John 6:17

KJV

And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} entered {G1684} into {G1519} a ship {G4143}, and went {G2064} over {G4008} the sea {G2281} toward {G1519} Capernaum {G2584}. And {G2532} it was {G1096} now {G2235} dark {G4653}, and {G2532} Jesus {G2424} was {G2064} not {G3756} come {G2064} to {G4314} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

got into a boat and set out across the lake toward K’far-Nachum. By now it was dark, Yeshua had not yet joined them,

Berean Standard Bible

got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet gone out to them.

American Standard Version

and they entered into a boat, and were going over the sea unto Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:17 describes the disciples' journey across the Sea of Galilee after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Having embarked on a ship towards Capernaum, the narrative highlights two critical conditions: the onset of night, signifying deep darkness, and the deliberate absence of Jesus, who had withdrawn to a mountain. This verse serves as a pivotal transition, setting the stage for the dramatic and revelatory events that follow, where the disciples face a challenging situation without their Lord's immediate physical presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 6:17 is strategically placed within a sequence of profound events in John's Gospel. It immediately follows Jesus's miraculous feeding of over [five thousand people with five barley loaves and two small fish](/john/6-1-14 "John 6:1-14 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand"), an event that profoundly impacted the crowd, leading them to attempt to seize Jesus and make Him king by force ([John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Withdraws from the Crowd")). In response, Jesus withdrew to a mountain alone to pray, while instructing His disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee. This verse thus marks the beginning of the disciples' journey, characterized by the absence of their Master and the onset of challenging conditions, directly preceding the awe-inspiring account of [Jesus walking on water](/john/6-18-21 "John 6:18-21 - Jesus Walks on Water") to meet them amidst a storm. It transitions the narrative from a public display of power to a more intimate, testing experience for the disciples.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Gennesaret or Tiberias, was a vital body of water for fishing and travel in ancient Israel. It is geographically situated in a basin surrounded by hills, making it susceptible to sudden, violent storms due to cold air descending rapidly. Travel by boat was common, and nighttime journeys, while perhaps less frequent for long distances, were not unheard of. Capernaum, the disciples' destination, was a significant hub for Jesus's ministry, serving as a sort of "headquarters" where He often taught and performed miracles, as evidenced in [Matthew 4:13](/matthew/4-13 "Matthew 4:13 - Jesus Settles in Capernaum") and [Mark 2:1](/mark/2-1 "Mark 2:1 - Jesus Returns to Capernaum"). The journey across the sea, especially at night, would have been a common, though potentially perilous, undertaking for experienced fishermen like many of the disciples.

* **Key Themes:** John 6:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Discipleship and Obedience**, as the disciples embark on this journey at Jesus's instruction, even in His physical absence. Their obedience in challenging circumstances foreshadows the trials and faith required of all who follow Christ. Secondly, the phrase "it was now dark" introduces the theme of **Spiritual and Physical Darkness**. In John's Gospel, darkness (Greek: _skotia_) often carries symbolic weight, representing not just literal night but also spiritual ignorance, opposition to Christ, or periods of trial and uncertainty, contrasting sharply with Jesus as the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"). Thirdly, the explicit statement "Jesus was not come to them" underscores the **Temporary Absence of Christ**, a deliberate withdrawal that tests and refines the disciples' faith, preparing them for a deeper revelation of His power and sovereignty. This perceived isolation sets the stage for **Divine Intervention**, demonstrating Jesus's ability to transcend natural limitations and provide for His followers even when He seems distant, a theme echoed in His promise to be [with His disciples always](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **entered (Greek, _embaínō'_):** This verb (G1684) means "to walk on, i.e. embark (aboard a vessel), reach (a pool)." It emphasizes the disciples' action of stepping into the ship, initiating their journey across the sea. It signifies their obedience to Jesus's command to depart, even as He withdrew from them. The act of "entering" sets the stage for the subsequent events, marking the beginning of their vulnerable passage.
* **dark (Greek, _skotía'_):** The word (G4653) denotes "dimness, obscurity (literally or figuratively)." While primarily describing the physical condition of nightfall, in John's Gospel, _skotía_ frequently carries a deeper symbolic meaning, representing spiritual ignorance, moral corruption, or the absence of divine light and truth. Here, the literal darkness of the night accentuates the sense of vulnerability and foreboding for the disciples, subtly hinting at the spiritual challenges they face without Jesus's immediate presence.
* **come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This primary verb (G2064) means "to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)." Coupled with the negative particle "not" (G3756, _ou_), the phrase "Jesus was not come to them" highlights His deliberate and significant absence. This is not merely a delay but a purposeful withdrawal, creating a scenario where the disciples must navigate a perilous situation on their own, setting the stage for Jesus's dramatic, miraculous appearance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum."**: This clause describes the disciples' immediate action and their intended destination. Following Jesus's instruction, they board a vessel to cross the Sea of Galilee. Capernaum was a significant base for Jesus's ministry, indicating that this journey was not aimless but directed towards a place of familiar activity, yet undertaken without their Master's physical presence. This highlights their obedience and the practical reality of their travel.
* **"And it was now dark,"**: This phrase introduces a crucial environmental detail. The onset of night signifies not just a temporal marker but also a change in conditions, making the journey more challenging and potentially dangerous. In the context of John's Gospel, where light and darkness are potent symbols, this literal darkness also subtly foreshadows or reflects the spiritual uncertainty and trials the disciples are about to face.
* **"and Jesus was not come to them."**: This final clause is profoundly significant. It explicitly states Jesus's physical absence from the disciples as they embark on their journey. This absence is deliberate, as Jesus had withdrawn to pray alone. It underscores the disciples' perceived isolation and vulnerability, creating a dramatic tension that heightens the anticipation for Jesus's miraculous intervention, demonstrating His sovereignty and care even when He seems distant.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:17 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, particularly with the mention of "darkness." While literally describing the physical night, "darkness" (Greek: _skotia_) in John's Gospel frequently symbolizes spiritual ignorance, moral opposition to God, or periods of trial and despair, contrasting with Jesus as the light. Here, it creates an atmosphere of vulnerability and foreboding, hinting at the spiritual and physical challenges the disciples would encounter. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the conditions described—darkness, the disciples' isolation, and Jesus's absence—build dramatic tension, preparing the reader for the subsequent miraculous appearance of Jesus walking on water amidst a storm. This sets up the divine intervention that will reveal more of Jesus's identity and power. Furthermore, there is a subtle element of **Dramatic Irony** at play. The disciples perceive Jesus's absence as a lack of immediate help, yet the reader understands that Jesus's withdrawal is purposeful, allowing for a greater demonstration of His divine sovereignty and care through His supernatural arrival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:17 offers profound theological insights into the nature of discipleship, divine providence, and the testing of faith. The disciples' journey into darkness without Jesus's immediate presence mirrors the experiences of believers throughout history who face trials and uncertainties where God's presence feels distant or His plan unclear. This verse underscores the reality that God often allows His people to enter challenging circumstances, not out of neglect, but to deepen their faith, reveal His power in unexpected ways, and prepare them for greater understanding of His sovereignty. The "darkness" and "absence" are not indications of abandonment but rather a setup for a more profound manifestation of Christ's sustaining power and unwavering care, demonstrating that His watchful eye is always upon His own, even when they are in the midst of life's storms.

* [Matthew 14:22-23](/matthew/14-22-23 "Matthew 14:22-23 - Jesus Sends Disciples Ahead and Prays")
* [Mark 6:45-47](/mark/6-45-47 "Mark 6:45-47 - Disciples Go Ahead, Jesus Prays")
* [Psalm 23:4](/psalms/23-4 "Psalm 23:4 - The Lord is My Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:17 offers a poignant reflection on the Christian journey, reminding us that periods of perceived divine absence or overwhelming darkness are often integral to our spiritual growth. Just as the disciples were on a commanded journey toward Capernaum, believers today are called to walk in obedience, even when the path ahead seems obscured by uncertainty and the Lord's immediate presence is not tangibly felt. This verse encourages us to persevere in faith, recognizing that our "dark nights" are not signs of God's abandonment but often precursors to a deeper revelation of His power and faithfulness. It teaches us to trust in His unseen hand and perfect timing, knowing that He is sovereign over every storm and that His ultimate purpose is always to draw us closer to Himself, transforming our fears into profound encounters with His sustaining grace. Our obedience in the face of perceived absence is a testament to our trust in His unwavering presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when you feel God's presence is distant or when circumstances in your life grow "dark"?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the nature of obedience, even when the immediate path is unclear or challenging?**
* **In what ways might God use periods of perceived absence to deepen our faith and reveal more of His character to us?**
* **How does the disciples' journey in the ship relate to our own spiritual journey through life's storms?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus send His disciples alone into the dark and then not join them immediately?**

Answer: Jesus's actions were deliberate and multifaceted. After the feeding miracle, the crowd wanted to make Him king by force ([John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - The Crowd Seeks to Make Jesus King")), which was not His immediate purpose. He withdrew to a mountain to pray ([John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Withdraws to Pray")), demonstrating His dependence on the Father and His rejection of worldly kingship. Sending the disciples ahead into the dark and then delaying His arrival served several purposes: it tested their faith, allowed them to experience their vulnerability without His immediate physical presence, and set the stage for a dramatic revelation of His divine power as He walked on water to them ([John 6:19](/john/6-19 "John 6:19 - Jesus Walks on Water")). This experience was a crucial lesson in trusting His sovereignty even in the midst of fear and apparent abandonment.

**What is the significance of Capernaum as their destination?**

Answer: Capernaum was a significant base for Jesus's ministry in Galilee. It was often referred to as "His own city" ([Matthew 9:1](/matthew/9-1 "Matthew 9:1 - Jesus Returns to Capernaum")) and was the home of several of His disciples, including Peter and Andrew. Jesus performed many miracles and taught extensively in Capernaum ([Matthew 11:23](/matthew/11-23 "Matthew 11:23 - Capernaum's Rejection")). Their journey toward Capernaum indicates a return to a familiar place of ministry and community, highlighting that even in their perilous journey, they were moving towards a divinely appointed destination, not merely aimlessly adrift.

**Does the "darkness" in this verse have a symbolic meaning beyond just literal night?**

Answer: Yes, in John's Gospel, "darkness" (Greek: _skotía_) often carries profound symbolic weight beyond its literal meaning. While it certainly describes the physical night, John frequently uses darkness to represent spiritual ignorance, moral corruption, the realm of evil, or the absence of God's truth and light. For instance, [John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - The Light Shines in the Darkness") states that "the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." In John 6:17, the literal darkness heightens the sense of vulnerability and fear, subtly hinting at the spiritual challenges and the perceived absence of the "Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")) among the disciples, setting the stage for His miraculous appearance as the one who dispels all darkness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:17, with its depiction of the disciples' journey into darkness and perceived isolation without Jesus, powerfully foreshadows and illuminates the broader Christ-centered narrative of redemption. The "darkness" that enveloped the disciples on the sea is a potent symbol for the spiritual darkness that enshrouds humanity, a world separated from God by sin. Jesus's deliberate, temporary "absence" from His disciples, followed by His miraculous appearance walking on the water, serves as a profound metaphor for His redemptive work. He allowed humanity to experience the depth of its spiritual plight before intervening decisively. His coming to them across the turbulent waters, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation, points directly to His divine nature as the Son of God, who alone can calm the storms of life and overcome the chaos of sin and death. This event anticipates His ultimate intervention for all humanity through His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, where He seemingly "departed" from His disciples ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus' Ascension and Promise to Return")), yet promised His abiding presence through the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")) and His eventual return. Thus, John 6:17 is not merely a historical account but a vivid illustration of Christ as the ever-present Lord who comes to His people in their darkest hours, bringing light, peace, and salvation, proving Himself to be the [resurrection and the life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life") for all who believe.

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

Mark 6:45

¶ 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.

John 6:24

When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.

John 6:25

And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

John 2:12

¶ After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

John 4:46

So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.