King James Version

What Does John 6:22 Mean?

John 6:22 in the King James Version says “The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, sa... — study this verse from John chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;

John 6:22 · KJV


Context

20

But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

21

Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

22

The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;

23

(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

24

When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The crowd's careful observation that there was only one boat and Jesus didn't enter it with the disciples sets up their confusion about His location. Their detailed attention to logistics shows natural reasoning attempting to track Jesus' movements. They cannot account for His presence in Capernaum through ordinary means.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The crowd's meticulous observation reflects their desire to follow Jesus, likely motivated by yesterday's miraculous feeding. Their attention to boat logistics shows human reasoning's limitation in comprehending divine movement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we sometimes try to track or explain God's work through purely natural reasoning?
  2. What does the crowd's confusion about Jesus' transportation teach about divine transcendence of natural limitations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 44 words
οἱ1 of 44

which

G3588

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

ἐπαύριον2 of 44

The day following

G1887

occurring on the succeeding day, i.e., (g2250 being implied) to-morrow

οἱ3 of 44

which

G3588

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

ὄχλος4 of 44

when the people

G3793

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

οἱ5 of 44

which

G3588

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

ἑστηκὼς6 of 44

stood

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

πέραν7 of 44

on the other side

G4008

through (as adverb or preposition), i.e., across

οἱ8 of 44

which

G3588

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

θαλάσσης9 of 44

of the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ἰδὼν10 of 44

saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι11 of 44

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πλοιάριον12 of 44

boat

G4142

a boat

ἄλλο13 of 44

other

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

οὐ14 of 44

none

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἦν15 of 44

there was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἐκεῖ16 of 44

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither

εἰ17 of 44
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ18 of 44
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἓν19 of 44

that one

G1520

one

ἐκεῖνο20 of 44

whereinto

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

εἰς21 of 44

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

22 of 44
G3739

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

ἐνέβησαν23 of 44

were entered

G1684

to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)

οἱ24 of 44

which

G3588

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

μαθηταὶ25 of 44

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ,26 of 44

his

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

καὶ27 of 44

and

G2532

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

ὅτι28 of 44

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐ29 of 44

none

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

συνεισῆλθεν30 of 44

went

G4897

to enter in company with

οἱ31 of 44

which

G3588

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

μαθηταὶ32 of 44

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ,33 of 44

his

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

οἱ34 of 44

which

G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς35 of 44

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἰς36 of 44

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

οἱ37 of 44

which

G3588

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

πλοιάριον38 of 44

boat

G4142

a boat

ἀλλὰ39 of 44

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

μόνοι40 of 44

alone

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

οἱ41 of 44

which

G3588

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

μαθηταὶ42 of 44

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ,43 of 44

his

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

ἀπῆλθον·44 of 44

were gone away

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively


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 6:22 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 6:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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