John 6:2

KJV

And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} a great {G4183} multitude {G3793} followed {G190} him {G846}, because {G3754} they saw {G3708} his {G846} miracles {G4592} which {G3739} he did {G4160} on {G1909} them that were diseased {G770}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and a large crowd followed him, because they had seen the miracles he had performed on the sick.

Berean Standard Bible

A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick.

American Standard Version

And a great multitude followed him, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that were sick.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:2 sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, revealing the immediate motivation behind the large crowd that followed Him across the Sea of Galilee. This multitude was drawn not by a deep spiritual understanding of His identity, but by the compelling evidence of His divine power demonstrated through the many miraculous healings He performed on the sick and infirm. This verse highlights the initial, often superficial, reasons many were attracted to Jesus, laying the groundwork for the deeper theological discussions that unfold later in the chapter regarding true faith and spiritual nourishment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 6:2 immediately follows the brief introductory statement that Jesus had gone "over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias" ([John 6:1](/john/6-1 "John 6:1 - Jesus Crosses the Sea of Galilee")). This verse then explains *why* a "great multitude" was already following Him, setting the scene for the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, which is the central event of the first half of the chapter ([John 6:5-15](/john/6-5-15 "John 6:5-15 - Feeding the Five Thousand")). The crowd's motivation, rooted in the desire for physical benefits, becomes a critical point of tension and instruction as Jesus later challenges their focus on earthly bread over the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:26-27](/john/6-26-27 "John 6:26-27 - Seeking Earthly Bread")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, the region was densely populated, and news of a remarkable healer and teacher would spread rapidly. People, especially those suffering from chronic illnesses or disabilities, would travel considerable distances in hopes of relief, as medical options were extremely limited. The practice of public healing was often associated with prophets or divine figures, and Jesus' consistent ability to cure various ailments would have naturally attracted immense public attention and expectations. The large crowds were typical for popular religious figures of the time, but Jesus' unique power set Him apart, creating a fervent following driven by both genuine need and curiosity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several key themes prevalent in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **drawing power of divine signs**, as Jesus' miracles served as undeniable evidence of His supernatural authority, attracting people to His ministry. Secondly, it subtly introduces the theme of **varying motivations for seeking Jesus**, highlighting that many were drawn by physical benefits (healing, food) rather than a spiritual understanding of His identity as the Messiah. This distinction becomes crucial as Jesus later confronts the crowd's superficial desires in the "Bread of Life" discourse ([John 6:26-69](/john/6-26-69 "John 6:26-69 - The Bread of Life Discourse")). Finally, it foreshadows Jesus' **compassion and authority** over human suffering, even as He uses these miraculous displays to point to deeper spiritual truths, aligning with the broader purpose of John's Gospel to reveal Jesus' glory and lead people to faith ([John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **multitude (Greek, _ochlos'_):** From a derivative meaning "a vehicle," this term properly refers to a throng or crowd, often implying a large, undifferentiated mass of people. In the Gospels, it can sometimes carry a connotation of the common people or even "the rabble," distinguishing them from the religious elite. Here, it emphasizes the sheer number of people drawn to Jesus.
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** Literally meaning "to be in the same way with" or "to accompany," this verb describes the act of physically trailing behind someone. While it can imply discipleship in other contexts, here it primarily denotes the physical movement of the crowd in pursuit of Jesus. The imperfect tense (implied by the KJV's "followed") suggests a continuous or ongoing action, indicating that the crowd was persistently tracking Jesus.
* **miracles (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** This word, translated "miracles" in the KJV, literally means "sign" or "indication." In John's Gospel, Jesus' extraordinary deeds are consistently presented not merely as wonders or displays of power, but as profound **signs** that point to a deeper truth about His identity, His divine mission, and the nature of God's kingdom. These signs are intended to reveal His glory and lead people to faith in Him as the Christ, the Son of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a great multitude followed him,"**: This clause establishes the significant size of the crowd that was actively pursuing Jesus. The "great multitude" underscores the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry and the public attention He was garnering. Their act of "following" Him indicates a deliberate pursuit, suggesting a strong motivation for being in His presence.
* **"because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased."**: This crucial clause explicitly states the reason for the crowd's pursuit: they had witnessed or heard about Jesus' miraculous healings. The term "miracles" (signs) emphasizes that these acts were not just wonders but demonstrations of divine power pointing to His unique authority. The focus on "them that were diseased" highlights Jesus' compassion and power over sickness, which was a primary draw for many in an age without modern medicine.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Causation** by explicitly stating the "because" (G3754, _hóti'_) clause, directly linking the crowd's action of following to their observation of Jesus' healing "miracles." This direct cause-and-effect relationship immediately clarifies the superficial nature of their motivation. The use of **Synecdoche** can be observed in "them that were diseased," where a part (their illness) stands for the whole person, emphasizing the specific vulnerability and need that Jesus addressed. Furthermore, the term "miracles" (G4592, _sēmeîon'_) functions as **Symbolism** throughout John's Gospel. These are not just wondrous acts but "signs" that point beyond themselves to Jesus' divine identity and purpose, inviting a deeper, spiritual understanding that the crowd, at this point, largely lacks. This sets up an **Irony** that will be explored later in the chapter: the crowd is drawn by signs, but fails to grasp the spiritual reality to which those signs point.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:2 immediately establishes the nature of the crowd's engagement with Jesus, revealing that their primary motivation was rooted in the tangible benefits of His miraculous power, specifically His ability to heal. This sets up a profound theological tension that permeates the entire sixth chapter of John: the contrast between seeking Jesus for physical provision and recognizing Him as the spiritual "Bread of Life." While Jesus' miracles undeniably demonstrated His divine authority and compassion, they were intended as "signs" to point beyond themselves to His true identity as the Son of God and the bringer of eternal life. The crowd's focus on the "signs" without grasping the "Sign-Giver" highlights a common human tendency to prioritize immediate, earthly needs over ultimate spiritual realities, a theme Jesus directly addresses in the subsequent discourse.

* [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - The First Sign at Cana")
* [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")
* [Matthew 12:39](/matthew/12-39 "Matthew 12:39 - The Sign of Jonah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:2 serves as a timeless mirror for our own motivations in seeking God. The crowd followed Jesus because of what He *did* for them—healing their physical ailments. This raises a crucial question for contemporary believers: Are we primarily drawn to Christ for the benefits He can provide (healing, prosperity, problem-solving), or for who He truly is—the Lord, the Savior, the source of eternal life and spiritual transformation? While God certainly cares for our physical needs and performs miracles, His ultimate desire is for a deep, authentic relationship rooted in faith in His person and purpose, not just His power. This verse challenges us to examine the depth of our devotion, encouraging us to move beyond a transactional faith that seeks only earthly gain and to cultivate a genuine, worshipful relationship with Jesus that values His identity above all else. Our pursuit of Christ should stem from a profound recognition of His divine nature and His ultimate offer of spiritual life, rather than merely from a desire for temporal relief.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my primary motivations for seeking Jesus in my life today?**
* **Am I more drawn to what Jesus can *do for me* (His power, provision) or to *who He is* (His character, His identity as Lord and Savior)?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more spiritually-focused relationship with Christ that transcends my immediate needs and desires?**

### FAQ
**Why was such a "great multitude" following Jesus at this point in His ministry?**

Answer: The verse explicitly states the reason: "because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased." Jesus had been performing numerous public healings, particularly in the region of Galilee, which would have generated immense excitement and hope among the populace. People, especially those suffering from illnesses or disabilities, were drawn by the tangible evidence of His supernatural power to alleviate human suffering. These "miracles" (or "signs" as the Greek term _sēmeîon_ implies) served as compelling demonstrations of His unique authority, attracting a large following eager for physical relief or to witness His extraordinary deeds.

**What is the significance of the word "miracles" in John's Gospel?**

Answer: In John's Gospel, the Greek word translated as "miracles" is _sēmeîon_ (G4592), which literally means "sign." This is a crucial distinction. For John, Jesus' miraculous deeds—like the healing of the paralytic in [John 5:1-9](/john/5-1-9 "John 5:1-9 - Healing at the Pool of Bethesda") or the turning of water into wine in [John 2:1-11](/john/2-1-11 "John 2:1-11 - Wedding at Cana")—are not merely wonders or displays of power. Instead, they are profound "signs" that point to a deeper truth about Jesus' identity as the Son of God and His divine mission. They are intended to reveal His glory and lead people to believe in Him for eternal life, as articulated in [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - Purpose of John's Gospel"). The crowd in John 6:2 was drawn by the signs, but many failed to grasp the spiritual reality to which those signs pointed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:2, though describing a crowd drawn by physical healing, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of humanity's deepest needs. The "miracles" (signs) Jesus performed on the diseased were not ends in themselves, but tangible foretastes of His greater redemptive work. Just as He healed physical infirmities, Jesus came to address the spiritual disease of sin that afflicts all humanity, offering a far more profound and eternal healing. His compassionate response to the sick points to His divine nature as the Great Physician, who would ultimately lay down His life on the cross to provide spiritual healing and reconciliation with God ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounds for Our Healing")). The crowd's desire for physical bread and healing in [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") ultimately gives way to Jesus' revelation of Himself as the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the source of living water, satisfying spiritual hunger and thirst that no earthly provision can fulfill. Thus, the drawing power of His physical miracles in John 6:2 points forward to the infinitely greater drawing power of His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, which offers eternal life and true spiritual health to all who believe in Him ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Lifted Up")).

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

Matthew 4:24

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Matthew 4:25

And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and [from] Decapolis, and [from] Jerusalem, and [from] Judaea, and [from] beyond Jordan.

Matthew 12:15

But when Jesus knew [it], he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

John 2:11

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Mark 6:33

And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.

Matthew 15:30

And great multitudes came unto him, having with them [those that were] lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:

Matthew 15:31

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.