John 6:17

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

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}.

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,

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

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.

John 6:17 describes the disciples' journey across the Sea of Galilee immediately after Jesus miraculously fed the five thousand. This verse sets a crucial scene for the events that follow, highlighting the disciples' circumstances and the temporary absence of Jesus.

Context

This verse directly follows the extraordinary event of Jesus feeding over five thousand people with five barley loaves and two small fish (John 6:1-14). After this miracle, the crowd wanted to make Jesus king by force, so He withdrew to a mountain alone to pray (John 6:15). He then instructed His disciples to get into a ship and head toward Capernaum. As they embark, the narrative emphasizes two key conditions: "it was now dark" and "Jesus was not come to them." This sets the stage for the dramatic event of Jesus walking on water to meet them amidst a storm, which unfolds in the subsequent verses (John 6:18-21).

Key Themes

  • Discipleship and Obedience: The disciples are following Jesus's instructions to cross the sea, even though He is not physically with them. Their journey reflects an act of obedience in challenging circumstances.
  • The Significance of Darkness: The phrase "it was now dark" is more than just a temporal marker. In John's Gospel, darkness (Greek: skotia) often symbolizes not only physical night but also spiritual uncertainty, trials, or the absence of divine light. Here, it creates an atmosphere of vulnerability and foreboding.
  • The Temporary Absence of Christ: The statement "Jesus was not come to them" underscores the disciples' perceived isolation. Jesus had deliberately withdrawn to a mountain to pray, allowing His disciples to face the journey and ensuing storm on their own, preparing them for a deeper revelation of His power and presence.
  • Setting the Stage for Divine Intervention: The darkness and Jesus's absence heighten the dramatic tension, preparing the reader for the miraculous appearance of Jesus walking on the water, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and His constant care for His own.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "dark" is skotia (σκοτία). While literally referring to nighttime, John frequently uses skotia to convey spiritual darkness or ignorance, contrasting it with light (φῶς - phos), which represents Christ. In this verse, it primarily describes the literal setting, but it subtly hints at the challenging spiritual atmosphere the disciples would face without Jesus's immediate presence.

Practical Application

John 6:17 resonates with the human experience of facing difficulties or uncertainties when God's presence feels distant. Just as the disciples were on a journey toward their destination, Capernaum (which was a significant base for Jesus's ministry, as seen in Matthew 4:13), believers today often embark on life's journeys where circumstances grow dark and the Lord seems absent. This verse reminds us that even in such times, our obedience to His call, combined with His unseen but active presence, will ultimately lead us to a deeper understanding of His power and faithfulness. Our "dark nights" often precede a profound encounter with Christ's sustaining grace.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back