John 6:6
And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
Original Language Analysis
ἔλεγεν
he said
G3004
ἔλεγεν
he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πειράζων
to prove
G3985
πειράζων
to prove
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
4 of 11
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
αὐτὸς
he himself
G846
αὐτὸς
he himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 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
αὐτὸς
he himself
G846
αὐτὸς
he himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 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
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ᾔδει
knew
G1492
ᾔδει
knew
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
8 of 11
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
9 of 11
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Cross References
Genesis 22:1And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.Deuteronomy 13:3Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.2 Chronicles 32:31Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.Deuteronomy 8:16Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;Deuteronomy 33:8And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;Deuteronomy 8:2And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
Historical Context
Testing appears throughout Scripture—Abraham tested with Isaac, Israel tested in the wilderness. Tests reveal heart condition. Philip's mathematical analysis ('two hundred pennyworth of bread') demonstrated natural reasoning rather than supernatural expectation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus test our faith through impossible circumstances?
- What does our response to tests reveal about our understanding of Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.' John reveals Jesus' purpose—testing Philip's faith, not seeking information. The word 'prove' (peirazo) means to test, examine, or try. Jesus knew His plan; Philip needed to learn his limitation. Divine testing exposes what we truly believe. Philip's response (verse 7) showed calculation rather than faith—he saw the problem, not the Provider.