John 6:5
When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
When Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
When Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 24
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοὺς
his eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὺς
his eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
6 of 24
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θεασάμενος
saw
G2300
θεασάμενος
saw
Strong's:
G2300
Word #:
8 of 24
to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
ὅτι
G3754
πολὺς
a great
G4183
πολὺς
a great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
10 of 24
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ὄχλος
company
G3793
ὄχλος
company
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
11 of 24
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἔρχεται
come
G2064
ἔρχεται
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
12 of 24
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
13 of 24
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτὸν
G846
αὐτὸν
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 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
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
15 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
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
16 of 24
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φίλιππον
Philip
G5376
Φίλιππον
Philip
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
18 of 24
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
Πόθεν
Whence
G4159
Πόθεν
Whence
Strong's:
G4159
Word #:
19 of 24
from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause
ἀγοράσομεν
shall we buy
G59
ἀγοράσομεν
shall we buy
Strong's:
G59
Word #:
20 of 24
properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem
Historical Context
Philip was from Bethsaida, near this location—he should know local resources. Yet the question had no natural answer. Five thousand men plus women and children couldn't be fed with available resources. Jesus' question exposes human limitation to highlight divine sufficiency.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus ask questions when He already knows the answers?
- How do impossible situations become opportunities for divine glory?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?' Jesus takes initiative, asking Philip a question He already knows the answer to (verse 6). The question tests Philip's faith and understanding. Jesus sees both the crowd and the opportunity—not a problem to solve but a glory to reveal. His concern for the hungry models compassion that leads to provision.