John 6:14

KJV

Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} those men {G444}, when they had seen {G1492} the miracle {G4592} that {G3739} Jesus {G2424} did {G4160}, said {G3004}, This {G3754}{G3778} is {G2076} of a truth {G230} that prophet {G4396} that should come {G2064} into {G1519} the world {G2889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the people saw the miracle he had performed, they said, “This has to be ‘the prophet’ who is supposed to come into the world.”

Berean Standard Bible

When the people saw the sign that Jesus had performed, they began to say, “Truly this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

American Standard Version

When therefore the people saw the sign which he did, they said, This is of a truth the prophet that cometh into the world.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:14 captures a pivotal moment of recognition by the multitude immediately following Jesus' miraculous feeding of over five thousand people. Having witnessed and benefited from this extraordinary act of divine provision, the men present declared a profound truth about Jesus' identity, acknowledging Him as "that prophet" long-foretold in Jewish tradition, though their understanding of His full messianic mission remained limited and largely focused on earthly expectations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate aftermath and the crowd's initial response to the [miraculous feeding of the five thousand](/john/6-1-13 "John 6:1-13 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand"). Jesus had just demonstrated His unparalleled power and compassion by multiplying five barley loaves and two small fish to satisfy a vast multitude, with twelve baskets of leftovers collected. This act, detailed in [John 6:1-13](/john/6-1-13 "John 6:1-13 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand"), profoundly impacted the witnesses, leading them to a significant, albeit partial, conclusion about Jesus' identity. The crowd's declaration here sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent discourse on the [Bread of Life](/john/6-26-59 "John 6:26-59 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), where He challenges their superficial understanding and calls them to seek eternal spiritual nourishment over physical sustenance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was rich with messianic expectations, and a prominent figure in these hopes was "that prophet" (ὁ προφήτης), often linked to the prophecy in [Deuteronomy 18:15-18](/deuteronomy/18-15-18 "Deuteronomy 18:15-18 - The Prophecy of a Prophet Like Moses"). Moses had foretold of a prophet whom God would raise up from among their brethren, to whom they should listen. This expectation was so strong that even John the Baptist was asked if he was "that prophet" in [John 1:21](/john/1-21 "John 1:21 - John the Baptist's Identity Questioned"). The feeding miracle, reminiscent of God's provision of manna in the wilderness during the Exodus ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness")), strongly resonated with the Jewish people, associating Jesus with a "new Moses" who could provide for them supernaturally. However, their understanding was largely focused on earthly and nationalistic hopes, as evidenced by their subsequent attempt to make Him king by force ([John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - The Crowd Attempts to Make Jesus King")), revealing a desire for a political leader rather than a spiritual redeemer.
* **Key Themes:** The verse highlights several crucial themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **recognition of Jesus' identity**, as the crowd's declaration signifies a moment of insight into Jesus as a unique, divinely appointed figure, even if incomplete. Secondly, it speaks to **Messianic expectation**, specifically the long-awaited figure of "that prophet" from Old Testament prophecy, demonstrating how Jesus' actions began to fulfill these ancient hopes. Lastly, it emphasizes **miracles as signs** (Greek: *sēmeia*). In John's Gospel, Jesus' miracles are not merely displays of power but profound indicators intended to reveal His true identity as the Son of God and to elicit faith. The feeding miracle, in particular, served as a powerful sign, linking Jesus to the Mosaic tradition and cementing the crowd's belief that He was the promised prophet, though their understanding of the nature of His kingdom was still developing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **seen (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb signifies not merely a physical act of seeing, but often implies perception, understanding, and even knowing. In this context, the crowd "saw" the miracle, which led them to "perceive" or "understand" something significant about Jesus' identity. Their seeing was a catalyst for their declaration, indicating a level of comprehension that went beyond mere observation to a profound realization.
* **miracle (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** This noun refers to an indication, especially one that is ceremonial or supernatural. In John's Gospel, Jesus' miracles are consistently referred to as "signs." They are not just wonders designed to impress, but acts with deeper theological meaning, pointing beyond themselves to the person and nature of Jesus. The feeding of the five thousand was a *sēmeîon* that pointed to Jesus as the divine provider and the true Bread of Life.
* **prophet (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** Derived from a compound meaning "to speak before" or "to speak for," this term denotes a foreteller or, by analogy, an inspired speaker. In the Jewish context, "that prophet" (ὁ προφήτης) referred specifically to the eschatological prophet like Moses, promised in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses"). The crowd's use of this specific designation indicates their belief that Jesus fulfilled this particular messianic expectation, seeing Him as God's chosen messenger with divine authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Jesus' action and the crowd's reaction. The "miracle" (sign) of the feeding of the five thousand was the undeniable evidence that prompted their declaration. The phrase "those men" emphasizes the collective, public nature of this recognition, indicating a widespread impact of Jesus' power.
* **"said, This is of a truth that prophet"**: Here, the crowd's conclusion is stated. The phrase "of a truth" (ἀληθῶς, *alēthōs*) emphasizes the certainty and conviction behind their declaration. They are not merely speculating but asserting what they believe to be an undeniable fact. The identification of Jesus as "that prophet" is highly significant, reflecting their understanding of Him in light of Old Testament prophecies and their contemporary messianic hopes.
* **"that should come into the world."**: This concluding phrase clarifies the specific nature of "that prophet" – not just any prophet, but the one whose arrival was anticipated and prophesied. It highlights the eschatological dimension of their expectation, believing that Jesus was the long-awaited divine messenger whose coming marked a significant moment in salvation history. While correct in identifying Him as a divinely sent figure, their understanding of His purpose in "the world" was still limited to earthly, political, and material benefits, rather than His ultimate spiritual mission.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:14 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Symbolism** is central, as the feeding miracle itself is not just a historical event but a *sēmeîon* (sign) that points to Jesus as the ultimate provider and the true Bread of Life, foreshadowing His later discourse. There is a subtle **irony** in the crowd's declaration: while they correctly identify Jesus as "that prophet," their subsequent actions (attempting to make Him king by force in [John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - The Crowd's Misguided Ambition")) reveal a profound misunderstanding of the nature of His prophetic office and His spiritual kingdom. This partial recognition highlights the **theme of revelation and misunderstanding** prevalent throughout John's Gospel. The verse also serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, as the crowd's initial, albeit incomplete, recognition of Jesus as a divinely sent figure anticipates the fuller confessions of faith that will come from His disciples later in the narrative, such as Peter's confession in [John 6:68-69](/john/6-68-69 "John 6:68-69 - Peter's Confession of Faith").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:14 stands as a testament to the power of divine revelation through miraculous signs and the complex nature of human response. The crowd's recognition of Jesus as "that prophet" signifies a crucial step in their understanding, linking Him to the long-held Jewish expectation of a figure akin to Moses, who would deliver and guide God's people. This connection is deeply theological, as it places Jesus squarely within the lineage of God's chosen messengers, yet simultaneously highlights the tension between this accurate identification and a superficial grasp of His true mission. Their focus on physical provision and earthly kingship reveals a common human tendency to seek immediate, tangible benefits rather than the deeper spiritual truths Jesus came to offer. This verse thus serves as a theological bridge, connecting Old Testament prophecy with New Testament fulfillment, while also setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching that would challenge and refine their understanding of His identity and purpose.

* [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "The Prophecy of a Prophet Like Moses")
* [John 1:21](/john/1-21 "John the Baptist Questioned About 'That Prophet'")
* [John 7:40](/john/7-40 "Crowd Debates Jesus' Identity as 'The Prophet'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:14 offers a profound opportunity for reflection on the nature of our own faith and understanding of Jesus. The crowd, having witnessed an undeniable miracle, correctly identified Jesus as "that prophet" – a significant step of recognition. Yet, their subsequent actions and desires, as revealed in [John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - The Crowd's Attempt to Make Jesus King"), show that their understanding was still limited to earthly, political, and material expectations. They wanted a king who would provide bread and overthrow Roman rule, not a Messiah whose kingdom was spiritual and whose ultimate provision was eternal life. This challenges us to examine our own motivations for following Jesus. Do we seek Him primarily for what He can do for us physically, materially, or to solve our immediate problems? Or do we recognize Him for who He truly is – the Son of God, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, the source of eternal spiritual nourishment? True faith moves beyond seeking mere signs and wonders to embracing His full identity and submitting to His spiritual authority, understanding that His greatest gift is salvation and transformation of the heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my understanding of Jesus be limited by my own expectations or desires, similar to the crowd in John 6:14?**
* **Am I seeking Jesus primarily for physical or material benefits, or for the spiritual nourishment and eternal life He offers?**
* **How can I deepen my recognition of Jesus' full identity and purpose beyond what I perceive He can do for me?**

### FAQ

**Why was the crowd's declaration of Jesus as "that prophet" significant, and what did it imply?**

Answer: The crowd's declaration in [John 6:14](/john/6-14 "John 6:14 - Jesus Identified as 'That Prophet'") was highly significant because it directly linked Jesus to a specific, long-awaited messianic expectation deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. The phrase "that prophet" (Greek: *ho prophētēs*) referred to the figure foretold by Moses in [Deuteronomy 18:15-18](/deuteronomy/18-15-18 "Deuteronomy 18:15-18 - The Prophecy of a Prophet Like Moses"), who would be raised up by God and to whom the people should listen. This prophecy suggested a prophet like Moses, who would lead, teach, and mediate God's will. The crowd's immediate association of Jesus with this figure after the feeding miracle implied that they saw Him as a new Moses, capable of miraculous provision (like manna in the wilderness, [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness")) and possessing divine authority. It was a recognition of His unique, divinely appointed status, distinguishing Him from ordinary teachers or miracle workers. However, it also implied a limited understanding, as their subsequent attempt to make Him king ([John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - The Crowd's Misguided Ambition")) showed their focus was on an earthly, political deliverer rather than the spiritual King of a heavenly kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:14, where the crowd recognizes Jesus as "that prophet," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' ultimate identity as the complete and final revelation of God, far surpassing any previous prophet. While the crowd correctly identified Him as a prophet, they only grasped a fragment of His true nature. Jesus is not merely *a* prophet, but the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom God now speaks definitively to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Speaks Through His Son")). He is the fulfillment of the prophecy in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses"), as affirmed by Peter in [Acts 3:22-23](/acts/3-22-23 "Acts 3:22-23 - Peter Applies Moses' Prophecy to Jesus"), but He is also the Messiah, the Son of God, and the King of kings. Unlike Moses, who led Israel to the Promised Land, Jesus leads His people to eternal life ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus Gives Eternal Life")). He is the true Bread of Life, providing spiritual sustenance that lasts forever ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), a provision infinitely greater than the manna in the wilderness. Thus, the crowd's declaration, while a step in the right direction, points to Jesus not just as a great prophet, but as the divine Prophet, Priest, and King who fully embodies and perfectly reveals God's saving purpose for the world.

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

Deuteronomy 18:15

¶ The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

Deuteronomy 18:18

I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

Matthew 21:11

And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

Acts 7:37

This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

Matthew 11:3

And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

John 1:21

And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

John 7:40

Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.