John 6:1

KJV

¶ After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is [the sea of] Tiberias.

KJV (with Strong's)

After {G3326} these things {G5023} Jesus {G2424} went {G565} over {G4008} the sea {G2281} of Galilee {G1056}, which is the sea of Tiberias {G5085}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some time later, Yeshua went over to the far side of Lake Kinneret (that is, Lake Tiberias),

Berean Standard Bible

After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias).

American Standard Version

After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which isthe seaof Tiberias.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:1 serves as a crucial geographical and chronological hinge in the Gospel narrative, marking Jesus' strategic departure from Jerusalem and His return to the region of Galilee. This verse sets the stage for a series of profound miracles and teachings that will unfold on the shores and waters of the Sea of Galilee, most notably the feeding of the five thousand and the discourse on the Bread of Life, signaling a shift in His public ministry and a deeper revelation of His divine identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The phrase "After these things" (Greek: *meta tauta*) functions as a common transitional marker in John's Gospel, indicating a chronological progression from the preceding events without necessarily implying a direct, immediate sequence. John 6:1 immediately follows the intense confrontation in [John chapter 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and the Sabbath Controversy"), where Jesus healed an invalid on the Sabbath in Jerusalem and subsequently engaged in a profound theological debate with Jewish leaders regarding His divine authority and equality with the Father. This opposition, culminating in the leaders' desire to kill Him ([John 5:18](/john/5-18 "John 5:18 - Jewish Leaders Seek to Kill Jesus")), prompts Jesus' strategic withdrawal from the Judean capital back to the northern region of Galilee, where His ministry had previously flourished. This movement prepares the narrative for a new phase of revelation, shifting from theological discourse to miraculous demonstration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Kinneret in the Old Testament, was a vital freshwater lake in ancient Palestine. By the time of Jesus, it was a bustling hub of fishing, trade, and small towns. The mention of "Tiberias" as an alternative name for the sea is a significant historical detail. The city of Tiberias was founded by Herod Antipas around A.D. 20-22 and named in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. It was built on the western shore of the lake and quickly became a prominent city, eventually lending its name to the body of water in common parlance, especially among Romanized populations. This dual naming reflects the contemporary usage and underscores the historical groundedness of John's account, demonstrating the author's familiarity with the region and its nomenclature during the Roman era.

* **Key Themes:** John 6:1 introduces several key themes that will be developed throughout the chapter and the broader Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Sovereignty and Strategic Movement**, demonstrating that His ministry is not random but divinely orchestrated, moving from one geographical location to another with purpose, often in response to opposition or in preparation for significant events. Secondly, the verse serves as a **Preparation for Divine Revelation**, as Jesus' arrival in Galilee precedes monumental miracles that reveal His power over creation (feeding the multitudes, walking on water) and His identity as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"). This sets the stage for a deeper understanding of His messianic claims, building upon earlier revelations of His identity as the [Son of God](/john/5-19-23 "John 5:19-23 - Jesus' Authority as the Son of God") and the provider of [living water](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Living Water"). Finally, the precise geographical detail, including the dual naming of the sea, reinforces the **Historical Veracity** of John's Gospel, anchoring the theological claims in real-world events and locations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **After (Greek, _metá'_):** This preposition (G3326) signifies succession or accompaniment. In this context, "after these things" (Greek: *meta tauta*, G3326 + G5023) functions as a temporal marker, indicating that the events of John 6 follow chronologically, though not necessarily immediately, the events described in [John chapter 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Healing and Authority"). It signals a transition in the narrative flow and in Jesus' ministry.
* **Over (Greek, _péran'_):** This adverb (G4008) denotes movement "across" or "to the other side." It indicates Jesus' physical traversal of the Sea of Galilee, implying a significant journey by boat. This detail is crucial for understanding the subsequent events, particularly the miracle of walking on water when the disciples attempt to cross the sea themselves.
* **Sea (Greek, _thálassa'_):** This noun (G2281) refers to a large body of water. In this specific verse, it refers to the Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake. The use of "sea" emphasizes its significant size and the journey involved in crossing it, setting the scene for Jesus' interactions with large crowds who would follow Him around its shores.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ After these things":** This phrase serves as a narrative bridge, connecting the events of John 6 to the preceding chapter. It indicates a temporal progression from Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem, where He faced intense opposition from Jewish leaders following His healing on the Sabbath and His claims of equality with God. This transition signals a new phase in His ministry, marked by a change in geographical focus.
* **"Jesus went over the sea of Galilee":** This clause describes Jesus' physical movement from Judea (likely from Jerusalem or its environs) northward to the region of Galilee. The act of "going over" the sea implies a crossing, likely by boat, to another side or region of the lake, setting the immediate geographical context for the miracles and teachings that are about to unfold. It highlights His intentionality and purposeful direction in His ministry.
* **"which is [the sea of] Tiberias.":** This parenthetical clause provides an alternative, contemporary name for the Sea of Galilee. It confirms the specific body of water and adds a layer of historical authenticity to the narrative. The city of Tiberias, founded by Herod Antipas, was a prominent Roman city on the western shore of the lake, and its name was commonly used to refer to the sea during that period, especially among those familiar with Roman influence.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:1 employs several literary devices to effectively set the scene. **Transition** is evident in the opening phrase "After these things," which smoothly links the current narrative to the preceding events in [John 5](/john/5 "John 5 - Jesus' Authority and Confrontation"). This chronological marker prepares the reader for a shift in setting and ministerial focus. The verse also utilizes **Geographical Detail** by explicitly naming "the sea of Galilee" and its alternative, "the sea of Tiberias." This precision grounds the narrative in a verifiable historical and physical landscape, enhancing the Gospel's credibility and allowing readers to visualize the setting of Jesus' ministry. Furthermore, the verse functions as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' movement to this specific location precedes some of His most public and spectacular miracles, such as the feeding of the five thousand and walking on water, which will further reveal His divine power and identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:1, though seemingly a simple geographical marker, carries significant theological weight. It underscores Jesus' divine sovereignty and the purposeful nature of His ministry. His movement from Jerusalem, where He faced intense opposition, to Galilee, where He would perform monumental miracles, demonstrates that His actions are not random but part of a divinely orchestrated plan. This strategic relocation is a prelude to a deeper revelation of His identity, particularly as the "Bread of Life" who satisfies spiritual hunger. The physical journey across the water also subtly prefigures His ultimate journey to the cross and resurrection, a purposeful movement towards the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

* [Matthew 4:12-13](/matthew/4-12-13 "Matthew 4:12-13 - Jesus Withdraws to Galilee")
* [Luke 5:1](/luke/5-1 "Luke 5:1 - Jesus at the Lake of Gennesaret")
* [John 7:1](/john/7-1 "John 7:1 - Jesus Avoids Judea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:1, a seemingly simple verse about movement, offers profound insights for our spiritual journey. It reminds us that God's purposes unfold in specific times and places, and even seemingly mundane transitions can be divinely orchestrated. Jesus' intentional withdrawal from hostile Jerusalem to the receptive crowds of Galilee highlights His strategic wisdom and divine timing. For believers today, this underscores the importance of discerning God's leading in our own lives, recognizing that He often moves us to new "seasons" or "locations" (literal or metaphorical) to prepare us for new revelations, ministries, or challenges. Just as Jesus' journey across the sea led to miraculous provision and profound teaching, our own obedient steps, even when they involve leaving familiar territory, can lead to deeper encounters with God's power and truth. It encourages us to trust in His sovereign guidance, knowing that every step is purposeful in His grand design for our lives and for the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' intentional movement in this verse reflect His sovereignty and purpose in ministry?**
* **Can you identify a time in your own life when a geographical or relational "transition" led to a significant spiritual encounter or revelation?**
* **How does understanding Jesus' strategic withdrawal from opposition encourage you when facing challenges in your own faith journey?**
* **In what ways might God be preparing you for a new phase of revelation or ministry by orchestrating a "transition" in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Sea of Galilee also called the Sea of Tiberias in this verse?**

Answer: The dual naming of the body of water as "the sea of Galilee" and "the sea of Tiberias" reflects the common geographical nomenclature of the time. "The Sea of Galilee" was its traditional and regional name, referring to the surrounding region of Galilee. However, during the early 1st century AD, Herod Antipas founded the city of Tiberias on its western shore, naming it in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. This city became a significant urban center, and consequently, the lake itself began to be referred to as "the Sea of Tiberias" by many, particularly those influenced by Roman culture. John's inclusion of both names serves to provide precise geographical detail, demonstrating the historical accuracy and contemporary familiarity of the Gospel writer with the region. Other Gospels also refer to it as the "Lake of Gennesaret" ([Luke 5:1](/luke/5-1 "Luke 5:1 - The Lake of Gennesaret")) or simply "the sea" ([Matthew 4:18](/matthew/4-18 "Matthew 4:18 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:1, by detailing Jesus' purposeful movement, foreshadows the greater, ultimate journey of Christ for the salvation of humanity. His "going over the sea of Galilee" is a microcosm of His entire earthly sojourn—a deliberate, strategic movement from the glory of heaven to the humility of earth, from confrontation with sin to the ultimate act of redemption. Just as He withdrew from the hostility in Jerusalem to reveal His power and identity more fully in Galilee, so too did His incarnation represent a divine "crossing over" to a fallen world, not to escape opposition, but to confront it head-on through His life, death, and resurrection. This verse sets the stage for the miraculous feeding, a powerful symbol of Christ as the [true Bread from heaven](/john/6-32-35 "John 6:32-35 - Jesus, the True Bread from Heaven"), foreshadowing the spiritual nourishment He offers through His body and blood, given for the life of the world ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). Ultimately, every step Jesus took, including this journey across the Sea of Galilee, was part of His preordained path to the cross, fulfilling the Father's will to reconcile humanity to Himself, culminating in His triumphant return to the Father's side ([John 16:28](/john/16-28 "John 16:28 - Jesus' Departure and Return")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 6:23

(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

Mark 6:31

And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

Mark 6:44

And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.

Luke 5:1

¶ And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

Matthew 4:18

¶ And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Matthew 14:13

¶ When Jesus heard [of it], he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard [thereof], they followed him on foot out of the cities.

Matthew 14:21

And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.