New International Versionand a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick.
New Living TranslationA huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick.
English Standard VersionAnd a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick.
Berean Standard BibleA large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick.
Berean Literal Bibleand a great crowd was following Him because they were seeing the signs which He was doing upon those being sick.
King James BibleAnd a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
New King James VersionThen a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.
New American Standard BibleA large crowd was following Him, because they were watching the signs which He was performing on those who were sick.
NASB 1995A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick.
NASB 1977And a great multitude was following Him, because they were seeing the signs which He was performing on those who were sick.
Legacy Standard BibleNow a large crowd was following Him, because they were seeing the signs which He was doing on those who were sick.
Amplified BibleA large crowd was following Him because they had seen the signs (attesting miracles) which He continually performed on those who were sick.
Christian Standard BibleA huge crowd was following him because they saw the signs that he was performing by healing the sick.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAnd a huge crowd was following Him because they saw the signs that He was performing by healing the sick.
American Standard VersionAnd a great multitude followed him, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that were sick.
Contemporary English VersionA large crowd had seen him work miracles to heal the sick, and those people went with him.
English Revised VersionAnd a great multitude followed him, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that were sick.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationA large crowd followed him because they saw the miracles that he performed for the sick.
Good News TranslationA large crowd followed him, because they had seen his miracles of healing the sick.
International Standard VersionA large crowd kept following him because they had seen the signs that he was performing by healing the sick.
NET BibleA large crowd was following him because they were observing the miraculous signs he was performing on the sick.
New Heart English BibleA large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs which he did on those who were sick.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he performed on them that were diseased.
Weymouth New TestamentA vast multitude followed Him, because they witnessed the miracles on the sick which He was constantly performing. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleA large crowd followed Him because they saw His signs He was performing on the sick.
World English BibleA great multitude followed him, because they saw his signs which he did on those who were sick. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand there was following Him a great multitude, because they were seeing His signs that He was doing on the ailing;
Berean Literal Bibleand a great crowd was following Him because they were seeing the signs which He was doing upon those being sick.
Young's Literal Translation and there was following him a great multitude, because they were seeing his signs that he was doing on the ailing;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd a great crowd followed him, for they saw his signs which he did upon the sick. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd a great multitude followed him, because they saw the miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd a great multitude was following him, for they saw the signs that he was accomplishing toward those who were infirm.
New American BibleA large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick.
New Revised Standard VersionA large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd a great many people followed him, because they saw the miracles which he performed on sick people.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd great crowds were going after him, because they saw the miracles he did for the sick. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd a great multitude followed him, because they had seen the signs which he did in the case of the sick.
Godbey New TestamentAnd a great multitude followed Him, because they saw the miracles He was doing in behalf of the sick.
Haweis New TestamentAnd a vast multitude followed him, because they saw the miracles which he performed on those who were diseased.
Mace New Testamentwhere a great multitude followed him, invited by the miraculous cures which they saw him perform.
Weymouth New TestamentA vast multitude followed Him, because they witnessed the miracles on the sick which He was constantly performing.
Worrell New TestamentAnd a great multitude was following Him, because they were beholding the signs which He was doing on the sick.
Worsley New TestamentAnd a great multitude followed Him, because they saw his miracles which He performed on them that were diseased.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Feeding of the Five Thousand1After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias). 2A largecrowdfollowedHimbecausethey sawthesignsHe was performingonthesick.3Then Jesus went up on the mountain and sat down with His disciples.…
Cross References Matthew 14:14When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Mark 6:34When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.
Luke 9:11But the crowds found out and followed Him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed healing.
John 2:23While He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the signs He was doing and believed in His name.
John 4:45Yet when He arrived, the Galileans welcomed Him. They had seen all the great things He had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they had gone there as well.
John 12:18That is also why the crowd went out to meet Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign.
Matthew 4:24-25News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He healed them. / Large crowds followed Him, having come from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.
Mark 3:7-8So Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea, accompanied by a large crowd from Galilee, Judea, / Jerusalem, Idumea, the region beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him when they heard what great things He was doing.
Luke 5:15But the news about Jesus spread all the more, and great crowds came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses.
Acts 2:22Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.
Acts 5:12-16The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade. / Although the people regarded them highly, no one else dared to join them. / Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord—large numbers of both men and women. ...
Exodus 15:25-26And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them, / saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”
Exodus 23:25So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take away sickness from among you.
Deuteronomy 7:15And the LORD will remove from you all sickness. He will not lay upon you any of the terrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but He will inflict them on all who hate you.
2 Kings 5:14So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean.
Treasury of Scripture And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. Matthew 4:24,25 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them… Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. Matthew 12:15 But when Jesus knewit, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; Jump to Previous AilingBeheldConstantlyCrowdDiseasedFollowedFollowingGreatIllLargeMiraclesMiraculousMultitudePerformedPerformingSickSignsVastWitnessedWroughtJump to Next AilingBeheldConstantlyCrowdDiseasedFollowedFollowingGreatIllLargeMiraclesMiraculousMultitudePerformedPerformingSickSignsVastWitnessedWroughtJohn 6 1.Jesus feeds five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes.15.Thereupon the people would have made him king;16.but withdrawing himself, he walks on the sea to his disciples;26.reproves the people flocking after him, and all the fleshly hearers of his word;32.declares himself to be the bread of life to believers.66.Many disciples depart from him.68.Peter confesses him.70.Judas is a devil.A large crowd followed HimThe gathering of a large crowd around Jesus is a recurring theme in the Gospels, indicating His growing popularity and the widespread interest in His teachings and miracles. This reflects the social and religious climate of first-century Judea, where people were eagerly anticipating a messianic figure. The crowd's following of Jesus also fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah drawing people to Himself, such as in Isaiah 42:1-4, which speaks of the Servant who will bring justice to the nations. because they saw the signs
The term "signs" refers to the miracles Jesus performed, which served as evidence of His divine authority and messianic identity. In the Gospel of John, signs are not just miracles but are symbolic acts that reveal deeper spiritual truths about Jesus' nature and mission. The signs are meant to lead people to faith, as seen inJohn 20:30-31, where it is stated that these signs are recorded so that people may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He was performing on the sick
Jesus' healing of the sick demonstrates His compassion and power over physical ailments, which were often seen as a result of sin or demonic influence in the cultural context of the time. These healings are a foretaste of the ultimate healing and restoration that Jesus will bring in His kingdom. They also fulfill prophecies such asIsaiah 53:4, which speaks of the Messiah bearing our sicknesses and carrying our pains. The healings serve as a type of the spiritual healing and salvation that Jesus offers to all who believe in Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusCentral figure in the passage, performing miraculous signs, specifically healing the sick, which draws a large crowd. 2. Large CrowdRepresents the people who are following Jesus, motivated by the signs and miracles they have witnessed. 3. SignsMiraculous acts performed by Jesus, serving as evidence of His divine authority and compassion. 4. The SickIndividuals who are healed by Jesus, demonstrating His power and mercy. 5. GalileeThe region where these events are taking place, a significant area in Jesus' ministry. Teaching Points The Purpose of SignsSigns are meant to point to Jesus' divine nature and mission, not just to amaze or entertain. Faith Beyond MiraclesTrue faith should not rely solely on witnessing miracles but should be rooted in a relationship with Jesus and understanding His teachings. Compassion in ActionJesus' healing of the sick demonstrates His compassion, encouraging believers to act with compassion towards others. Seeking Jesus for the Right ReasonsFollowers of Christ should seek Him not just for what He can do for them but for who He is. The Role of WitnessingObserving Jesus' works should lead to a deeper faith and a desire to share His message with others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 6:2?
2.How does John 6:2 demonstrate Jesus' power and authority through miracles?
3.Why did the large crowd follow Jesus, according to John 6:2?
4.How can we seek Jesus for spiritual needs, not just physical, like John 6:2?
5.What Old Testament miracles parallel the signs seen in John 6:2?
6.How can witnessing Jesus' works today strengthen our faith, as in John 6:2?
7.How does John 6:2 demonstrate Jesus' divine authority through miracles?
8.Why did the large crowd follow Jesus in John 6:2?
9.What significance do the miracles in John 6:2 hold for Christian faith?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 6?
11.John 6:35: Does Jesus's claim to be the 'bread of life' conflict with other biblical teachings or Jewish beliefs about divine provision?
12.John 7:10 - How could Jesus go to the Feast secretly when such a gathering would have been highly public?
13.Why does John 12:9-11 uniquely mention a plot to kill Lazarus, yet no other Gospel writer reports it?
14.What is the significance of miracles in our lives?What Does John 6:2 Mean A large crowd- Crowds naturally gathered around Jesus wherever He went (Mark 3:7-8;Luke 9:11). - His reputation had spread rapidly, so the multitude here is no accident—it reveals how public His ministry had become. - The size of the crowd hints at spiritual hunger in Israel and foreshadows Jesus’ later teaching about being the Bread of Life (John 6:35).
followed Him- True discipleship involves more than physical proximity. Some followed out of genuine faith (John 1:35-37), others for curiosity or personal benefit (John 6:66). - Jesus welcomed the crowd, yet He would soon test their motives (John 6:26-27). - Today, following Christ still means moving toward Him in trust, not merely tagging along for a blessing (Matthew 16:24).
because they saw- Sight triggered interest; faith, however, demands more than seeing (John 20:29). - Earlier, many “believed in His name when they saw the signs” (John 2:23), but Jesus “did not entrust Himself to them” because He knew their hearts (John 2:24-25). - Miracles can capture attention, yet God desires that attention to lead to relationship.
the signs He was performing- John’s Gospel labels miracles as “signs,” pointers to Jesus’ identity (John 20:30-31). - Signs authenticated His authority as the promised Messiah (Isaiah 35:5-6;Luke 7:20-22). - Each sign in John underlines a specific facet of Jesus’ glory—here, His compassion and power over sickness (Matthew 14:14).
on the sick- Bodily healing showcases God’s heart for wholeness (Mark 1:40-41). - Physical restoration often opened doors for spiritual restoration (John 5:14). - These acts fulfill prophetic expectation: “He Himself took our infirmities and carried our diseases” (Matthew 8:17, quotingIsaiah 53:4).
summaryJohn 6:2 highlights a gathering crowd drawn by Jesus’ miraculous healings. While their interest begins with what their eyes can see, the verse sets the stage for Jesus to reveal Himself as more than a wonder-worker—He is the life-giving Savior who calls people from superficial following into genuine faith. (2) A great multitude . . .--This is explained by the facts (1) that the Baptist had been put to death, and that those who had followed him would now follow Christ; (2) that the Twelve had now returned from their ministry in the towns and villages of Galilee; (3) that the Passover was at hand, and that numbers would be flocking from Northern Palestine to Jerusalem. Followed. . . saw . . .did.--Better,were following . . .were beholding . . . was doing. The verbs express a continuance of the actions. It does not mean simply that they saw these miracles on the west of the lake, and followed Him across it; but that He kept on healing the sick, and that the crowds kept on following Him. The usual caravan-road for the northern pilgrims was on the east side of the lake, and the throng would increase as He went. Verse 2. - There was following him a vast crowd, because they were spectators ofthesigns he was working on those that were sick. The imperfect tenses here reveal a period of time that had elapsed; a group and series of healings which had touched the heart of the people. Their "following" had not been by ship, but round the head of the lake, and across the ford of the Jordan, which is still situated about two miles from the point where the river flows into the Sea of Galilee. The multitudes would easily learn the direction of the well known boat with its solitary sail, and would be, some of them, ready at the landing place, to greet the Lord on his arrival. Many hours might elapse before the crowd had reached such vast proportions as we subsequently find. It may easily have been swollen by curious and inquisitive pilgrims, or by the inhabitants of the neighbouring villages, intent on a sight of the Prophet who had preached the sermon, who had spoken in wondrous parables, who had given such striking proof that "God was with him."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek A largeπολύς(polys)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.crowdὄχλος(ochlos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793:From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.followedἠκολούθει(ēkolouthei)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 190:To accompany, attend, follow. Properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. To accompany.Himαὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.becauseὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.they sawἐθεώρουν(etheōroun)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2334:From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).theτὰ(ta)Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.signsσημεῖα(sēmeia)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4592:Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.He had performedἐποίει(epoiei)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.onἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.theτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.sick.ἀσθενούντων(asthenountōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 770:To be weak (physically: then morally), To be sick. From asthenes; to be feeble.
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NT Gospels: John 6:2 A great multitude followed him because they (Jhn Jo Jn) |
