John 6:6

And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

And {G1161} this {G5124} he said {G3004} to prove {G3985} him {G846}: for {G1063} he himself {G846} knew {G1492} what {G5101} he would {G3195} do {G4160}.

(Now Yeshua said this to test Philip, for Yeshua himself knew what he was about to do.)

But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do.

And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

John 6:6 offers a crucial insight into Jesus' character and purpose amidst the famous miracle of feeding the five thousand. This verse explains why Jesus asked Philip a seemingly practical question about buying bread to feed the vast multitude, revealing that His inquiry was not born of uncertainty but of a deeper, divine intent.

Context

This verse is found at the beginning of the narrative detailing Jesus' miraculous feeding of over five thousand men, plus women and children, in a desolate place (John 6:1-14). Jesus, seeing the large crowd, turns to His disciple Philip and asks, "Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" (John 6:5). John 6:6 immediately clarifies Jesus' motivation for asking this question, setting the stage for one of His most profound demonstrations of divine power and compassion.

Key Themes

  • Divine Omniscience: The phrase "for he himself knew what he would do" powerfully affirms Jesus' foreknowledge and divine nature. He was not brainstorming solutions; He already had a plan in mind, a miraculous one. This highlights His complete awareness and sovereign control over all situations, including the seemingly impossible.
  • Testing of Faith: Jesus' question was intended "to prove him" (Philip). This was a test, not to discover Philip's limitations, but to reveal them to Philip himself and to the other disciples. It served to stretch their understanding of what was possible with God and to prepare them for greater acts of faith. Such tests are common in biblical narratives, designed to strengthen belief and reliance on God's power rather than human ability.
  • Sovereignty and Provision: Despite the overwhelming human need and the disciples' inability to meet it, Jesus remained in control. His knowledge of what He "would do" underscores His ultimate sovereignty and ability to provide abundantly, even when resources are scarce or non-existent in human terms. This foreshadows His greater provision for spiritual hunger.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "to prove" is peirazō (πειράζω). While this word can also mean "to tempt" (as in tempting to evil), in this context, it unequivocally signifies "to test," "to try," or "to ascertain." Jesus' intent was not malicious but pedagogical—to examine Philip's faith and understanding, and to demonstrate His own power to the disciples.

Practical Application

John 6:6 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Plan: When we face overwhelming circumstances or seemingly insurmountable problems, this verse reminds us that God already knows the solution. Like Philip, we may not see a way, but God always has a plan and the power to execute it. We are called to trust in His unfailing provision.
  • Growth Through Testing: God often allows us to encounter situations that stretch our faith, not to break us, but to build us up. These "tests" are opportunities for us to see His power at work and to deepen our reliance on Him, much like the disciples needed to understand Jesus' power before His resurrection.
  • Jesus' Omniscience is Our Assurance: The fact that Jesus "knew what he would do" provides immense assurance. He is never caught off guard, and His wisdom and power are always sufficient for our needs. This divine foreknowledge underpins His ability to be our faithful Shepherd and Provider, as demonstrated throughout the Gospels, such as when He knew what was in man.
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.

  • Genesis 22:1

    ¶ And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am].

  • Deuteronomy 13:3

    Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

  • 2 Chronicles 32:31

    Howbeit in [the business of] the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was [done] in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all [that was] in his heart.

  • Deuteronomy 8:16

    Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;

  • Deuteronomy 33:8

    ¶ And of Levi he said, [Let] thy Thummim and thy Urim [be] with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, [and with] whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;

  • Deuteronomy 8:2

    And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

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