New Testament
John 6:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, so the men sat down, about five thousand in number.
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And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
What John 6:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples to have the people sit down, indicating His authority and care for the crowd. The setting is described as having plenty of grass, which suggests a comfortable environment for the gathering. The mention of 'about five thousand' men highlights the large number of people present, emphasizing the significance of the miracle that is about to take place. This moment sets the stage for the feeding of the five thousand, showcasing Jesus' compassion and ability to provide for the needs of the people. The act of sitting down also symbolizes readiness to receive what Jesus is about to offer, both physically and spiritually. This scene illustrates the importance of community and the gathering of people around Jesus, who is the source of sustenance and hope. It reflects the idea that Jesus cares for both the physical and spiritual needs of individuals, inviting them to partake in His blessings.
How to apply John 6:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of gathering together in community, especially in times of need. It reminds us that Jesus cares for our physical and spiritual well-being. We can apply this by being attentive to the needs of those around us and inviting them to experience the blessings that come from following Christ.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Feeding the Five Thousand (John 6:1–14)
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Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 6:10 mean?
John 6:10 describes Jesus instructing His disciples to have the crowd sit down before performing a miracle. This shows His authority and care for the people, setting the stage for the feeding of the five thousand.
What is the significance of the number five thousand in John 6:10?
The mention of 'about five thousand' men highlights the large crowd present, emphasizing the magnitude of the miracle Jesus is about to perform. It illustrates His ability to provide for many people at once.
Why does Jesus ask the people to sit down in John 6:10?
Jesus asks the people to sit down to create an organized setting for the miracle of feeding them. This act symbolizes readiness to receive His provision and care.
What does the grass symbolize in John 6:10?
The presence of plenty of grass suggests a comfortable environment for the gathering, indicating that Jesus cares for the physical comfort of the people as well as their spiritual needs.
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