John 6:2
And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἠκολούθει
followed
G190
ἠκολούθει
followed
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 15
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
ὄχλος
multitude
G3793
ὄχλος
multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
4 of 15
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
πολύς
a great
G4183
πολύς
a great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
5 of 15
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἑώρων
they saw
G3708
ἑώρων
they saw
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
7 of 15
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 15
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
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σημεῖα
miracles
G4592
σημεῖα
miracles
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
10 of 15
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
ἃ
which
G3739
ἃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐποίει
he did
G4160
ἐποίει
he did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
13 of 15
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
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.
Questions for Reflection
- What motivates your following of Christ—benefits or love of Him personally?
- How do we distinguish between genuine faith and interest in what Jesus can provide?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.