Jesus said thisThis phrase refers to the teachings of Jesus, specifically His discourse on being the Bread of Life. This teaching is part of a larger conversation where Jesus explains spiritual truths using physical metaphors. His words often challenged listeners to think beyond the literal and understand deeper spiritual meanings.
while teaching
Jesus was known as a rabbi or teacher, and His method of teaching often included parables, direct instruction, and dialogue. His teachings were authoritative and often contrasted with the interpretations of the religious leaders of the time. Teaching was a central aspect of His ministry, as He sought to reveal the Kingdom of God and fulfill the Law and the Prophets.
in the synagogue
The synagogue was a central place for Jewish worship, teaching, and community gatherings. It served as a place for reading the Torah and discussing the Scriptures. Jesus frequently taught in synagogues, which provided Him with a platform to reach the Jewish community and engage with religious leaders. Synagogues were scattered throughout Jewish regions, and their presence in towns like Capernaum highlights the importance of religious life in these communities.
in Capernaum
Capernaum was a significant location in Jesus' ministry, often referred to as His "own city" (Matthew 9:1). It was a fishing village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee and served as a base for Jesus' operations. Archaeological findings, such as the remains of a synagogue and Peter's house, provide insights into the historical and cultural context of the area. Capernaum's location made it a hub for trade and interaction, allowing Jesus' teachings to spread widely.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is teaching in this passage.
2.
SynagogueA Jewish place of worship and teaching, where Jesus often taught and engaged with the people.
3.
CapernaumA town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which served as a central hub for Jesus' ministry in Galilee.
Teaching Points
The Importance of ContextUnderstanding the setting of Jesus' teachings helps us grasp the full meaning of His words. In Capernaum, a place familiar with His miracles, Jesus challenges the people to see beyond physical needs to spiritual truths.
The Role of the SynagogueSynagogues were central to Jewish life, serving as places of worship, teaching, and community. Jesus used these settings to reveal His identity and mission, showing the importance of engaging with religious communities.
Jesus as the Bread of LifeThis teaching emphasizes the necessity of spiritual nourishment. Just as bread sustains physical life, Jesus sustains spiritual life. Believers are called to seek Him daily for sustenance.
Responding to Jesus' TeachingsThe reactions to Jesus' words in the synagogue varied, from belief to skepticism. This challenges us to examine our own responses to His teachings and to seek understanding and faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 6:59?
2.How does John 6:59 emphasize the importance of Jesus teaching in the synagogue?
3.What significance does the location in John 6:59 have for understanding Jesus' message?
4.How can we apply Jesus' teachings in John 6 to our daily lives?
5.What connections exist between John 6:59 and Old Testament teachings on divine instruction?
6.How does John 6:59 encourage us to seek deeper understanding of Jesus' words?
7.Why did Jesus choose to teach in the synagogue in Capernaum in John 6:59?
8.How does John 6:59 relate to the broader theme of Jesus as the Bread of Life?
9.What historical evidence supports the existence of the synagogue mentioned in John 6:59?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 6?
11.What is Capernaum's significance in the Bible?
12.What events marked Jesus' third year of ministry?
13.What is Capernaum's significance in the Bible?
14.John 6:35: Does Jesus’s claim to be the “bread of life” conflict with other biblical teachings or Jewish beliefs about divine provision?What Does John 6:59 Mean
Jesus said this• John prefaces verse 59 with the words, “He said these things”—a direct link to the Bread of Life discourse (John 6:35-58).
• That discourse contains claims such as, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35) and “Whoever feeds on Me will live because of Me” (John 6:57).
• By tying verse 59 to those statements, John underscores that the same Jesus who multiplied bread (John 6:11-13) now calls Himself true bread—echoing the consistent revelation of His deity seen elsewhere (John 8:12; 14:6).
While teaching• Jesus is not merely conversing; He is actively instructing, fulfilling His role as Rabbi (cf.Matthew 4:23;Mark 1:22).
• Teaching conveys authority. As Mark notes, “He taught them as One having authority” (Mark 1:22).
• His instruction challenges His listeners’ expectations about Messiah and manna, pointing them to eternal life rather than temporary provision.
In the synagogue• The synagogue was the hub of Scripture reading and community life (Luke 4:16).
• By choosing this setting, Jesus positions His words within the flow of the Law and the Prophets, demonstrating continuity with Old Testament revelation (Luke 24:27).
• Speaking in a synagogue also ensures that His claims are publicly heard and weighed, fulfilling the principle of “in the presence of many witnesses” (2 Corinthians 13:1).
In Capernaum• Capernaum served as Jesus’ ministry base after leaving Nazareth (Matthew 4:13).
• The city already witnessed miracles: healing a paralytic (Mark 2:1-12) and a centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10).
• Placing the Bread of Life discourse here highlights how graciously the Lord reveals Himself to those who have repeatedly experienced His power (John 2:12).
summaryJohn 6:59 grounds Jesus’ monumental “Bread of Life” claims in a real place, a real synagogue, and a real moment of authoritative teaching. The verse assures us that the One who just fed thousands is the same Teacher who invites all to feed on Him for eternal life, doing so publicly and unmistakably in Capernaum’s synagogue so that no listener—and no reader—can dismiss His words as mere symbolism or private speculation.
(59)
As he taught in Capernaum.--If we accept the identification of Capernaum with
Tell-H-m, which is in every way probable (comp. Note on
Matthew 4:13), we have good reason for believing that modern discovery has traced out the foundations of the synagogue in which this discourse was spoken. It was a gift to the Jews by a devout Gentile (
Luke 7:5), and as such, of greater architectural beauty than was common among Galilean synagogues. Corinthian capitals and a heavy cornice and frieze are among the ruins, and the traveller's eye may rest to-day on the very ornaments which our Lord's eyes saw there eighteen centuries ago. On one of the lintels of the door he may trace a sculptured pot of manna, and connect with it the thoughts of the manna which the fathers did eat, and died: just as in a Christian church he may trace the emblems of the bread of life, which a man may eat of and not die. A plan and details of the synagogue, with an account by Captain Wilson, R.E., will be found in the
Second Quarterly Statement of the Palestine Exploration Fund (June, 1869). The same society has published a photograph of the ruins.
Verse 59. -
These things - probably referring to the discourse which followed upon the contest and discussion of the Jews among themselves (vers. 52-58), or it may include the entire discussion from ver. 40 onwards -
he said in synagogue (or,
in a synagogue)
,ashe was teaching in Capernaum. Capernaum is thus distinctly verified as the place whither the multitudes had followed him. It was, as we learn from the synoptists, his second and habitual home in Galilee. In Warren's 'Recovery of Jerusalem,' p. 344, a description of
Tell-Hum and of its ruins occurs, and amongst them the remains of an ancient synagogue. "On turning over a large block of stone," says Wilson, "we found the pot of manna engraved on its face." "This very symbol may have been before the eyes of those who heard the Lord's words" (Westcott). This note of time and place is important, as showing that thus early in his ministry our Lord proclaimed in Galilee, as well as in Jerusalem, the deepest things of his own consciousness and intentions; that the teaching in Galilee was not, as Renan would have us apprehend, nothing more than an idyllic progress of personal popularity and rapturous hosanna. The Lord knew that he must offend those who would by force constrain him to be their Messianic King, and made it by this discourse clear that spiritual communion with his inner life, as a Divine, Heaven-sent Representative, as One suffering and dying for the world, was the only and supreme condition of deriving and sharing in his own supernatural and eternal life. The effect of this discourse and the crisis that followed in his public ministry is now described. The words of Jesus led to deeper faith and to a more determined antagonism. "The light shone into the darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not." "He came to his own, and his own received him not; but to as many as received, he gave power to become sons of God."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[Jesus] saidεἶπεν(eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.thisΤαῦτα(Tauta)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.while teachingδιδάσκων(didaskōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1321:To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] synagogueσυναγωγῇ(synagōgē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4864:From sunago; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish 'synagogue'; by analogy, a Christian church.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.Capernaum.Καφαρναούμ(Kapharnaoum)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2584:Capernaum, a town of Galilee. Of Hebrew origin; Capernaum, a place in Palestine.
Links
John 6:59 NIVJohn 6:59 NLTJohn 6:59 ESVJohn 6:59 NASBJohn 6:59 KJV
John 6:59 BibleApps.comJohn 6:59 Biblia ParalelaJohn 6:59 Chinese BibleJohn 6:59 French BibleJohn 6:59 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: John 6:59 He said these things in the synagogue (Jhn Jo Jn) 
