John 6:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 6:6 provides a profound interpretive key to Jesus' preceding question to Philip about feeding the multitude, revealing that Jesus' inquiry was not an expression of uncertainty or a search for solutions, but a deliberate act designed to test His disciple's faith and to unveil His own divine foreknowledge and sovereign power in the impending miracle of the loaves and fish. This verse underscores Jesus' complete control and predetermined plan, even in the face of overwhelming human need.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the very outset of the narrative detailing Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand, immediately following Jesus' direct question to Philip in [John 6:5](/john/6-5 "John 6:5 - Jesus' Question to Philip"). The preceding verses ([John 6:1-4](/john/6-1-4 "John 6:1-4 - Setting the Scene for the Miracle")) establish the setting—Jesus crossing the Sea of Galilee, a large crowd following Him, and the Passover festival being near. Jesus, seeing the vast crowd, initiates the conversation with Philip, setting up the divine test and the subsequent demonstration of power. John 6:6 acts as an authorial aside, providing the reader with privileged insight into Jesus' internal disposition and purpose, explaining *why* Jesus asked the question, thereby framing the entire miracle not as an improvisation, but as a pre-ordained act of divine provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place in a "desert place" or "mountain" near the Sea of Galilee, a common setting for Jesus' ministry, often chosen for its solitude, yet frequently interrupted by large crowds seeking healing and teaching. The mention of the Passover being "nigh" ([John 6:4](/john/6-4 "John 6:4 - Passover Approaching")) is significant, as Passover celebrates God's miraculous deliverance and provision for Israel in the wilderness, themes that resonate deeply with Jesus' impending act of feeding. The large crowd, estimated at "about five thousand men, besides women and children" ([Matthew 14:21](/matthew/14-21 "Matthew 14:21 - The Number Fed")), highlights the immense logistical and financial challenge of feeding such a multitude in an unpopulated area, emphasizing the human impossibility of the situation and thus magnifying the divine nature of the solution Jesus was about to provide.
* **Key Themes:** John 6:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' Divine Omniscience and Sovereignty**. The declaration "he himself knew what he would do" unequivocally asserts Jesus' foreknowledge, a hallmark of His divine nature, demonstrating that He is never caught off guard and operates from a position of perfect knowledge and control. This contrasts sharply with human limitations and uncertainty, a theme particularly evident in the disciples' responses throughout the [Gospel of John](/john/1 "The Gospel of John"). Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Testing and Discipleship**. Jesus' question to Philip was a test, designed not to gain information, but to reveal the disciples' limited faith and understanding, preparing them for a deeper revelation of His power. This pedagogical approach is consistent with Jesus' method of training His disciples, often challenging their assumptions to expand their spiritual horizons, as seen in other instances like [John 2:23-25](/john/2-23-25 "John 2:23-25 - Jesus' Knowledge of Humanity"). Finally, the verse subtly underpins the theme of **Divine Provision**, setting the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His ability to meet overwhelming human needs supernaturally, foreshadowing His greater provision as the "Bread of Life" in the subsequent discourse ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _légō_):** From G3004, meaning "to lay forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse))." Here, it implies a deliberate, purposeful utterance from Jesus, not a casual remark. His question to Philip was part of a larger, intentional plan, a "set discourse" in the unfolding divine narrative.
* **prove (Greek, _peirázō_):** From G3985, meaning "to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline." In this context, it clearly denotes a test or trial designed to examine Philip's understanding and faith, rather than to tempt him to evil. Jesus' aim was pedagogical, to reveal Philip's limitations to himself and to prepare him for a greater revelation of divine power.
* **knew (Greek, _eídō_):** From G1492, meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." This word emphasizes Jesus' perfect, inherent knowledge. It's not knowledge gained through observation or learning, but a deep, intuitive, and complete understanding of the situation and His own predetermined course of action. This underscores His divine omniscience.
* **would do (Greek, _méllō poiéō_):** Comprising G3195 (_méllō_), "to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something" and G4160 (_poiéō_), "to make or do (in a very wide application)." This phrase conveys Jesus' clear intention and readiness to act. He wasn't merely contemplating; He was on the verge of executing a pre-planned action, highlighting His purposeful will and sovereign agency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this he said to prove him":** This clause reveals Jesus' immediate motive for asking Philip about buying bread. His question was not born of ignorance or a need for advice, but was a deliberate test of Philip's faith and understanding. Jesus intended to expose Philip's human limitations in the face of an impossible situation, thereby preparing him and the other disciples for the miraculous display of divine power that was to follow. It was a pedagogical exercise, designed to stretch their faith.
* **"for he himself knew what he would do."**: This explanatory clause provides the ultimate theological insight into Jesus' character and purpose. It affirms His divine omniscience and sovereign control. Jesus already possessed full knowledge of the solution and the method by which He would provide for the multitude. This statement assures the reader that Jesus was never in doubt or at a loss; His actions were part of a predetermined, divine plan, showcasing His inherent power and wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Authorial Aside** is prominent, as the evangelist John steps in to provide the reader with privileged information about Jesus' inner thoughts and intentions, which the disciples, including Philip, were not privy to at the moment. This technique enhances the reader's understanding of Jesus' divine nature and purpose, creating a sense of dramatic irony where the reader knows more than the characters in the narrative. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Jesus' foreknowledge and deliberate testing of Philip anticipate the miraculous provision that is about to unfold, setting the stage for one of Jesus' most public displays of divine power. Finally, the verse highlights **Thematic Contrast** between human limitation and divine omnipotence; Philip's probable inability to conceive of a solution stands in stark contrast to Jesus' complete knowledge and sovereign capability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 6:6 profoundly emphasizes Jesus' divine attributes, particularly His omniscience and sovereignty. It reveals that Jesus operates not out of improvisation, but from a place of perfect knowledge and pre-ordained purpose. This foreknowledge is not passive but active, informing His interactions and guiding His demonstrations of power. The testing of Philip serves as a microcosm for God's dealings with humanity, often placing His people in situations that expose their limitations, only to reveal His boundless power and faithfulness. This divine strategy aims to deepen reliance on God rather than human ingenuity or resources, fostering a more profound faith.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalm/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knew Their Thoughts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 6:6 offers immense comfort and a powerful challenge for believers navigating life's uncertainties. When we face overwhelming circumstances—whether financial, relational, or spiritual—and feel utterly incapable of finding a solution, this verse reminds us that our Lord is never caught off guard. He already knows the "what He would do." Our "tests" are not meant to break us, but to build our faith, to reveal our need for Him, and to prepare us to witness His miraculous provision. Just as Philip was challenged to look beyond human limitations, we are called to trust in Jesus' perfect knowledge and power, even when the path forward is unclear to us. This trust liberates us from anxiety and empowers us to wait expectantly for God's intervention, knowing that His plans are always perfect and His resources limitless.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, much like Philip might have felt when asked to feed the multitude?**
* **How does knowing that Jesus "knew what he would do" in that situation encourage you to trust His plan for your own challenges, even when you don't see a way forward?**
* **Can you recall a time when God tested your faith, and how did that experience ultimately deepen your reliance on Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus ask Philip a question if He already knew the answer?**

Answer: Jesus' question to Philip in [John 6:5](/john/6-5 "John 6:5 - Jesus' Question to Philip") was not an inquiry for information, but a deliberate pedagogical tool. As [John 6:6](/john/6-6 "John 6:6 - Jesus Knew What He Would Do") explicitly states, "he himself knew what he would do." The purpose of the question was "to prove him," meaning to test or examine Philip's faith and understanding. Jesus intended to expose Philip's human limitations and inability to solve the massive logistical problem, thereby preparing him and the other disciples to witness a profound demonstration of divine power and provision. It was an opportunity for the disciples to learn to rely on Jesus' supernatural ability rather than their own finite resources.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 6:6, with its emphasis on Jesus' divine foreknowledge and sovereign intent, serves as a powerful Christ-centered declaration. Jesus, the pre-existent Word who was with God and was God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), embodies perfect wisdom and control. His knowing "what he would do" in the feeding of the five thousand foreshadows His ultimate, pre-ordained work of salvation. Just as He miraculously provided physical bread in the wilderness, He is the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) who provides eternal spiritual sustenance for a spiritually starving humanity. His testing of Philip mirrors God's sovereign plan to test humanity, revealing our sin and inadequacy, only for Christ to step in as the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the Father's will ([Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ Comes to Do God's Will")). The entire redemptive narrative, from creation to the cross and resurrection, is the "what he would do" of God, perfectly executed by Jesus, the Lamb "slain from the foundation of the world" ([Revelation 13:8](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - The Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World")). Thus, John 6:6 points us to a Christ who is not merely a miracle worker, but the omniscient and sovereign Lord, whose every action, including His suffering and death, was part of a divine plan to secure eternal life for those who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

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.