John 6:16

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 6:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when evening came, his disciples went down unto the sea;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when evening came, his disciples went down unto the sea;
John 6:16 — American Standard Version

Context — John 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16And when evening came, his disciples went down unto the sea;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when even was [now] come, etc.] The last of the evenings, when night was coming on; for the first of the evenings took place before they sat down to eat, when the above miracle was wrought; (see <401415> Matthew 14:15,23). His disciples went down unto the sea; of Galilee, or Tiberias, to the sea side; and this was by the order, and even constraint of Christ, who would have them go before him, that he might be clear of the multitude, and have an opportunity for solitary prayer, (see Gill on “<401422>Matthew 14:22”) (see Gill on “<410645>Mark 6:45”).”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“when even was come--(See on Mar 6:35). entered into a ship--"constrained" to do so by their Master (Mat 14:22; Mar 6:45), in order to put an end to the misdirected excitement in His favor (Joh 6:15), into which the disciples themselves may have been somewhat drawn. The word "constrained" implies reluctance on their part, perhaps from unwillingness to part with their Master and embark at night, leaving Him alone on the mountain. went--rather, "were proceeding." toward Capernaum--Mark says (Mar 6:45), "unto Bethsaida," meaning "Bethsaida of Galilee" (Joh 12:21), on the west side of the lake. The place they left was of the same name (see on Mar 6:32). Jesus was not come to them--They probably…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this miracle of walking on the sea explained in the notes at Matthew 14:22-33. Compare Mark 6:45-52. John 6:21 Immediately - Quickly. Before a long time. How far they were from the land we know not, but there is no evidence that there was a miracle in the case. The word translated “immediately” does not of necessity imply that there was no interval of time, but that there was not a long interval. Thus, in Matthew 13:5, in the parable of the sower, “and immediately (the same word in Greek) they sprung up,” etc., Mark 4:17; Matthew 24:29; 3 John 1:14. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Mat 14:22; Mar 6:45. John 6:22”
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Sources and verification