(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

JOHN 6:23KJV
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John 6:23 (KJV)

What does John 6:23 mean?

John 6:23 notes that other boats arrived from Tiberias near the place where people had eaten bread after Jesus had given thanks. This detail sets the scene for the crowd’s search for Jesus following the miraculous feeding.

John, the writer, is describing the aftermath of Jesus feeding the five thousand. The verse points out that boats from Tiberias came close to the spot where Jesus had performed the miracle of multiplying bread, emphasizing the location and timing—after Jesus had given thanks for the food. This helps explain how more people could gather and why the crowd was able to continue following Jesus.

The Greek behind John 6:23

  • "Thanks" (εὐχαριστήσας, eucharistēsas): This Greek word means "to give thanks." John highlights that Jesus gave thanks before distributing the bread, which was a significant act showing gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s provision.
  • "Boats" (πλοιάρια, ploaria): The word refers to small boats, not large ships. The arrival of several small boats from Tiberias explains how the crowd could increase and move around the lake.
  • "Tiberias" (Τιβεριάδος, Tiberiados): This was a city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Mentioning Tiberias roots the story in a real, known location, adding historical detail.

Why John 6:23 matters

  • John 6:23 clarifies how the crowd was able to regroup and continue searching for Jesus, even after He had crossed the sea.
  • The verse highlights the importance John places on Jesus giving thanks before the miracle, which connects to themes of gratitude and divine provision in the wider passage.
  • By mentioning Tiberias and the boats, John grounds the story in a specific place and time, making the account more vivid and historically anchored for readers.

Where else these words appear

“Tiberias” Greek G5085 · used in 3 verses

  • John 6:1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
  • John 21:1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

“boats” Greek G4142 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 3:9 And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
  • Mark 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
  • John 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;

“nigh” Greek G1451 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
  • Acts 9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

“thanks” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
  • Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;