King James Version

What Does John 6:2 Mean?

John 6:2 in the King James Version says “And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. — study this verse from John chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

John 6:2 · KJV


Context

1

After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

2

And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

3

And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.

4

And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.' The crowds' motivation reveals mixed faith—they followed for miracles, not for the Miracle-worker Himself. Their interest was pragmatic: healing and provision rather than truth and transformation. Jesus would later confront this shallow motivation (verse 26). Crowds that follow for benefits disperse when demands increase.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' healing ministry attracted massive crowds throughout Galilee. The excitement was genuine but often superficial. These same crowds would abandon Jesus when His teaching became difficult (verse 66). Following for miracles is different from following for truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. What motivates your following of Christ—benefits or love of Him personally?
  2. How do we distinguish between genuine faith and interest in what Jesus can provide?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἠκολούθει2 of 15

followed

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

αὐτοῦ3 of 15

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὄχλος4 of 15

multitude

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

πολύς5 of 15

a great

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ὅτι6 of 15

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἑώρων7 of 15

they saw

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

αὐτοῦ8 of 15

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὰ9 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σημεῖα10 of 15

miracles

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

11 of 15

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐποίει12 of 15

he did

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἐπὶ13 of 15

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῶν14 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀσθενούντων15 of 15

them that were diseased

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 6:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 6:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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