Devine Scripture

John 6:16

What does John 6:16 mean?

A plain-English look at John 6:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 6:16 means

As evening falls, the disciples go down to the sea. The timing signals transition and uncertainty. Jesus is absent; the day’s public excitement gives way to a quieter, testing moment for His closest followers. Their movement to the water without Jesus underscores their dependence and soon, their vulnerability. In John’s narrative, darkness often symbolizes confusion or opposition. Night approaches as the disciples set out, unaware that another sign awaits them—one aimed at strengthening their faith rather than inflaming a crowd’s ambition.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when evening came, his disciples went down unto the sea;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when evening came, his disciples went down unto the sea;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

When evening came the disciples went down to the sea;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And when evening came, his disciples went down to the sea,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when evening was come, his disciples went down to the sea.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when evening was come, his disciples went down to the sea,

Context

This simple notice follows Jesus’s solitary withdrawal and introduces the second sign in the chapter. The disciples’ descent to the sea sets up the voyage to Capernaum. The next verses highlight that it is dark and windy, and that Jesus has not yet come to them. These details prepare for the striking appearance of Jesus walking on the water and His reassuring word to their fear.

v.15Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone.

v.16This passage

v.17and they entered into a boat, and were going over the sea unto Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.

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