John 6:5

KJV

When Jesus then lifted up [his] eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

KJV (with Strong's)

When Jesus {G2424} then {G3767} lifted up {G1869} his eyes {G3788}, and {G2532} saw {G2300}{G3754} a great {G4183} company {G3793} come {G2064} unto {G4314} him {G846}, he saith {G3004} unto {G4314} Philip {G5376}, Whence {G4159} shall we buy {G59} bread {G740}, that {G2443} these {G3778} may eat {G5315}?

Complete Jewish Bible

so when Yeshua looked up and saw that a large crowd was approaching, he said to Philip, “Where will we be able to buy bread, so that these people can eat?”

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?”

American Standard Version

Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude cometh unto him, saith unto Philip, Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:5 captures a pivotal moment preceding one of Jesus' most renowned miracles, the feeding of the five thousand. In this verse, Jesus, observing the vast multitude approaching Him, proactively addresses the pressing practical need for food by posing a strategic question to His disciple Philip. This exchange not only highlights Jesus' divine awareness of human hunger and His profound compassion but also sets the stage for a dramatic demonstration of His power to provide supernaturally, challenging His disciples' understanding of His capabilities and preparing them for a revelation of His glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 6:5 is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus' Galilean ministry, specifically following His withdrawal across the Sea of Tiberias (also known as the Sea of Galilee) after hearing of John the Baptist's death (implied by the Synoptics, though not explicitly stated as the reason for withdrawal in John). The preceding verses ([John 6:1-4](/john/6-1-4 "John 6:1-4 - Jesus Crosses the Sea, Passover Nears")) establish that a "great multitude" was already following Jesus because they had seen His miraculous signs. Jesus' ascent to a mountain with His disciples ([John 6:3](/john/6-3 "John 6:3 - Jesus on the Mountain")) provides the setting for this encounter. Crucially, [John 6:4](/john/6-4 "John 6:4 - The Passover Was Nigh") notes that the Passover, a feast deeply associated with divine provision and liberation, was near, adding a layer of theological significance to the impending miracle. Immediately following [John 6:5](/john/6-5 "John 6:5 - Jesus Questions Philip"), [John 6:6](/john/6-6 "John 6:6 - Jesus Tests Philip") explicitly states Jesus' intention in asking the question: "this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do," revealing His foreknowledge and deliberate testing of Philip. The miracle of feeding the multitude then unfolds in the subsequent verses ([John 6:7-13](/john/6-7-13 "John 6:7-13 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place in a "desert place" or "mountain" region on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, a relatively remote area not conducive to easily purchasing food for thousands. The mention of the Passover being "nigh" ([John 6:4](/john/6-4 "John 6:4 - The Passover Was Nigh")) is significant. Passover was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals, attracting large numbers of people to Jerusalem, but also stirring messianic expectations throughout Israel. The crowds following Jesus were likely a mix of pilgrims, the curious, and those genuinely seeking healing or spiritual truth. In ancient Israel, hospitality was a deeply ingrained cultural value, and hosts were expected to provide for their guests. Jesus, in this context, takes on the role of the ultimate host, demonstrating divine hospitality. The sheer number of people—"five thousand men, besides women and children" (Matthew 14:21, Mark 6:44)—would have presented an insurmountable logistical and financial challenge for any human group, underscoring the necessity of divine intervention.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Awareness and Compassion**, as Jesus, unprompted, perceives the physical need of the vast crowd, demonstrating His proactive concern for their well-being, a theme echoed in other Gospels where Jesus has compassion on the crowds "because they were like sheep without a shepherd" ([Mark 6:34](/mark/6-34 "Mark 6:34 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Testing of Faith**. Jesus' question to Philip is not born of ignorance but is a deliberate challenge designed to reveal Philip's limitations and prepare him for a greater understanding of Jesus' power, as explicitly stated in [John 6:6](/john/6-6 "John 6:6 - Jesus Tests Philip"). This testing serves to highlight the contrast between human inadequacy and divine omnipotence. Finally, the verse initiates the theme of **Divine Provision and Abundance**, setting the stage for a miraculous demonstration of God's ability to provide for His people in overwhelming ways, often from seemingly insignificant resources, foreshadowing the greater spiritual provision Jesus would offer as the "Bread of Life" later in [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - The Bread of Life Discourse").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lifted up (Greek, _epaírō'_):** From the Greek verb G1869, meaning "to raise up" (literally or figuratively). In this context, it describes Jesus physically raising His eyes to survey the scene. This seemingly simple action carries theological weight, indicating Jesus' deliberate observation and awareness of the approaching multitude and their impending need. It is not a casual glance but a purposeful act of perception.
* **saw (Greek, _theáomai'_):** From the Greek verb G2300, a prolonged form of a primary verb, meaning "to look closely at, i.e. (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit." Unlike a fleeting glimpse, _theáomai_ implies a sustained, intentional gaze, suggesting a deep and comprehensive understanding of what is being observed. Jesus "saw" not just a crowd, but a "great company" with an implicit need, indicating His profound insight and empathetic observation.
* **company (Greek, _óchlos'_):** From the Greek noun G3793, meaning "a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot." This term emphasizes the sheer size and perhaps the somewhat disorganized nature of the crowd. It denotes a large, undifferentiated mass of people, highlighting the immense scale of the logistical problem Jesus was about to address, making the subsequent miracle all the more astounding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Jesus then lifted up [his] eyes":** This opening clause immediately centers the action on Jesus. The phrase "lifted up his eyes" signifies a deliberate act of observation, indicating that Jesus was not merely reacting to circumstances but was proactively assessing the situation. It suggests a moment of divine foresight and intentionality, setting the stage for His subsequent action.
* **"and saw a great company come unto him":** This part describes the object of Jesus' gaze: a vast multitude ("great company") approaching Him. The verb "saw" (theáomai) implies a comprehensive and discerning observation, not just a casual glance. Jesus perceives not merely the physical presence of the crowd but their underlying condition and need, which He is about to address. The "great company" underscores the overwhelming scale of the challenge from a human perspective.
* **"he saith unto Philip":** Jesus' direct address to Philip is significant. Philip was from Bethsaida ([John 1:44](/john/1-44 "John 1:44 - Philip from Bethsaida")), a town near the area where this miracle occurred, and might have been expected to have some local knowledge. This personal interaction highlights Jesus' method of engaging with His disciples, often through direct questions that probe their understanding and faith.
* **"‹Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?›":** This is Jesus' critical question, posed as a seemingly practical inquiry. "Whence" (from where) emphasizes the logistical impossibility of the task. The question is designed to elicit a human assessment of the problem, revealing the disciples' limitations and setting up the contrast with Jesus' divine capacity. It focuses on the immediate physical need ("bread") and the ultimate purpose ("that these may eat"), laying bare the immense challenge that only divine power could overcome.

#### Literary Devices
John 6:5 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey deeper meaning. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** posed by Jesus to Philip. This question, "Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?", is not asked for information, as [John 6:6](/john/6-6 "John 6:6 - Jesus Knew What He Would Do") immediately clarifies that Jesus "himself knew what he would do." Instead, it serves to highlight the human impossibility of the situation, drawing the disciples' attention to the overwhelming need and their own inadequacy, thereby magnifying the subsequent miracle. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this question sets the stage for Jesus' miraculous provision, which will later be expounded upon in the "Bread of Life" discourse, where the physical bread points to a spiritual reality. The description of the approaching crowd as a "great company" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the immense scale of the multitude, making the logistical challenge seem even more insurmountable and thus elevating the divine power required to meet it. Finally, the entire scene functions as a **Paradigm** for faith, illustrating how Jesus tests His followers' trust in His power when faced with overwhelming circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:5 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of Christ, His relationship with humanity, and the dynamics of faith. Jesus' proactive observation and question demonstrate His divine omniscience and sovereign control, as He already knew the solution before posing the problem. This act of "seeing" and "asking" is rooted in His profound compassion for the physical and spiritual needs of humanity, mirroring God's consistent care for His people throughout salvation history, providing manna in the wilderness or water from a rock. The verse also introduces the critical theme of testing, a recurring motif in scripture where God allows challenges to reveal the limits of human ability and the boundless nature of His own power, ultimately strengthening faith. This moment is a microcosm of the larger biblical narrative where human inadequacy meets divine sufficiency.

* [Mark 6:34](/mark/6-34 "Mark 6:34 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds"): "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things."
* [John 6:6](/john/6-6 "John 6:6 - Jesus Tests Philip"): "And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do."
* [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand"): The parallel account in Matthew's Gospel, emphasizing Jesus' compassion and the miraculous multiplication.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:5 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as Jesus "lifted up his eyes" and saw the need of the multitude, He remains keenly aware of our needs, both physical and spiritual, even before we articulate them. We, like Philip, often face situations that appear humanly impossible—financial shortfalls, health crises, relational brokenness, or overwhelming responsibilities. Jesus' question, "Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?", invites us to confront the seeming impossibility of our circumstances and to acknowledge our own limitations. However, the true lesson is not to dwell on our inadequacy but to recognize that our limitations are precisely where God's infinite capacity to provide can be most powerfully demonstrated. This verse challenges us to move beyond human reasoning and to trust in God's supernatural provision, even when the solution is beyond our comprehension. It calls us to faith that believes God can do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Power to Do More")). Our role is to present the need and our meager resources (like the boy's loaves and fish), then step back and witness God's miraculous work, allowing Him to use us as instruments in His grand plan, no matter how small our contribution may seem.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great companies" or overwhelming needs do I see in my life or in the world around me that seem humanly impossible to address?**
* **In what areas of my life am I being "tested" by circumstances that seem to defy a human solution? How am I responding to these tests?**
* **How does Jesus' awareness of the crowd's hunger encourage me about His awareness of my own needs?**
* **What "bread" (provision, solution, healing) am I trusting Jesus to provide in a situation where I see no human way forward?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus specifically ask Philip this question, and not another disciple?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly state Jesus' exact reason for choosing Philip, [John 6:6](/john/6-6 "John 6:6 - Jesus Tests Philip") clarifies that "this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do." Philip was from Bethsaida ([John 1:44](/john/1-44 "John 1:44 - Philip from Bethsaida")), a town in the region where this miracle occurred. It's possible Jesus chose Philip because of his local knowledge, perhaps expecting him to quickly calculate the immense logistical and financial challenge. Philip's immediate, pragmatic response in [John 6:7](/john/6-7 "John 6:7 - Philip's Response") ("Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little") confirms his practical, human-centered assessment, which Jesus intended to highlight as insufficient in the face of divine power. This interaction served as a personal lesson for Philip, and by extension, for all the disciples, about the vast difference between human limitation and divine omnipotence.

**What is the significance of the "great company" coming to Jesus?**

Answer: The "great company" (Greek: _óchlos_) signifies the immense scale of the multitude, estimated at "about five thousand men, besides women and children" ([Matthew 14:21](/matthew/14-21 "Matthew 14:21 - The Number Fed")). This large number underscores the human impossibility of feeding them through conventional means, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of Jesus' subsequent provision. It also highlights the widespread appeal of Jesus' ministry at that time, as people were drawn to Him by His signs and teachings ([John 6:2](/john/6-2 "John 6:2 - Multitude Follows Jesus")). The sheer size of the crowd creates a dramatic tension, setting the stage for Jesus to reveal His divine power and compassion in a way that would leave no doubt about His identity and authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:5, while seemingly a simple logistical question, profoundly foreshadows Jesus' ultimate role as the divine provider and the "Bread of Life." The physical hunger of the multitude in this scene becomes a powerful metaphor for humanity's deeper spiritual hunger, which only Christ can truly satisfy. Just as Jesus miraculously multiplied a few loaves and fish to feed thousands, He offers Himself as the ultimate sustenance for eternal life. This physical miracle points directly to the spiritual reality articulated later in [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - The Bread of Life Discourse"), where Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The provision of physical bread for a temporary need anticipates the eternal provision of spiritual life through His body and blood, offered as the true manna from heaven. The question of "Whence shall we buy bread?" is answered not by human commerce, but by the divine self-giving of the Son of God, who came "to give his life a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Thus, this verse initiates a narrative that culminates in the revelation of Jesus as the one who fully satisfies humanity's deepest cravings for meaning, purpose, and eternal life, fulfilling the Old Testament types of divine provision and pointing towards the ultimate feast of salvation.

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 15:33

And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?

Luke 9:12

And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

Luke 9:13

But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

John 4:35

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and [then] cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

John 1:43

¶ The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

Matthew 14:14

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Matthew 14:15

And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.