John 6 3

John 6:3 kjv

And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.

John 6:3 nkjv

And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.

John 6:3 niv

Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples.

John 6:3 esv

Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples.

John 6:3 nlt

Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him.

John 6 verses

John 6 3 Meaning

John 6:3 describes Jesus' deliberate action of ascending a mountain, where He then took a seated position alongside His disciples. This act signifies a move away from the multitudes and an intentional gathering with His inner circle. It sets the scene for both a teaching moment and a place of significant divine activity, distinguishing His personal instruction from His public ministry to the masses that soon would follow.

John 6 3 Context

John chapter 6 begins with Jesus ministering in Galilee near the Sea of Tiberias, where large crowds follow Him because of the signs He performed by healing the sick. Verse 3 immediately follows Jesus' awareness of this massive influx of people. The act of "going up into a mountain" is a deliberate movement by Jesus away from the immediate clamor of the multitude, suggesting a moment of withdrawal and a purposeful setting of the stage. Historically, mountains in biblical narrative often serve as places of divine revelation, spiritual retreat, prayer, and significant events, harking back to Mount Sinai. Culturally, taking a seated position was characteristic of a teacher (rabbi) preparing to give instruction. This verse, therefore, sets a distinct scene for an important teaching and miracle event (the feeding of the five thousand and the subsequent "Bread of Life" discourse), implying a period of preparation and specific interaction with His closest followers before addressing the masses. There are no direct polemics here, but the act of withdrawal can subtly differentiate Jesus' sovereign control over His ministry from the expectations of the crowd for a continuously accessible miracle-worker.

John 6 3 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A simple conjunction, but in this narrative flow, it signifies a direct consequence or next step after the observation of the great crowd. It transitions the scene to Jesus' purposeful action.
• Jesus (Ἰησοῦς - Iēsous): The central figure. His actions are always deliberate and significant within John's Gospel.
• went up (ἀνῆλθεν - anēlthen): Literally "went up," indicating an ascent. This is a common phrase for Jesus moving to a higher, often solitary or distinct, location. In Greek thought and biblical narrative, "going up" (especially a mountain) can symbolize moving from the mundane to a place closer to the divine, for revelation, prayer, or special instruction. It suggests intentionality and removal.
• into a mountain (εἰς τὸ ὄρος - eis to oros): "The mountain," or more accurately "the mountain-region/highland." The definite article "τὸ" (to) suggests a known or typical mountainous area rather than just any hill. Mountains are frequently depicted in Scripture as locations of divine encounter, covenant-making (Ex 19), profound teaching (Mt 5:1), and prayer (Mk 6:46). Its symbolism here sets a majestic, authoritative backdrop for the upcoming events.
• and there (κἀκεῖ - kakei): "And there," emphasizes the specific location and the activity that followed upon reaching it.
• he sat (ἐκάθητο - ekathēto): The imperfect tense implies an ongoing or settled action – "he was sitting" or "he habitually sat." This posture is universally recognized in Jewish and Hellenistic cultures as that of a teacher or master delivering instruction. It denotes authority and preparedness to speak, contrasting with the active "going up."
• with (μετὰ - meta): Implies companionship and intimacy. The disciples are not just near but are specifically with Jesus, sharing this moment and location.
• his disciples (τῶν μαθητῶν - tōn mathētōn): His closest followers, chosen to receive deeper understanding and privileged instruction. Their presence indicates that this specific moment is meant for them, distinct from the larger crowd below or approaching.

Word-groups analysis

• And Jesus went up into a mountain: This phrase highlights Jesus' purposeful action of seeking higher ground. This is not a random stroll but a strategic move that immediately brings to mind other mountain narratives where God or His messengers delivered important messages or performed miracles. It also suggests a physical separation from the bustling crowd below, an act of withdrawal.
• and there he sat: The change from ascending (action) to sitting (posture of rest and authority) is significant. It shows Jesus assuming the posture of a teacher, poised to deliver instruction, or of one exercising sovereign oversight over the ensuing events.
• with his disciples: This clarifies who specifically was invited into this intimate setting. While the crowds were seeking Him for healing and food, Jesus reserved this elevated, more intimate setting for His closest followers, preparing them for what was to come and likely engaging them in further teaching or contemplation.

John 6 3 Bonus section

The seemingly simple act of going up a mountain and sitting down with His disciples serves as a micro-setting for the unfolding drama of John 6. The contrast between Jesus' intimate group on the mountain and the vast crowd surging towards Him below highlights a recurrent theme in the Gospels: the distinction between those who truly "are with Him" and the superficial followers. Furthermore, the mountain top can be seen as a mini-Mount Sinai, a place for new covenant revelation, just as Moses received manna and the Law from the mountain. Here, Jesus, the Greater Moses, is poised to provide a different kind of manna – Himself as the Bread of Life. His act of sitting also projects an aura of composure and control amidst the potential chaos of the approaching multitude, affirming His sovereignty over the situation. This pause signifies not just a physical change of location, but a spiritual and didactic pivot in His ministry, designed to first anchor His disciples before the demanding challenge of ministering to the impatient crowds.

John 6 3 Commentary

John 6:3 is a concise but deeply significant verse. Jesus’ deliberate ascent into a mountain, a recurring motif in the Gospels, is an intentional act of withdrawal and a move to a place historically associated with divine revelation and power. His subsequent act of sitting, rather than standing or walking, signifies a change of pace—from action to instruction or sovereign oversight. This is the posture of a rabbi teaching, conveying authority and preparedness to impart truth. Critically, He is not alone; He is "with his disciples," underscoring the intimate nature of this moment, preparing His inner circle for the unfolding events. This setting serves as a theological stage: a new "Moses" on a new "Sinai," not merely to deliver laws but to offer the bread of life, first revealing Himself to those closest to Him before ministering to the broader populace. The mountain also implies separation, a quiet before the storm of thousands seeking physical sustenance and, unknowingly, the true Bread.