John 6:4

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John 6:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now the Jewish Feast of the Passover was near.

King James Version KJV

And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

American Standard Version ASV

Now the passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near.

Free Bible Version FBV

The time for the Jewish festival of the Passover was approaching.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Now the Passeouer, a feast of the Iewes, was neere.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the passover was nigh, the feast of the Jews.

World English Bible WEB

Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now the pasch, the festival day of the Jews, was near at hand.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then he looked up and saw a great crowd of people coming toward him.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — John 6:4

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

John 6:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ην δε εγγυς το πασχα η εορτη των ιουδαιων

ην eimi G1510 to be Verb-IAI-3S

δε de G1161 then Conj

εγγυς engus G1451 near Adv

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSN

πασχα pascha G3957 Passover lamb ARAM

η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF

εορτη heortē G1859 festival Noun-NSF

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM

ιουδαιων Ioudaios G2453 Jew Adj-GPM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — John 6:4

ην eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-IAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

εγγυς engus G1451 "near" Adv

Near or close to something, whether it's a place or a time, as in Jesus being near to those who need Him

Definition: ἐγγύς, adv., [in LXX chiefly for קָרוֹב ;] near; __1. of place: Jhn.19:20, 42; as prep. with genitive (M, Pr., 99), Luk.19:11, Jhn.3:23 6:19, 23 11:18, 54, Act.1:12; with dative, Act.9:38 27:8; superl., ἔγγιστα, Mrk.6:36, WH, mg.; metaphorically, ֹοἱ ἐ., opposite to οἱ μακράν, Eph.2:17; ἐ. γίνεσθαι, Eph.2:13; ἐ. σου τὸ ῥῆμα, Rom.10:8 (LXX). __2. Of time: Mat.24:32 26:18, Mrk.13:28, 29 Luk.21:30, 31 Jhn.2:13 6:4 7:2 11:55, Rev.1:3 22:10; ὁ κύριος ἐ., Php.4:5; before ἐπὶ θύραις, Mat.24:33; compar., ἐγγύτερον (neut. of adj. -ος, used adverbially), Rom.13:11 (cf. R, txt.); as prep. with genitive, ἐ. κατάρας, Heb.6:8; ἀφανισμοῦ, Heb.8:13 (cf. Cremer, 223).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 30 NT verses. KJV: from , at hand, near, nigh (at hand, unto), ready See also: Acts 1:12; John 11:55; Hebrews 6:8.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πασχα pascha G3957 "Passover lamb" ARAM

The Passover refers to the Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt, as seen in Matthew 26:2 and John 2:13. It involves a special meal and sacrifices. The term is also used to describe the paschal lamb and the paschal supper.

Definition: πάσχα, τό indecl. (Aram. טַּסְחָא), [in LXX for פֶּסַח ;] __1. the festival of the Passover: Mat.26:2, Mrk.14:1, Luk.22:1, Jhn.2:13, 23 6:4 11:55 12:1 18:39 19:14, Act.12:4, Heb.11:28; .ἡ ἐορτὴ τοῦ π., Luk.2:41, Jhn.13:1. __2. By meton., __(a) the paschal supper: ἑτοιμάζειν τὸ π., Mat.26:19, Mrk.14:16, Luk.22:8, 13; ποιεῖν τό π., Mat.26:18; __(b) the pasohal lamb: θύειν τό π. (Exo.12:21), Mrk.14:12, Luk.22:7; of Christ, 1Co.5:7; φαγεῖν τὸ π. (lamb or supper), Mat.26:17, Mrk.14:12, 14, Luk.22:11, 15, Jhn.18:28 (cf. 2Ch.30:17).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 27 NT verses. KJV: Easter, Passover See also: 1 Corinthians 5:7; Luke 22:1; Hebrews 11:28.

η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

εορτη heortē G1859 "festival" Noun-NSF

A festival is a special celebration, like a holiday. In the Bible, it refers to Jewish festivals like Passover. Jesus attended these festivals, as seen in Luke 2:42 and John 7:37.

Definition: ἑορτή, -ῆς, ἡ [in LXX for חַג (chiefly), מוֹעֵד ;] a feast, festival: Luk.2:42, Jhn.5:1, Jhn.6:4 Jhn.7:37, Col.2:10; ἡ ἑ. τοῦ πάσχα, Luk.2:41, Jhn.13:1; τ. ἀζύμων, Luk.22:1; ἡ σκηνοπηγία, Jhn.7:2 (Deiss., LAE, 116); ἐν τ. ἑ., Mat.26:5, Mrk.14:2, Jhn.4:45 7:11 12:20 (εἶναι ἐν ἑ.), Jhn.2:23; εἰς τ. ἑ. (for the feast), Jhn.13:29; ἀναβαίνειν, ἔρχεσθαι εἰς τ. ἑ., Jhn.4:45 7:8-10 11:56 12:12; τῆς ἐ μεσούσης, Jhn.7:14; κατὰ ἑ. (at each feast), Mat.27:15, Mrk.15:6, Luk.23:17, R, mg.; τ. ἑ. ποιεῖν, Act.18:21; κατὰ τὸ ἔθος τῆς ἑ., Luk.2:42.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: feast, holyday See also: Acts 18:21; John 11:56; Matthew 27:15.

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ιουδαιων Ioudaios G2453 "Jew" Adj-GPM

This word means a person from Judah or a Jew, used in Acts 10:28 and John 4:9 to describe people of Jewish descent. It is also used to describe the land of Judah, as in Matthew 2:6.

Definition: Ἰουδαῖος, -αία, -αῖον (Ἰούδας), Jewish: ἀνήρ, Act.10:28 22:3; ἄνθρωπος, Act.21:39; ψευδοπροφήτης, 13:6; ἀσχιερεύς, 19:14; γυνή, 16:1 24:24; γῆ, Jhn.3:22; χώρα, Mrk.1:5. Substantively, __(a) Ἰουδαῖος, ὁ, a Jew: Jhn.4:9, Act.18:24, Rom.2:28; pl., Rev.2:9 3:9; οἱ Ἰ., Mat.2:2, Mrk.7:3, Jhn.2:6, al.; Ἰ. τε καὶ Ἕλληνες, Act.14:1, al.; κ. προσήλυτοι, Act.2:10; ἔθνη τε κ. Ἰ., Act.14:5; οἱ κατὰ τὰ ἔθνη, Act.21:21; of Jewish Christians, Gal.2:13; of the ruling class who opposed Jesus, Jhn.1:19 2:18 5:10 11:8 13:33, al.; __(b) Ἰουδαία, -ας, ἡ (sc. γῆ, χώρα, cf. Jhn.3:22, Mrk.1:5), (Heb. יְהוּדָה), Judæa: Mat.2:1, Luk.1:5, Jhn.4:3, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 188 NT verses. KJV: Jew(-ess), of Judæa See also: 1 Corinthians 1:22; John 2:13; Revelation 2:9.

Study Notes — John 6:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
John 6:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on John 6:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 6:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 6:4
Trapp's Commentary on John 6:4
Ellicott's Commentary on John 6:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 6:4
Cambridge Bible on John 6:4
Barnes' Notes on John 6:4
Whedon's Commentary on John 6:4
Sermons on John 6:4

Context — The Feeding of the Five Thousand

2A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick. 3Then Jesus went up on the mountain and sat down with His disciples.

4Now the Jewish Feast of the Passover was near.

5When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	John 2:13	When the Jewish Passover was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2	John 11:55	Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many people went up from the country to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover.
3	John 5:1	Some time later there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
4	Deuteronomy 16:1	Observe the month of Abib and celebrate the Passover to the LORD your God, because in the month of Abib the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night.
5	Exodus 12:6–14	You must keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight. They are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. They are to eat the meat that night, roasted over the fire, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of the meat raw or cooked in boiling water, but only roasted over the fire—its head and legs and inner parts. Do not leave any of it until morning; before the morning you must burn up any part that is left over. This is how you are to eat it: You must be fully dressed for travel, with your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. You are to eat in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover. On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. And this day will be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD, as a permanent statute for the generations to come.
6	John 12:1	Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.
7	John 13:1	It was now just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end.
8	Leviticus 23:7	On the first day you are to hold a sacred assembly; you are not to do any regular work.
9	Leviticus 23:5	The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month.

John 6:4 Summary

[This verse tells us that the Jewish Feast of the Passover was near, which was a very important holiday for the Jewish people. The Passover commemorated the time when God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as described in Exodus 12:1-30. As we read about Jesus' life and ministry, it's helpful to remember the context of the Jewish calendar and traditions, which are referenced in Luke 2:41-52 and Matthew 17:24-27. By understanding these events, we can gain a deeper appreciation for Jesus' teachings and actions, and how they point to His love and redemption for all people.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Jewish Feast of the Passover in the Bible?

The Passover is a significant event in the Bible, commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, as described in Exodus 12:1-30 and Leviticus 23:5. In John 6:4, the nearness of the Passover feast sets the stage for Jesus' miraculous feeding of the crowd.

Why does the verse mention the Jewish Feast of the Passover specifically?

The mention of the Passover feast serves as a temporal marker, indicating the time of year and the proximity of a major Jewish holiday, which would have drawn large crowds to the area, as seen in John 6:2 and John 6:5.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

John 6:4 provides context for the events that follow, including Jesus' feeding of the crowd and His subsequent dialogue with the disciples, highlighting His divine power and provision, as seen in Matthew 14:13-21 and Mark 6:30-44.

What can we learn about Jesus' ministry from this verse?

This verse shows that Jesus' ministry was closely tied to the Jewish calendar and traditions, and that He often used these events as opportunities to teach and demonstrate His power, as seen in Luke 2:41-52 and Matthew 17:24-27.

Reflection Questions

How can I, like Jesus, use significant events and holidays to share the message of God's love and redemption with others?
What are some ways that I can prepare my heart and mind to celebrate significant events in my life, such as Easter or Christmas, in a way that honors God?
How can I, like the crowds in John 6:2, follow Jesus and seek to learn from Him, even in the midst of large and chaotic events?
What are some ways that I can trust in God's provision, as seen in Jesus' feeding of the crowd, during times of uncertainty or need in my life?

Gill's Exposition on John 6:4

And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. This was the third passover, since our Lord's baptism, and entrance on his public ministry; see John 2:13.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 6:4

After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. For the exposition, see the notes at Mark 6:30-56.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 6:4

See Poole on ""

Trapp's Commentary on John 6:4

4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. Ver. 4. And the passover] The third passover (likely) after his baptism. And this might occasion him to speak of the spiritual eating of himself, the true Paschal Lamb: for even "Christ our passover was sacrificed for us," 1 Corinthians 5:7.

Ellicott's Commentary on John 6:4

(4) A feast.—Better, the feast. Comp. John 5:1. This is added by St. John only, and is not simply a note of time, but gives a key of interpretation to the sign itself, and to the discourse which followed.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 6:4

Verse 4. And the passover - was nigh.] This happened about ten or twelve days before the third passover which Christ celebrated after his baptism. Calmet. For a particular account of our Lord's four passovers See Clarke on John 2:13. For thirty days before the Passover there were great preparations made by the Jews, but especially in the last nineteen days, in order to celebrate the feast with due solemnity. Lightfoot supposes that what is here related happened within the last fifteen days. See Calmet's opinion above.

Cambridge Bible on John 6:4

4. And the Passover] Better, Now the Passover.a feast of the Jews] Rather, the feast of the Jews. Possibly this near approach of the Passover is given merely as a date to mark the time. As already noticed (see on John 2:13), S. John groups his narrative round the Jewish festivals. But the statement may also be made as a further explanation of the multitude. Just before the Passover large bands of pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem would be passing along the east shore of the lake. But we find that the multitude in this case are quite ready (John 6:24) to cross over to Capernaum, as if they had no intention of going to Jerusalem; so that this interpretation of the verse is uncertain. Still more doubtful is the theory that this verse gives a key of interpretation to the discourse which follows, the eating of Christ’s flesh and blood being the antitype of the Passover. Of this there is no indication whatever. It is safest to regard the verse as a mere note to time. In any case the addition of ‘the feast of the Jews’ again indicates that the author is writing away from Palestine. From John 7:1 it would seem that Jesus did not go up to Jerusalem for this Passover

Barnes' Notes on John 6:4

The passover - See the notes at Matthew 26:2, Matthew 26:17. A feast of the Jews - This is one of the circumstances of explanation thrown in by John which show that he wrote for those who were unacquainted with Jewish customs.

Whedon's Commentary on John 6:4

4. The passover—A caravan on its way to the Passover may have furnished a large part of the concourse. These may have been specially taken with the idea of crowning Jesus as King Messiah, and bearing him in triumph to Jerusalem.

Sermons on John 6:4

	Sermon	Description
	Unsearchable Riches of Christ - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the significance of the Lord's Table and the act of breaking bread. He references passages from the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of John to
	John 6:1-7 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of not contending with violent individuals but rather yielding to their evil counsel to diminish their hostility. He emphasizes Jesus' st
	Anahiem Talk on Revival by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a three-fold vision. He shares a story about a Welshman named Stephen Jeffries who was able to elicit a response fro
	The Aroma of Prayer by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and its transformative power in people's lives. He shares his personal journey of learning about prayer and witnessi
	Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Jesus overturning tables in the temple. He emphasizes the importance of not only doing God's work, but also doing it in the rig
	(Europe 2008) Session 2 - Cleansing the Temple by B.H. Clendennen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of cleansing in the house of God. He draws a parallel between Jesus cleansing the temple at the beginning and end of his mini
	A Call for Intercessors by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging that all our learning is meaningless without God's guidance. He prays for God to touch his physical body, mind, and the hearts