Jesus performs his only recorded act of thanksgiving (eucharistesas) before a miracle, uniquely combining gratitude with divine provision rather than his typical displays of authority or judgment.
1After these things, Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is also called the Sea of Tiberias.
2A great multitude followed him, because they saw his signs which he did on those who were sick.
3Jesus went up into the mountain, and he sat there with his disciples.
4Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.
5Jesus therefore, lifting up his eyes and seeing that a great multitude was coming to him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?”
6He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.
7Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may receive a little.”
8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him,
9“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many?”
10Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in that place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
11Jesus took the loaves, and having given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were sitting down, likewise also of the fish as much as they desired.
12When they were filled, he said to his disciples, “Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost.”
13So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten.
14When therefore the people saw the sign which Jesus did, they said, “This is truly the prophet who comes into the world.”
15Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
16When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea.
17They entered into the boat, and were going over the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them.
18The sea was tossed by a great wind blowing.
19When therefore they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were afraid.
20But he said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
21They were willing therefore to receive him into the boat. Immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
22On the next day, the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except the one in which his disciples had embarked, and that Jesus hadn’t entered with his disciples into the boat, but his disciples had gone away alone.
23However, boats from Tiberias came near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks.
24When the multitude therefore saw that Jesus wasn’t there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
25When they found him on the other side of the sea, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?”
26Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.
27Don’t work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him.”
28They said therefore to him, “What must we do, that we may work the works of God?”
29Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
30They said therefore to him, “What then do you do for a sign, that we may see and believe you? What work do you do?
31Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness. As it is written, ‘He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.’”
32Jesus therefore said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, it wasn’t Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread out of heaven.
33For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world.”
34They said therefore to him, “Lord, always give us this bread.”
35Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will not be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
36But I told you that you have seen me, and yet you don’t believe.
37All those whom the Father gives me will come to me. He who comes to me I will in no way throw out.
38For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.
39This is the will of my Father who sent me, that of all he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day.
40This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
41The Jews therefore murmured concerning him, because he said, “I am the bread which came down out of heaven.”
42They said, “Isn’t this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does he say, ‘I have come down out of heaven’?”
43Therefore Jesus answered them, “Don’t murmur among yourselves.
44No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up in the last day.
45It is written in the prophets, ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who hears from the Father and has learned, comes to me.
46Not that anyone has seen the Father, except he who is from God. He has seen the Father.
47Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.
48I am the bread of life.
49Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness and they died.
50This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, that anyone may eat of it and not die.
51I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
52The Jews therefore contended with one another, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
53Jesus therefore said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you don’t have life in yourselves.
54He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
55For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
56He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in him.
57As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on me will also live because of me.
58This is the bread which came down out of heaven—not as our fathers ate the manna and died. He who eats this bread will live forever.”
59He said these things in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
60Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?”
61But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble?
62Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?
63It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life.
64But there are some of you who don’t believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who didn’t believe, and who it was who would betray him.
65He said, “For this cause I have said to you that no one can come to me, unless it is given to him by my Father.”
66At this, many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him.
67Jesus said therefore to the twelve, “You don’t also want to go away, do you?”
68Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.
69We have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
70Jesus answered them, “Didn’t I choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?”
71Now he spoke of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, for it was he who would betray him, being one of the twelve.
John 6 presents Jesus as the divine provider through two miraculous signs: feeding five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, and walking on water to reach his disciples. When the crowds seek him out, Jesus delivers his profound 'Bread of Life' discourse, declaring himself the true bread from heaven who gives eternal life. The chapter culminates in a crisis of faith as many disciples abandon Jesus due to his difficult teachings, while Peter affirms that Jesus has 'the words of eternal life.'
Context
This chapter follows Jesus's growing popularity from his healing ministry in chapter 5 and sets up the increasing opposition that will characterize the remainder of his public ministry.
Key Themes
Outline
Jesus miraculously feeds five thousand people with five loaves and two fish near the Sea of Galilee. The crowd recognizes him as a prophet and attempts to make him king, but Jesus withdraws.
person_contrast
Jesus performs his only recorded act of thanksgiving (eucharistesas) before a miracle, uniquely combining gratitude with divine provision rather than his typical displays of authority or judgment.
Jesus walks on water during a storm and approaches his disciples' boat, calming their fears with his presence. The boat immediately reaches their destination when they receive him.
person_contrast
John's account uniquely omits the disciples' worship response found in Matthew and Mark, instead emphasizing their immediate arrival at their destination—transforming a miracle of divine power into one of divine provision.
Jesus teaches about spiritual nourishment, declaring himself the bread of life who gives eternal life. He contrasts himself with the manna Moses provided, emphasizing faith over physical sustenance.
person_contrast
Jesus uses the verb "eat" (φαγεῖν) eight times in this discourse, uniquely transforming a physical action into the primary metaphor for faith and spiritual reception.
Many disciples abandon Jesus after his hard teaching, but Peter affirms faith in Jesus as the Christ. Jesus reveals that one of the twelve will betray him, referring to Judas.
person_contrast
Jesus appears with "eternal life" and "faith" themes in only 7 of his 98 Gospel appearances, making Peter's confession here exceptionally rare in its theological density.
Jesus performs his only recorded act of thanksgiving (eucharistesas) before a miracle, uniquely combining gratitude with divine provision rather than his typical displays of authority or judgment.
John's account uniquely omits the disciples' worship response found in Matthew and Mark, instead emphasizing their immediate arrival at their destination—transforming a miracle of divine power into one of divine provision.
Jesus uses the verb "eat" (φαγεῖν) eight times in this discourse, uniquely transforming a physical action into the primary metaphor for faith and spiritual reception.
Jesus appears with "eternal life" and "faith" themes in only 7 of his 98 Gospel appearances, making Peter's confession here exceptionally rare in its theological density.
Connected passages across Scripture
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, the…
The apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever t…
The apostles, when they had returned, told him what things they had done. He took them and withdrew apart to a desert re…
But of the multitude, many believed in him. They said, “When the Christ comes, he won’t do more signs than those which t…
He went with him, and a great multitude followed him, and they pressed upon him on all sides.
Great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.
When he came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
As they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was at hand.
Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand. Many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify them…
The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Don’t you say, ‘There are yet four months until the harvest’? Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fiel…
The disciples said to him, “Where could we get so many loaves in a deserted place as to satisfy so great a multitude?”
The multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.
Therefore David himself calls him Lord, so how can he be his son?” The common people heard him gladly.
One of the two who heard John and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the so…
Simon, whom he also named Peter; Andrew, his brother; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew;
Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net i…
When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Phi…
They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish.”
But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless…
He took the five loaves and the two fish; and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his…
He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go see.” When they knew, they said, “Five, and two fish.”
He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to he…
Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise.
When he had said this and had taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all; then he broke it and began to e…
He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves. Having given thanks, he broke them a…
He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for y…
They all ate and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over.
They ate and were all filled. They gathered up twelve baskets of broken pieces that were left over.
They all ate and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.
When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They told…
They all ate and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.
They ate and were all filled. They gathered up twelve baskets of broken pieces that were left over.
Don’t you yet perceive or remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up,
Now on one of those days, he entered into a boat, himself and his disciples, and he said to them, “Let’s go over to the…
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent…
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitud…
Again he began to teach by the seaside. A great multitude was gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat in the sea…
When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the…
He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm.
After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no…
The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell—and its fall was great.”
They were greatly afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there w…
Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered in with…
But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away)…
He spoke to his disciples that a little boat should stay near him because of the crowd, so that they wouldn’t press on h…
He went away again beyond the Jordan into the place where John was baptizing at first, and he stayed there.
When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the…
After this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few…
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent…
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitud…
The disciples asked him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you. Are you going there again?”
When he had entered into a house away from the multitude, his disciples asked him about the parable.
His disciples answered him, “From where could one satisfy these people with bread here in a deserted place?”
But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth o…
Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have ete…
I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains…
The testimony is this: that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
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But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth o…
how he entered into God’s house, and took and ate the show bread, and gave also to those who were with him, which is not…
He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to he…
He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to the sky, he blessed them, broke them, and gave them to the d…
He took the five loaves and the two fish; and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his…
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have ete…
He took the five loaves and the two fish; and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his…
He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to he…
He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to the sky, he blessed them, broke them, and gave them to the d…
One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains…
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have ete…
Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience for an example o…
“But of that day or that hour no one knows—not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Therefore rejoice, heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and to the sea, because the devil has gone down…
He said to him, “Most certainly, I tell you all, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending a…
and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying “You are my b…
No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven.
I must work the works of him who sent me while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work.
Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is righteous, because I don’t seek my own will, but the…
Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and…
From there he arose and went away into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. He entered into a house and didn’t want anyone to…
“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into ju…
However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience for an example o…
that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains…
As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life beli…
For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal…
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in…
How he entered into God’s house at the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the show bread, which is not lawful to…
But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth o…
how he entered into God’s house, and took and ate the show bread, and gave also to those who were with him, which is not…
Therefore don’t yield to them, for more than forty men lie in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse to n…
When it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat…
to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn’t immediately confer with flesh and blood,
For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit…
For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until t…
but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will be…
Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and…
For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit…
Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God, being put…
For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;
For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit…
These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Simon answered him, “Master, we worked all night and caught nothing; but at your word I will let down the net.”
Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you can’t follow now, but you w…
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests, that he might deliver him to them.
Then Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, said,
Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and club…
While he was still speaking, a crowd appeared. He who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came nea…
Word-by-word original language
Places and events in this chapter
Israel's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian slavery under Moses' leadership, including the ten plagues and Red Sea crossing. This foundational event established Israel as God's chosen nation.
Jesus contrasts himself with Moses' manna, offering superior spiritual bread from heaven.
The Bread of Life Discourse