BibleWord.ai› Bible› John› Chapter 6› Verse 15

John 6:15

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 6:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone.
John 6:15 — American Standard Version

Context — John 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost.
13So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which remained over unto them that had eaten.
14When therefore the people saw the sign which he did, they said, This is of a truth the prophet that cometh into the world.
15Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone.
16And when evening came, his disciples went down unto the sea;
17and they entered into a boat, and were going over the sea unto Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.
18And the sea was rising by reason of a great wind that blew.
← John 6:14John 6:16 →
← Full Chapter 6 John Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“When Jesus therefore perceived, etc.] As being the omniscient God, who knew their hearts, and the secret thoughts and purposes of them; or, as man, understood by their words and gestures: that they would come and take him by force, and make him a king; that they had “determined”, as the Arabic version renders it; or “had it in their mind”, as the Persic; to gather about him as one man, and seize him in a violent manner, whether he would or not; and proclaim him the King Messiah; place him at the head of them, to deliver the nation from the Roman yoke, and set up a temporal kingdom, in which they might hope for great secular advantages: and they might the rather be induced to take such a…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“departed . . . to a mountain himself alone--(1) to rest, which He came to this "desert place" on purpose to do before the miracle of the loaves, but could not for the multitude that followed Him (see Mar 6:31); and (2) "to pray" (Mat 14:23; Mar 6:46). But from His mountain-top He kept watching the ship (see on Joh 6:18), and doubtless prayed both for them, and with a view to the new manifestation which He was to give them of His glory.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“When Jesus perceived ... - They were satisfied by the miracle that he was the Messiah. They supposed that the Messiah was to be a temporal prince. They saw that Jesus was retiring, unambitious, and indisposed to assume the ensigns of office. They thought, therefore, that they would proclaim him as the long-expected king, and constrain him to assume the character and titles of an earthly prince. Men often attempt to dictate to God, and suppose that they understand what is right better than he does. They are fond of pomp and power, but Jesus sought retirement, and evinced profound humility. Though he had claims to the honor and gratitude of the nation, yet he sought it not in this way; nor did…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He retired to the mountain alone - Having ordered his disciples to cross over the lake. John 6:16”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:15 The people were ready to force Jesus to become their king. To avoid this role, Jesus fled the crowd and commanded his disciples to go back across the lake (Mark 6:45-46).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“perceived: Joh 2:24, Joh 2:25; Heb 4:13 take: Joh 7:3, Joh 7:4, Joh 12:12, Joh 12:13; Mar 11:9; Luk 19:38 he departed: Joh 5:41, Joh 18:36; Mat 14:22; Mar 6:46-52 John 6:17”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read John 6 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification