John 6:16
And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
Original Language Analysis
Ὡς
when
G5613
Ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 11
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ὀψία
even
G3798
ὀψία
even
Strong's:
G3798
Word #:
3 of 11
late; feminine (as noun) afternoon (early eve) or nightfall (later eve)
ἐγένετο
was now come
G1096
ἐγένετο
was now come
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 11
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 11
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
ἐπὶ
unto
G1909
ἐπὶ
unto
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Historical Context
Evening on the Sea of Galilee often brought sudden, violent storms due to cool air descending from surrounding mountains. The disciples' decision to cross the sea despite approaching darkness suggests either confidence or urgency.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God often reveal His power most dramatically in our darkest circumstances?
- What does the disciples' evening journey teach about obedience even when conditions seem unfavorable?
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Analysis & Commentary
The disciples' evening descent to the sea sets up Jesus' walking on water miracle. The temporal marker 'when even was now come' indicates the day's end and gathering darkness, creating the setting for divine revelation in the midst of fear. God often reveals Himself powerfully when circumstances are darkest.