John 6:24
When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 27
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
εἶδεν
saw
G1492
εἶδεν
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 27
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλος
the people
G3793
ὄχλος
the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
5 of 27
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 27
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
7 of 27
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοὶ
his
G846
αὐτοὶ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 27
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
ἐνέβησαν
G1684
ἐνέβησαν
Strong's:
G1684
Word #:
15 of 27
to walk on, i.e., embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὶ
his
G846
αὐτοὶ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 27
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
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
18 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦλθον
came
G2064
ἦλθον
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
22 of 27
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
23 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Καπερναούμ
Capernaum
G2584
Καπερναούμ
Capernaum
Strong's:
G2584
Word #:
24 of 27
capernaum (i.e., caphanachum), a place in palestine
ζητοῦντες
seeking for
G2212
ζητοῦντες
seeking for
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
25 of 27
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
Historical Context
Capernaum served as Jesus' ministry headquarters (Matthew 4:13). The crowd's journey across the lake and search for Him there shows significant effort, though their motives will prove inadequate (v. 26).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we sometimes seek Christ for what He gives rather than who He is?
- What does Jesus' patient engagement with those who have mixed motives teach about evangelism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The crowd's pursuit of Jesus to Capernaum demonstrates persistent seeking, albeit with mixed motives. They came seeking bread, not truth; provision, not the Provider. Their physical journey mirrors the spiritual journey many make—following Jesus for benefits rather than worship. Yet Christ graciously uses their lesser motivations to teach greater truths.