John 6:15

¶ When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

When Jesus {G2424} therefore {G3767} perceived {G1097} that {G3754} they would {G3195} come {G2064} and {G2532} take {G726} him {G846} by force {G726}, to {G2443} make {G4160} him {G846} a king {G935}, he departed {G402} again {G3825} into {G1519} a mountain {G3735} himself {G846} alone {G3441}.

Yeshua knew that they were on the point of coming and seizing him, in order to make him king; so he went back to the hills again. This time he went by himself.

Then Jesus, realizing that they were about to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.

Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone.

Commentary

John 6:15 KJV Commentary: This pivotal verse immediately follows Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand, a powerful demonstration of His divine provision and authority. The crowd, having witnessed this incredible sign, drew a conclusion that was accurate in its recognition of Jesus' power but deeply flawed in its understanding of His true mission.

Context

The scene is set in the immediate aftermath of Jesus feeding over five thousand people with only a few loaves and fish, an event that profoundly impressed the multitude (see John 6:13 for the leftover baskets). This miracle resonated deeply with Jewish expectations of a new Moses, a prophet who would again provide bread from heaven, and a powerful deliverer. Their desire to make Him a king "by force" stemmed from a popular longing for a political Messiah who would liberate them from Roman oppression and restore Israel's national glory, much like an earthly monarch or a military leader. They saw Jesus as the answer to their immediate physical and political needs.

Key Themes

  • Misunderstanding of Jesus' Kingship: The crowd sought an earthly, political king who would solve their temporal problems. Jesus, however, came to establish a spiritual kingdom, one not "of this world" (John 18:36), focused on salvation from sin and eternal life. His kingship was heavenly, not earthly. This highlights a fundamental tension between human desires and divine purpose.
  • Divine Perception: Jesus "perceived" their intentions. This emphasizes His omniscience and supernatural insight into the hearts and minds of people, demonstrating His divine nature (John 2:25). He knew their motives were misdirected and would lead to a misunderstanding of His messianic role.
  • Withdrawal from Earthly Acclaim: Jesus deliberately withdrew, ascending "into a mountain himself alone." This act underscores His rejection of a forced earthly throne and His unwavering commitment to His Father's will, which involved suffering and sacrifice, not political power or popular acclaim. His solitude also suggests a return to prayer and communion with God after a demanding public ministry, a pattern seen throughout His life (Mark 1:35).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "take him by force" translates the Greek word harpadzō (ἁρπάζω), which means to seize, snatch away, or carry off by force. It highlights the violent and coercive nature of the crowd's intent, contrasting sharply with Jesus' voluntary and sacrificial path to true kingship. They wanted to impose their will on Him, rather than submit to His divine plan.

Practical Application

John 6:15 serves as a powerful reminder that following Jesus often means rejecting popular expectations and embracing His true, spiritual mission. It challenges us to examine our own motives for seeking God: are we looking for an earthly provider and problem-solver, or are we seeking the King whose kingdom is eternal and whose salvation addresses our deepest spiritual needs? Jesus' withdrawal teaches us the importance of solitude, prayer, and discerning God's will, even when faced with opportunities for worldly success or acclaim. Our focus should be on His terms, not ours, for His kingdom is within and spiritual.

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Cross-References

  • John 18:36 (13 votes)

    Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

  • John 7:3 (7 votes)

    His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

  • John 7:4 (7 votes)

    For [there is] no man [that] doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.

  • John 6:15 (7 votes)

    ¶ When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

  • John 6:21 (7 votes)

    Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

  • Luke 19:38 (6 votes)

    Saying, Blessed [be] the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

  • Mark 6:45 (5 votes)

    ¶ And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.