John 6:5
What does John 6:5 mean?
A plain-English look at John 6:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 6:5 means
Seeing the great multitude coming, Jesus asks Philip where to buy bread for them. The question is not because He lacks a plan, but to engage a disciple in the problem. Jesus dignifies Philip by involving him, even though the task exceeds human resources. It is a pedagogical moment: Jesus brings attention to the impossibility so the sufficiency of His provision will be unmistakable. He does not ignore the crowd’s physical need. Instead, He surfaces it as an opportunity to reveal His heart and power. The Shepherd sees the sheep and moves toward their need, initiating a lesson in trust for His followers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude cometh unto him, saith unto Philip, Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat?
KJV
King James Version · 1611When 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?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude cometh unto him, saith unto Philip, Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Lifting up his eyes, Jesus saw a great number of people coming to where he was, and he said to Philip, Where may we get bread for all these people?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus then having lifted up <FI>his<Fi> eyes and having seen that a great multitude doth come to him, saith unto Philip, `Whence shall we buy loaves, that these may eat?' --
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752When Jesus therefore had lifted up his eyes and seen that a very great multitude cometh to him, he said to Philip: Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus then, lifting up his eyes and seeing that a great crowd is coming to him, says to Philip, Whence shall we buy loaves that these may eat?
Context
This inquiry follows the calm gathering on the mountain and anticipates the miracle. The question directs the narrative from setting to crisis. It sets the stage for Philip’s calculation and Andrew’s tentative suggestion. Readers should note that the concern for bread arises before any hint of a solution, intensifying dependence on Jesus. The next verses show the disciples’ limited perspective in contrast to Jesus’s settled knowledge of what He will do.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 15:33
And the disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so many loaves in a desert place as to fill so great a multitude?
- John 1:43
On the morrow he was minded to go forth into Galilee, and he findeth Philip: and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me.
- Luke 9:12
And the day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are here in a desert place.
- Matthew 14:14
And he came forth, and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick.
- John 4:35
Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white already unto harvest.
- Mark 6:34
And he came forth and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
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