John 6:15
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
Original Language Analysis
Ἰησοῦς
When Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
When Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
1 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 20
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
γνοὺς
perceived
G1097
γνοὺς
perceived
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
3 of 20
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
μέλλουσιν
they would
G3195
μέλλουσιν
they would
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
5 of 20
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
ἔρχεσθαι
come
G2064
ἔρχεσθαι
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
6 of 20
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς
him
G846
αὐτὸς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 20
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
ποιήσωσιν
make
G4160
ποιήσωσιν
make
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
11 of 20
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
αὐτὸς
him
G846
αὐτὸς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 20
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
βασιλέα
a king
G935
βασιλέα
a king
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
13 of 20
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
15 of 20
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 18:36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.Mark 11:9And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:Luke 19:38Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
Historical Context
First-century Jewish messianic expectation was heavily political. Rome's occupation created longing for a liberating king. Jesus' miracle-working power seemed perfect for political revolution. But His kingdom would be established through the cross, not the sword. He resists the temptation to earthly power.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus reject being made king by the crowd?
- How do people today try to reduce Jesus to merely meeting their agenda?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.' The crowd's response is political, not spiritual. They want a bread-providing king who will overthrow Rome and bring prosperity. Jesus withdraws—He won't be manipulated into a role contrary to His mission. His kingdom is not of this world (18:36). Political messiahship would corrupt His true purpose.