Bible Strands
John 6:26
Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it is not because you saw these signs that you are looking for Me, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the crowd that crossed the sea to find him the day after the feeding (v. 25), and he names their real motive before they have stated it.
The words — ἀμὴν (amēn), "Amen," is doubled, the formula Jesus uses to mark a solemn, weight-bearing declaration rather than a passing remark.
The thread — The same diagnosis of self-serving motive appears in Philippians 3:19 (minds set on earthly things), James 4:3 (asking with wrong motives for pleasure), and Philippians 2:21 (looking after their own interests, not Christ's).
Why it lands — It forces the question: are you seeking Jesus for what he can give you, or for who he is? The verse does not invite a comfortable answer.
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
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
Cross-references
- Philippians 3:19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.
- James 4:3 And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.
- Philippians 2:21 For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
- Ezekiel 33:31 So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.
- Acts 8:18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.
- 1 Timothy 6:5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.
- Romans 16:18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
- Psalms 106:12 Then they believed His promises and sang His praise.
- John 6:2 A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick.
- Psalms 78:37 Their hearts were disloyal to Him, and they were unfaithful to His covenant.