John 6:26
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 24
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 24
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 24
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
7 of 24
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
8 of 24
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ζητεῖτέ
Ye seek
G2212
ζητεῖτέ
Ye seek
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
11 of 24
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
εἴδετε
ye saw
G1492
εἴδετε
ye saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
15 of 24
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
σημεῖα
the miracles
G4592
σημεῖα
the miracles
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
16 of 24
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
17 of 24
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
18 of 24
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
20 of 24
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 #:
21 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Philippians 3:19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)Philippians 2:21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.Ezekiel 33:31And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.1 Timothy 6:5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.Romans 16:18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.John 6:2And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.Psalms 78:37For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.John 6:24When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.John 3:5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Historical Context
This confrontation marks a turning point. Jesus refuses to perform on demand or cater to material expectations. The crowd wanted another meal; Jesus offers eternal life. The disconnect between their desire and His mission sets up the difficult teaching that follows.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between following Christ for benefits versus following Him as Lord?
- What did the miracles signify that the crowd missed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.' Jesus exposes their motivation—they want provision, not the Provider. They saw miracles but missed their meaning. Physical satisfaction became their goal rather than spiritual truth. Jesus distinguishes between signs and their significance. Crowds that follow for benefits will leave when benefits cease.