John 6:7
Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 15
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
αὐτῶν
for them
G846
αὐτῶν
for them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 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
Φίλιππος
Philip
G5376
Φίλιππος
Philip
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
3 of 15
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
ἀρκοῦσιν
is
G714
ἀρκοῦσιν
is
Strong's:
G714
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, to ward off, i.e., (by implication) to avail (figuratively, be satisfactory)
αὐτῶν
for them
G846
αὐτῶν
for them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 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
αὐτῶν
for them
G846
αὐτῶν
for them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 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
Historical Context
A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer. Philip's calculation shows practical thinking but spiritual limitation. The disciples had already seen miracles; they should have expected divine provision. Philip's response represents human reason confronted with impossible need.
Questions for Reflection
- How does calculation replace faith when facing impossible situations?
- What does Philip's response teach about the limits of human reasoning?
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Analysis & Commentary
'Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.' Philip calculates rather than believes. Two hundred denarii equaled about eight months' wages—a huge sum, yet still insufficient. His answer is accurate but faithless. He sees the crowd, calculates the cost, and concludes 'not enough.' Faith would have turned to Jesus rather than accountants.