John 6:6

6 But he said this thing, tempting him; for he knew what he was to do.

John 6:6 Meaning and Commentary

John 6:6

And this he said to prove him
Or "tempting him", trying his faith, and not only his, but the rest of the disciples; not as ignorant of it himself, but in order to discover it to him and them, and to prepare them for the following miracle; and that it might appear the more illustrious and marvellous:

for he himself knew what he would do;
Christ had determined to work a miracle, and feed the large number of people that were with him, with that small provision they had among them; and being God omniscient, he knew that he was able to do it, and that he was determined to do it, and it would be done; but he was willing first to try the faith of his apostles.

John 6:6 In-Context

4 And the pask was full nigh, a feast day of the Jews.

5 Therefore when Jesus had lifted up his eyes, and had seen, that a great multitude came to him, he saith to Philip, Whereof shall we buy loaves, that these men eat?

6 But he said this thing, tempting him; for he knew what he was to do.

7 Philip answered to him, The loaves of two hundred pence suffice not to them, that each man take a little what.

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to him,