John 6:11
And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐχαριστήσας
when he had given thanks
G2168
εὐχαριστήσας
when he had given thanks
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
8 of 23
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
διέδωκεν
he distributed
G1239
διέδωκεν
he distributed
Strong's:
G1239
Word #:
9 of 23
to give throughout a crowd, i.e., deal out; also to deliver over (as to a successor)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνακειμένοις
to them that were set down
G345
ἀνακειμένοις
to them that were set down
Strong's:
G345
Word #:
16 of 23
to recline (as a corpse or at a meal)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
19 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀψαρίων
the fishes
G3795
ὀψαρίων
the fishes
Strong's:
G3795
Word #:
21 of 23
a relish to other food (as if cooked sauce), i.e., (specially), fish (presumably salted and dried as a condiment)
Cross References
John 6:23(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)Matthew 15:36And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.Romans 14:6He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.1 Thessalonians 5:18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.Luke 24:30And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.Acts 27:35And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.1 Corinthians 10:31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.1 Samuel 9:13As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.
Historical Context
Jewish meal customs required a blessing before eating. The five barley loaves (food of the poor) and two small fish were one boy's lunch (6:9). Barley bread was cheaper than wheat, highlighting that Christ uses humble offerings to accomplish great purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- What small offerings can you place in Christ's hands for Him to multiply?
- How does Jesus' thanksgiving before the miracle model contentment and faith in scarcity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus gave thanks (Greek 'eucharisteo', from which we get Eucharist) before the miracle, modeling gratitude and acknowledging God as provider. The distribution 'to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down' establishes the pattern for church ministry: Christ gives to leaders who distribute to the people. The abundance ('as much as they would') contrasts with the wilderness manna's daily portion, showing Christ's superior provision.