Devine Scripture

John 6:11

What does John 6:11 mean?

A plain-English look at John 6:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 6:11 means

Jesus takes the loaves, gives thanks, and distributes to those seated, and likewise the fish, as much as they wanted. His gratitude to the Father precedes the gift, showing dependence and honor. The distribution is personal and ample; hunger is not merely appeased but satisfied. The miracle happens through Jesus’s hands, yet it involves the disciples as servers. The abundance speaks to God’s character: not stingy, but overflowing. In this sign, Jesus appears as the true host of Israel, feeding His people in the wilderness. The act prefigures deeper nourishment He will later describe—Himself as the bread of life for the world.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, he distributed to them that were set down; likewise also of the fishes as much as they would.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, he distributed to them that were set down; likewise also of the fishes as much as they would.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Jesus took the cakes and having given praise to God, he gave them to the people who were seated, and the fishes in the same way, as much as they had need of.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jesus took the loaves, and having given thanks he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those reclining, in like manner, also of the little fishes as much as they wished.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus took the loaves: and when he had given thanks, he distributed to them that were set down. In like manner also of the fishes, as much as they would.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus took the loaves, and having given thanks, distributed [them] to those that were set down; and in like manner of the small fishes as much as they would.

Context

This is the climactic provision following the people’s seating. After highlighting scarcity, John now records lavish supply. The verb choices move from thanksgiving to distribution to satisfaction, showing a complete work. The immediate result is fullness; the subsequent instruction will be to gather leftovers, underscoring the superabundance. This fullness will lead the crowd to declare Jesus “the prophet,” and to press for a political kingship that He will refuse.

v.10Jesus said, Make the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

v.11This passage

v.12And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 14:6

    He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that eateth, eateth unto the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, unto the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

  • 1 Samuel 9:13

    As soon as ye are come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he goeth up to the high place to eat; for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that are bidden. Now therefore get you up; for at this time ye shall find him.

  • Acts 27:35

    And when he had said this, and had taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all; and he brake it, and began to eat.

  • Luke 24:30

    And it came to pass, when he had sat down with them to meat, he took the bread and blessed; and breaking it he gave to them.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18

    in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.

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