT. From airo (see note XIV above). This is a number or total that has been counted to together.
LVII “five thousand” = pentakischilioi. Related to “five” in v9. 6x in NT. From pentakis (five times); {from pente (see note XLV above)} + chilioi (thousand literal and figurative; can mean total inclusion). This is five thousand.
11 Then Jesus tookLVIII the loaves, and when he had given thanksLIX he distributedLX them
LVIII “took” = lambano. Same as “get” in v7. See note XXXVI above.
LIX “given thanks” = eucharisteo. From eu (good, well, well done, rightly) + charis (grace, kindness, favor, gratitude, thanks; being inclined to or favorable towards – leaning towards someone to share some good or benefit; literal, figurative, or spiritual; grace as abstract concept, manner, or action); {from chairo (to rejoice, be glad; used to say hello; properly, delighting in the grace of God or experiencing God’s favor); from char– (to extend favor, lean towards, be inclined to be favorable towards)}. This is giving thanks, being thankful. It is a recognition that God’s grace is good and actively showing gratitude. It can also be used for saying grace before eating. This is where “eucharist” comes from.
LX “distributed” = diadidomi. 4x in NT. From dia (through, because of, across, thoroughly) + didomi (give, offer, place, bestow, deliver; give in a literal or figurative sense). This is to distribute, divide, or deal out.
to those who were seated;LXI soLXII also the fish, as much as they wanted.LXIII
LXI “seated” = anakeimai. 14x in NT. From ana (up, again, back, among, between, anew) + keimai (to lie, recline, be set, appointed, destined; to lie down literally or figuratively). This is to recline, particularly as one does for dinner. It can also be reclining as a corpse.
LXII “so” = homoios. From homoios (similar to, resembling, like); from the same as homou (together); from homos (the same). This is likewise or equally.
LXIII “wanted” = thelo. This is to wish, desire, will, or intend. It is to choose or prefer in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean inclined toward or take delight in. It can have a sense of being ready to act on the impulse in question.
12 When they were satisfied,LXIV he toldLXV his disciples, “Gather upLXVI
LXIV “were satisfied” = empiplemi. Related to “large” in v2. 5x in NT. From en (in, on, at, by, with) + pleistos (greatest, large quantity); {from polus (see note VI above)}. This is to fill or satisfy. It can be literal or figurative.
LXV “told” = lego. Same as “said” in v5. See note XXIV above.
LXVI “gather up” = sunago. From sun (with, together with, closely associated) + ago (to lead, bring, carry, guide, go, drive). This is to lead together and so to assemble, bring together, welcome with hospitality, or entertain. In the sense of assembly, this is the root of the word “synagogue.”
the fragmentsLXVII left over,LXVIII so that nothing may be lost.”LXIX
LXVII “fragments” = klasma. 9x in NT. From klao (to break in pieces as one breaks bread). This is a fragment or broken piece.
LXVIII “left over” = perisseuo. From perissos (abundant, more, excessive, advantage, vehemently); from peri (all-around, encompassing, excess). This is more than what is ordinary or necessary. It is abounding, overflowing, being leftover, going above and beyond. It is super-abounding in number or quality.
LXIX “be lost” = apollumi. From apo (from, away from) + ollumi (to destroy or ruin; the loss that comes from a major ruination). This is to destroy, cut off, to perish – perhaps violently. It can also mean to cancel or remove.
13 So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten,LXX they filledLXXI twelveLXXII baskets.LXXIII
LXX “eaten” = bibrosko. 1x in NT. Related to bora (food) OR perhaps from bosko (to feed or pasture a flock; figuratively, to nourish spiritually). This is to eat.
LXXI “filled” = gemizo. 8x in NT. From gemo (to be full, swell, at capacity, actions taken to fulfill a goal). This is to fill up or load, be swamped as a boat with water.
LXXII “twelve” = dodeka. Related to “two hundred” in v7 & “two” in v9. From duo (see note XXXII above) + deka (ten). This is twelve – also shorthand for the apostles.
LXXIII “baskets” = kophinos. 6x in NT. This is a wicker basket.
14 When the people sawLXXIV the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeedLXXV the prophetLXXVI who is to come into the world.”LXXVII
LXXIV “saw” = horao. Related to “looked up” in v5 & “people” in v10. See note XXI above.
LXXV “indeed” = alethos. 18x in NT. From alethes (true, unconcealed; true because it is in concert with fact and reality – attested. Literally, what cannot be hidden; truth stands up to test and scrutiny and is undeniable, authentic); from a (not) + lanthano (concealed, hidden, unnoticed; to shut one’s eyes to, unwittingly, unawares). This is truly, really, surely, truthfully, indeed. Properly, this is saying “in accordance with fact…” – what one is about to say can be proven and is true to reality.
LXXVI “prophet” = prophetes. From pro (before, in front of, earlier than) + phemi (to declare, say, use contrasts in speaking to shed light on one point of view); {from phao (to shine) or phaino (to bring light, cause to appear, shine, become visible or clear)}. This is a prophet or poet – one who speaks with inspiration from God.
LXXVII “world” = kosmos. Perhaps from the base of komizo (to carry, convey, recover); from komeo (to take care of). This is order, the world, the universe, including its inhabitants. Literally, this is something that is ordered so it can refer to all creation. It can also refer to decoration in the sense that something is better ordered and, thus, made more beautiful. This is where “cosmos” and “cosmetics” come from.
15 When Jesus realizedLXXVIII that they were about toLXXIX come and take him by forceLXXX
LXXVIII “realized” = ginosko. This is to know, recognize, realize, perceive, learn. It is knowledge gained through personal experience.
LXXIX “were about to” = mello. Same as “going to” in v6. See note XXXI above.
LXXX “take…by force” = harpazo. Related to “mountain” in v3 & “looked up” and “bread” in v5 & {untranslated} in v10. 14x in NT. Perhaps from haireomai (to choose, take); probably related to airo (see note XIV above). This is to grab with force, seize, pluck, get through robbery, snatch up. This is taking something openly and violently – not subtly or in secret.
to make him king,LXXXI he withdrewLXXXII again to the mountain by himself.LXXIII
LXXXI “king” = basileus. Probably from basis (step, hence foot; a pace); from baino (to walk, to go). This is king, emperor, or sovereign.
LXXXII “withdrew” = anachoreo. 14x in NT. From ana (up, again, back, among, anew) + choreo (to make space, receive, have room for, progress, depart so as to make room; figuratively, living open-heartedly); {from choros (a particular space or place); from chora (space, land, region, fields, open area); from chasma (gap, gulf, chasm, open space); from chasko (to gape, yawn)}. This is to withdraw, depart, retire, or leave. It can give a sense of seeking safety from harm or of retiring.
LXXXIII “by himself” = autos + monos. Monos is perhaps from meno (to stay, abide, wait, endure). This is alone, single, remaining, mere, desolate.
16 When eveningLXXXIV came,LXXXV his disciples went downLXXXVI to the sea,
LXXXIV “evening” = opsios. Related to “looked up” in v5 & “people” in v10 & “saw” in v14. 15x in NT. From opse (after, late, in the end, in the evening); from opiso (back, behind, after); from the same as opisthen (after, back, from the rear); probably from opis (back); from optanomai (see note XXI above). This is afternoon, evening, nightfall, or late.
LXXXV “came” = ginomai. This is to come into being, to happen, become, be born. It can be to emerge from one state or condition to another or is coming into being with the sense of movement or growth.
LXXXVI “went down” = katabaino. Related to “king” in v15. From kata (down, against, throughout, among) + baino (see note LXXXI above). This is to come down whether from the sky to the ground or from higher ground to lower. It can be used in a literal or figurative sense.
17 gotLXXXVII into a boat,LXXXVIII and startedLXXXIX
LXXXVII “got” = embaino. Related to “king” in v15 & “went down” in v16. 17x in NT. From en (in, on, at, by, with) + baino (see note LXXXI above). This is to step onto – embark on a boat.
LXXXVIII “boat” = ploion. From pleo (to sail, voyage); probably from pluno (to plunge – so to wash); from pluo (to flow). This is a boat, ship, or vessel.
LXXXIX “started” = erchomai. Same as “coming” in v5. See note XXIII above.
across the sea to Capernaum.XC It wasXCI now dark,XCII and Jesus had not yet come to them.
XC “Capernaum” = Kapernaoum. 16x in NT. From Hebrew kaphar (village with walls); {from the same as kephir (a young lion, village); from kaphar (to appease, cover, pacify, cancel)} + Nachum (Nahum, “comfortable”); {from nacham (a strong breath or sigh; to be sorry, to pity, console, comfort, or repent; also to comfort oneself with thoughts of vengeance)}. This is Capernaum, meaning “Nahum’s village.”
XCI “was” = ginomai. Same as “came” in v16. See note LXXXV above.
XCII “dark” = skotia. 16x in NT. From skotos (darkness literal or figurative – as moral or spiritual darkness, sin and what comes from it; obscurity); from skia (shadow, thick darkness, outline; figurative for a spiritual situation that is good or bad). This is darkness or dimness. Figuratively, it can be a spiritual darkness. This is obscurity in a literal or figurative sense.
18 The sea became roughXCIII because a strongXCIV windXCV was blowing.XCVI
XCIII “became rough” = diegeiro. 6x in NT. From dia (through, because of, across, thoroughly) + egeiro (to awake, raise up or lift up; to get up from sitting or lying down, to get up from sleeping, to rise from a disease or from death; figuratively, rising from inactivity or from ruins). This is to wake totally, arise, or raise in a literal or figurative sense.
XCIV “strong” = megas. This is big in a literal or figurative sense – great, large, exceeding, abundant, high, mighty, perfect, strong, etc.
XCV “wind” = anemos. From aer (air that we breathe); from aemi (to breathe or blow). This is wind or a gust of air. It can also be used figuratively for empty doctrines.
XCVI “blowing” = pneo. 7x in NT. This is to breathe or to blow as a breeze.
19 When they had rowedXCVII about threeXCVIII or fourXCIX miles,C
XCVII “rowed” = elauno. 5x in NT. This is to propel or carry – to drive forward with oars or like the wind does. It can also refer to being driven by a demon.
XCVIII “three” = eikosi + pente. Eikosi is 11x in NT. This is twenty. Pente is the same as “five” in v9. See note XLV above.
XCIX “four” = triakonta. 11x in NT. From treis (three). This is thirty.
C “miles” = stadion. 7x in NT. From the same as histemi (to stand, place, establish, appoint, stand ready, be steadfast). This is a stadium, which was a unit of length. By implication, this would refer to a racing track for a foot race.
they sawCI Jesus walkingCII on the sea and comingCIII near the boat, and they were terrified.CIV
CI “saw” = theoreo. Same as “saw” in v2. See note IX above.
CII “walking” = peripateo. Related to “boy” in v9. From peri (about, concerning, around, encompassing) + pateo (to read, trample on; to trample literally or figuratively); {from patos (trodden) OR from paio (see note XLIII above)}. This is to walk. Going from Hebrew figurative language, to walk referred to how you conducted your life, how you chose to live. This word is most literally walking around. Figuratively, it is living, behaving, following, how you occupy yourself. This is where “peripatetic” comes from.
CIII “coming” = ginomai. Same as “came” in v16. See note LXXXV above.
CIV “were terrified” = phobeo. From phobos (panic flight, fear, fear being caused, terror, alarm, that which causes fear, reverence, respect); from phebomai (to flee, withdraw, be put to flight). This is also to put to flight, terrify, frighten, dread, reverence, to withdraw or avoid. It is sometimes used in a positive sense to mean the fear of the Lord, echoing Old Testament language. More commonly, it is fear of following God’s path. This is where the word phobia comes from.
20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”CV 21 Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediatelyCVI the boat reachedCVII the landCVIII toward which they were going.CIX
CV “be afraid” = phobeo. Same as “were terrified” in v19. See note CIV above.
CVI “immediately” = eutheos. Related to “given thanks” in v11. From euthus (immediately, upright, straight and not crooked); {perhaps from eu (see note LIX above) + tithemi (to place, lay, set, establish)}. This is directly, soon, at once.
CVII “reached” = ginomai. Same as “came” in v16. See note LXXXV above.
CVIII “land” = ge. This is earth, land, soil, region, country, the inhabitants of an area.
CIX “going” = hupago. Related to “gather up” in v12. From hupo (by, under, under the authority of) + ago (see note LXVI above). This is to lead under so to depart, go away, or die. It is to lead away under the command of someone else, being given a mission or objective to carry out.
Image credit: “Peter Tries to Walk on Water” by Jeff Anderson, Siku, and Richard Thomas of Edge Group – Lion Hudson.