Charles Ellicott Commentary John 6:23

"(howbeit there came boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks):" — John 6:23 (ASV)

Howbeit there came other boats.—This is a parenthesis to explain the fact that while on the previous evening they saw only one boat, there were now several. The multitude came in part from the west of the lake, and the boats crossed over in the morning for them. It is possible that a harbour or centre of merchandise is pointed out by “nigh unto the place.”

The Lord had given thanks.—This act had impressed itself upon the writer. Because the Lord had blessed the bread, it was for this reason that the multitude had something from which to eat.