John 6:16

Context

John 6:16 marks a pivotal moment immediately following two significant events: the miraculous feeding of the five thousand with five barley loaves and two small fish, and Jesus' subsequent withdrawal from the crowd. After the multitude sought to make Jesus king by force (John 6:15), He sent His disciples ahead. The phrase "when even was [now] come" indicates the close of the day, moving from afternoon to evening, setting the stage for the events of the night on the Sea of Galilee.

Key Themes

• Transition and Separation: This verse signals a clear transition in the narrative. The disciples are leaving the crowd and Jesus, embarking on a journey across the sea without Him physically present. This separation highlights a period of testing and reliance on faith.
• Obedience and Expectation: Though Jesus isn't explicitly commanding them in this verse, their action of "going down unto the sea" implies following His instructions to cross to the other side, as indicated in parallel accounts. They are setting out, likely expecting Jesus to join them later, or perhaps pondering His mysterious withdrawal.
• Foreshadowing of Challenge: The evening setting and the disciples' solo departure subtly foreshadow the storm and the subsequent appearance of Jesus walking on water, a profound demonstration of His divine power over creation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "when even was [now] come" translates the Greek word opsia (ὀψία), which refers to the late afternoon or evening. In the Jewish reckoning of time, there were often two evenings: the first around 3 PM and the second closer to sunset. Here, it likely signifies the latter, indicating that darkness was either falling or had already fallen, adding to the atmosphere of isolation and the impending challenge. This timing is crucial for understanding the subsequent events of the disciples' journey in the dark, leading to the miraculous appearance of Jesus.

Practical Application

John 6:16, though seemingly simple, offers valuable insights for believers. It reminds us that even after experiencing profound blessings and miracles (like the feeding of the five thousand), periods of separation and difficulty can follow. Discipleship often involves moments where we must move forward, even when the path is uncertain, the hour is late, and the Lord's immediate presence isn't felt. These are times when our faith is tested and deepened, preparing us for greater revelations of His power and faithfulness, as seen in Jesus walking on the water.