Bible Strands
John 6:11
Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus acts before a seated crowd of about five thousand men after ordering them to rest on the grass. He takes the available loaves and fish to address their hunger before the meal begins.
The words — εὐχαριστήσας (eucharistēsas) translates as "having given thanks," and ἔλαβεν (elaben) translates as "took." These verbs mark the sequence of Jesus receiving the food and offering gratitude prior to distribution.
The thread — The sequence of taking food and giving thanks appears in Matthew 15:36 and aligns with the instruction to give thanks in every circumstance in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. The event directly precedes the command to gather leftovers in John 6:12 and later draws boats from Tiberias in John 6:23.
Why it lands — The text records that provision follows explicit gratitude and measured distribution to those seated. It requires the reader to note that meeting physical need does not bypass thanksgiving or the practical collection of what remains.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
Cross-references
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
- John 6:23 However, some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.
- Matthew 15:36 Taking the seven loaves and the fish, He gave thanks and broke them. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.
- Luke 24:30 While He was reclining at the table with them, He took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them.
- Romans 14:6 He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.
- 1 Timothy 4:4 For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected,
- 1 Samuel 9:13 As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.”
- Acts 27:35 After he had said this, Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.