Charles Ellicott Commentary John 6:17

"and they entered into a boat, and were going over the sea unto Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them." — John 6:17 (ASV)

For “a ship,” the received text has, with some of the best manuscripts, the ship—i.e., the ship in which they first crossed. For “went over the sea,” read were going over the sea. The voyage is described as still continuing.

Toward Capernaum.—St. Matthew speaks more generally of the other (i.e., the western) side. St. Mark of Bethsaida, which was distinct from Bethsaida Julias, which was on the east of the lake. (Compare the note on Luke 9:10.) For an account of Capernaum, see Matthew 4:13, and, from this Gospel, John 6:59.