New Testament
John 6:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get even a little."
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Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
What John 6:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Philip responds to Jesus' question about feeding a large crowd. He estimates that even 200 denarii, which is a significant amount of money, would not be enough to buy enough bread for everyone to have even a small piece. This highlights the overwhelming challenge of feeding thousands of people with limited resources. Philip's answer reflects a practical and realistic viewpoint, showing his concern for the logistics of the situation. It also reveals a lack of faith in Jesus' ability to provide for the needs of the people. This moment sets the stage for the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus demonstrates His power to provide abundantly, even when the situation seems impossible. Philip's response serves as a reminder of how we often focus on our limitations rather than trusting in God's provision and capabilities.
How to apply John 6:7 to your life
When faced with overwhelming challenges, we may feel like we lack the resources to make a difference. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to provide, even when our circumstances seem impossible. Instead of focusing on our limitations, we should look to God for solutions and support.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Feeding the Five Thousand (John 6:1–14)
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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 6:7 mean?
In John 6:7, Philip responds to Jesus about feeding a large crowd, stating that even 200 denarii would not be enough for everyone to have a little bread. This highlights the challenge of providing for many with limited resources and reflects Philip's practical concerns.
What is the significance of Philip's response in John 6:7?
Philip's response in John 6:7 shows his focus on the limitations of their resources rather than on Jesus' ability to provide. It sets the stage for the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, emphasizing the theme of faith in God's provision.
What does 'two hundred denarii' refer to in John 6:7?
In John 6:7, 'two hundred denarii' refers to a significant amount of money, equivalent to about eight months' wages for a laborer. Philip uses this figure to illustrate that even a large sum would not suffice to feed the crowd.
What lesson can we learn from John 6:7?
John 6:7 teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's provision, especially when faced with overwhelming challenges. It encourages us to look beyond our limitations and believe in the possibilities that faith can bring.
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