A.T. Robertson Commentary John 6

After these things (μετα ταυτα). A common, but indefinite, note of time in John (3:22; 5:1; 6:1; 7:1). The phrase does not mean immediate sequence of events. As a matter of fact, a whole year may intervene between the events of chapter 5 in Jerusalem and those in chapter 6 in Galilee. There is no sufficient reason for believing that chapter 6 originally preceded chapter 5. The feeding of the five thousand is the only event before the last visit to Jerusalem recorded in all Four Gospels (Matthew 14:13–21; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–13). The disciples have returned from the tour of Galilee and report to Jesus. It was the passover time (John 6:4) just a year before the end.

To the other side of the Sea of Galilee (περαν της θαλασσης της Γαλιλαιας). The name given in Mark and Matthew. It is called Gennesaret in Lu 5:1 and "Sea of Tiberias" in Joh 21:1. Here "of Tiberias" (της Τιβεριαδος) is added as further description. Herod Antipas A.D. 22 built Tiberias to the west of the Sea of Galilee and made it his capital. See verse 23 for this city. Luke (Luke 9:10) explains that it was the eastern Bethsaida (Julias) to which Jesus took the disciples, not the western Bethsaida of Mr 6:45 in Galilee.

Followed (ηκολουθε). Descriptive imperfect active, picturing the crowd, but without the details of the boat for Christ and the rapid race of the crowd on foot (Mr 6:32f.; Matthew 14:13f.).

They beheld (εθεωρουν). Imperfect active of θεωρεω. They had been beholding the signs which Jesus had been doing (εποιε, imperfect again) for a long time (2:23), most of which John has not given (Mr 1:29f.; 2:1; 3:1; 6:5). The people were eager to hear Jesus again (Luke 9:11) and to get the benefit of his healing power "on them that were sick" (επ των ασθενουντων, the weak or feeble, without strength, α privative and σθενος, strength).

Into the mountain (εις το ορος). From the level of the Jordan valley up into the high hill on the eastern side. Mark and Matthew (Matthew 14:23) mention that after the miracle Jesus went further up into the mountain to pray.

Sat (εκαθητο). Imperfect middle of καθημα, was sitting, a picture of repose.

The feast of the Jews (η εορτη των Ιουδαιων). Here used of the passover (το πασχα) as in 7:2 of the tabernacles. This is probably the third passover in Christ's ministry (2:13 and one unmentioned unless 5:1 be it). In 2:13, here, and 11:55 (the last one) the adverb εγγυς (near) is used. John is fond of notes of time. Jesus failed to go to this passover because of the hostility in Jerusalem (7:1).

Lifting up his eyes (επαρας τους οφθαλμους). First aorist active participle of επαιρω. See the same phrase in 4:35 where it is also followed by θεαομα; 11:41; 17:1; Luke 6:20. Here it is particularly expressive as Jesus looked down from the mountain on the approaching multitude.

Cometh unto him (ερχετα προς αυτον). Present middle indicative, "is coming to him." The same οχλος πολυς (here πολυς οχλος) of verse 2 that had followed Jesus around the head of the lake.

Whence are we to buy? (Ποθεν αγορασωμεν; ). Deliberative subjunctive (aorist active). John passes by the earlier teaching and healing of the Synoptics (Mr 6:34f.; Matthew 14:14f.; Luke 9:11f.) till mid-afternoon. In John also Jesus takes up the matter of feeding the multitude with Philip (from the other Bethsaida, 1:44) whereas in the Synoptics the disciples raise the problem with Jesus. So the disciples raise the problem in the feeding of the four thousand (Matthew 15:33). See Nu 11:13-22 (about Moses) and 2 Kings 4:42f. (about Elisha).

Bread (αρτους). "Loaves" (plural) as in Mt 4:3.

That these may eat (ινα φαγωσιν ουτο). Purpose clause with ινα and the second aorist active subjunctive of εσθιω (defective verb).