John 6:4

KJV

And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the passover {G3957}, a feast {G1859} of the Jews {G2453}, was {G2258} nigh {G1451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now the Judean festival of Pesach was coming up;

Berean Standard Bible

Now the Jewish Feast of the Passover was near.

American Standard Version

Now the passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:4 serves as a pivotal chronological and theological marker, indicating the approach of the Passover feast. This seemingly simple detail is strategically placed by the evangelist to frame Jesus' subsequent miracle of feeding the five thousand and His profound "Bread of Life" discourse, thereby underscoring His identity as the true Passover Lamb and the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance, fulfilling the Old Testament types.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 6:4 immediately follows Jesus' extensive ministry in Galilee, including healing the sick and performing other signs that drew large crowds. The preceding chapters in John's Gospel have established Jesus' divine authority and His growing public profile. The mention of the Passover here is not merely a chronological note but a deliberate literary device. John frequently structures his narrative around Jewish feasts (e.g., the [Feast of Tabernacles](/john/7 "John 7 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles") or the [Feast of Dedication](/john/10-22 "John 10:22 - Jesus at the Feast of Dedication")) to highlight how Jesus fulfills the spiritual significance of these divine appointments. The proximity of the Passover sets the stage for the miraculous feeding, which echoes the manna in the wilderness after the Exodus, and directly precedes Jesus' climactic declaration of Himself as the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")—a theological discourse deeply intertwined with themes of sustenance and salvation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover (Pesach) was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals (along with Pentecost and Tabernacles) that required all Jewish males to travel to Jerusalem. It commemorated the Israelites' miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt, specifically the night when the angel of death "passed over" the houses marked with the blood of a lamb, sparing the firstborn (as recounted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). The feast involved the ritual sacrifice of a lamb, the eating of unleavened bread (matzah), and bitter herbs, all laden with symbolic meaning pointing back to the Exodus. The mention of it being "nigh" implies that pilgrims would be traveling, contributing to the large crowd Jesus encounters, and also heightens the spiritual expectation among the Jewish people for a new act of divine deliverance, a messianic figure.

* **Key Themes:** The mention of the Passover in [John 6:4](/john/6-4 "John 6:4 - The Passover Was Nigh") introduces several profound theological themes that resonate throughout the chapter and the Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes **Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament types**. The Passover lamb, whose blood provided salvation, powerfully foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Secondly, it highlights **divine provision and sustenance**. Just as God provided manna in the wilderness after the original Passover, Jesus miraculously provides bread for the multitude, leading to His teaching that He is the [true bread from heaven](/john/6-32 "John 6:32 - The True Bread from Heaven"). Finally, the Passover's association with liberation from bondage underscores **Jesus' role as the deliverer from spiritual slavery to sin and death**. The feast's proximity also subtly foreshadows Jesus' own [passion and crucifixion](/john/19 "John 19 - The Crucifixion of Jesus"), which would occur around a future Passover, making Him our [Passover Christ](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Passover (Greek, _páscha'_):** From a Chaldee origin, this term refers to the Jewish festival commemorating the deliverance from Egypt. It encompasses the meal, the day, the festival itself, and the special sacrifices connected with it. Its inclusion here immediately evokes the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the shedding of blood for salvation, setting a profound theological stage for Jesus' subsequent actions and teachings.
* **feast (Greek, _heortḗ'_):** This word denotes a festival or holy day. Its use here reinforces the religious and communal significance of the Passover, highlighting it not just as a historical remembrance but as a divinely ordained celebration central to Jewish life and identity. The term emphasizes the solemnity and spiritual weight of the approaching event.
* **nigh (Greek, _engýs'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to squeeze or throttle," this adjective signifies proximity, either literally (of place) or figuratively (of time). In this context, it indicates that the Passover was "at hand" or "drawing near," creating a sense of anticipation and urgency. Its closeness underscores the intentional timing of Jesus' miracles and teachings in relation to this significant festival.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the passover,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the crucial chronological and theological context. The conjunction "And" (G1161, _dé_) serves as a continuative particle, seamlessly linking this verse to the preceding narrative while introducing a new, vital piece of information. The mention of "the Passover" is not incidental but foundational to understanding the events that follow.
* **"a feast of the Jews,"**: This parenthetical clarification, characteristic of John's Gospel, identifies the Passover for a broader, potentially Gentile, audience who might not be familiar with Jewish customs. By calling it "a feast of the Jews," John subtly distinguishes it while simultaneously affirming its historical and cultural rootedness, which Jesus, as the Messiah, is now fulfilling.
* **"was nigh."**: This simple statement of proximity creates a sense of imminent significance. The approaching Passover serves as a divine backdrop, signaling that Jesus' actions and words are not random but are unfolding within God's meticulously planned redemptive timeline, directly interacting with and fulfilling the very essence of this ancient covenant feast.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:4, though brief, is rich in literary devices, primarily **Symbolism** and **Foreshadowing**. The mention of the "Passover" is deeply symbolic, immediately drawing the reader's mind to the foundational event of Israel's liberation from Egyptian bondage through the sacrifice of a lamb. This symbol is then powerfully connected to Jesus throughout the chapter, as He is presented as the true Lamb of God (as seen in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the ultimate means of spiritual deliverance. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at Jesus' own impending sacrifice. The Passover feast, commemorating a past act of redemption through blood, becomes a prophetic type of Christ's future crucifixion, which would occur during a Passover celebration. The "nighness" of the feast intensifies this sense of anticipation, preparing the reader for the profound theological implications of Jesus' identity and mission that unfold in the subsequent narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:4 is a masterstroke of theological framing, establishing a profound connection between the Old Testament narrative of redemption and its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Passover, as the quintessential feast of liberation and new beginnings for Israel, is presented as a divine blueprint that finds its complete meaning in the person and work of Jesus. By placing Jesus' miracle of feeding the multitudes and the subsequent "Bread of Life" discourse in the immediate context of this feast, John underscores that Jesus is the true and living provision from God, far surpassing the manna in the wilderness, and the ultimate sacrifice that brings eternal liberation. This verse invites us to perceive God's consistent redemptive plan unfolding through history, culminating in Christ's atoning work.

* [Exodus 12:1-14](/exodus/12-1-14 "Exodus 12:1-14 - Institution of the Passover") - The foundational account of the Passover, establishing the ritual and its significance for Israel.
* [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover") - Paul explicitly identifies Christ as "our Passover," sacrificed for us, demonstrating the New Testament understanding of Jesus' fulfillment of the feast.
* [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") - John the Baptist's declaration of Jesus as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world," directly linking Him to the sacrificial themes of the Passover.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:4, though a simple statement of time, profoundly enriches our understanding of God's meticulous planning and the depth of Jesus' identity. It encourages us to look beyond the surface of biblical narratives and discern the intricate tapestry of divine purpose woven throughout Scripture. Just as the Passover provided physical liberation and sustenance to Israel, Jesus offers spiritual freedom from the bondage of sin and provides eternal nourishment for our souls. This verse reminds us that our faith is not based on random events but on a divinely orchestrated plan, where every detail, even the timing of a feast, points to the saving work of Christ. It calls us to recognize Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, the one who truly satisfies our deepest hunger and sets us free.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the historical and theological significance of the Passover enhance your appreciation for Jesus' identity and mission as presented in John 6?**
* **In what ways do you see Jesus as the "fulfillment" of Old Testament types and prophecies in your own life?**
* **How does the concept of Jesus as the "Bread of Life" (introduced after this verse) connect with the themes of provision and sustenance found in the Passover story?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is "our Passover Lamb," and how does this truth impact your daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Why does John's Gospel frequently mention Jewish feasts, and what is the significance of the Passover being "nigh" in John 6:4?**

Answer: John's Gospel frequently mentions Jewish feasts (like the [Passover](/john/2-13 "John 2:13 - First Passover"), [Feast of Tabernacles](/john/7 "John 7 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles"), and [Feast of Dedication](/john/10-22 "John 10:22 - Jesus at the Feast of Dedication")) not merely for chronological purposes, but for profound theological reasons. Each feast serves as a backdrop against which Jesus performs a sign or delivers a teaching that reveals His identity and mission in relation to that feast's spiritual meaning. For John 6:4, the Passover being "nigh" is highly significant because it immediately sets the stage for Jesus' miracle of feeding the five thousand and His subsequent "Bread of Life" discourse. The Passover commemorated Israel's deliverance from slavery and God's provision of manna in the wilderness. By performing a miracle of provision and then declaring Himself the "Bread of Life" during this season, Jesus implicitly presents Himself as the new and ultimate source of spiritual sustenance and deliverance, fulfilling and transcending the Old Testament Passover. It highlights the divine timing of His ministry and underscores that He is the ultimate reality to which the feast pointed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:4, by noting the approach of the Passover, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of this ancient feast. The original Passover commemorated Israel's deliverance from death through the blood of a lamb, foreshadowing a greater redemption. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly embodies this sacrificial archetype. His subsequent miracle of feeding the five thousand, performed with the Passover "nigh," echoes the miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness after the first Exodus, positioning Him as the [true bread from heaven](/john/6-32 "John 6:32 - The True Bread from Heaven") who gives life to the world. Ultimately, Jesus' own crucifixion and resurrection would occur during a future Passover, making Him our [Passover Christ](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover") whose shed blood secures our eternal liberation from sin and death. Thus, John 6:4 is not just a chronological detail but a theological signpost, directing our gaze to the One who fulfills all the hopes and promises embedded within the Passover, offering Himself as the ultimate source of spiritual life and salvation for all who believe, ushering in a [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant") sealed by His own sacrifice.

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

John 2:13

And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

John 11:55

And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

John 5:1

¶ After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Deuteronomy 16:1

¶ Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.

Leviticus 23:5

In the fourteenth [day] of the first month at even [is] the LORD'S passover.

Exodus 12:6

And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

Exodus 12:14

And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.