After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse notes that Jesus went "to the other side" of the Sea of Galilee, indicating a significant journey across the water. This wasn't just a casual stroll; it marked a transition from one region to another, setting the stage for the dramatic events that would unfold.
After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Jesus' interactions in Jerusalem, he withdraws to the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, a region near Bethsaida. This move is significant because it precedes the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, an event also recounted by other Gospel writers and directly leading into Jesus' discourse about being the Bread of Life. The timing is notably close to the Passover feast, highlighting the importance of the upcoming events.
Why did Jesus move to the other side of the sea right after a significant event?
Jesus' departure in John 6:1 isn't a random escape, but a strategic move. Following the healing and teachings described in John 5, Jesus intentionally moves across the Sea of Galilee. This action is noted by multiple commentators as a withdrawal to a more secluded area, likely near Bethsaida.
What drove the crowds to follow Jesus so relentlessly?
The narrative immediately shifts to a large crowd following Jesus. Their motivation, as described by commentators, is key to understanding the context:
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This highlights a common human tendency: to seek divine power and intervention primarily for personal needs and physical relief.
Understand the original words
Iēsous · Greek Noun
A title of divinity and humanity that expresses the central figure of the Gospels, meaning "The Lord is Salvation." It represents the historical person of Jesus Christ who provides redemption.
thalassa · Greek Noun
A term referring to the Sea of Gennesaret; a body of water in Israel central to Jesus' ministry, often symbolic of His authority over nature and the chaos of the world.
c. AD 27-29
Jesus begins public ministry
Following His baptism and temptation, Jesus begins His public ministry, calling disciples and performing miracles in Galilee.
c. AD 27-29
Herod Antipas builds Tiberias
Herod Antipas constructs the city of Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, naming it in honor of Emperor Tiberius. The city becomes a significant political and economic center.
c. AD 29
Death of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is beheaded by Herod Antipas. Jesus hears of this event and withdraws, seeking a quiet place.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus feeds the five thousand
Jesus, seeing the large crowd following Him, miraculously feeds over five thousand men with five loaves and two fish on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, near Bethsaida.
c. AD 29
Jesus walks on water
Later that same night, after the feeding miracle, Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee to His disciples, demonstrating His power over nature.
c. AD 29
Sermon on the Bread of Life
The following day, Jesus delivers a discourse on the spiritual significance of the feeding miracle, identifying Himself as the Bread of Life.
This passage describes the same event of Jesus going away to a desolate place, highlighting His desire for privacy after hearing of John the Baptist's death, which contextualizes His retreat in John 6:1.
Mark 6:30Mark also recounts the disciples returning to Jesus and His subsequent withdrawal to a desolate place, underscoring the popular demand for Jesus's ministry and His need for respite, as seen in John 6:1.
Luke 9:10Luke specifies that Jesus went to a place called Bethsaida after feeding the five thousand, providing a geographical detail that complements John's mention of the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
John 5:1The phrase 'After these things' in John 6:1 links back to the events described in John 5, specifically Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath in Jerusalem, showing a continuation of His ministry and movement after that event.
vincentJohn 6:1: "After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias."
The seaSee on Matthew 4:18.
barnesJohn 6:1: "After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias."
Jesus went over - Went to the east side of the sea. The place to which he went was Bethsaida, Luke 9:10 . The account of this miracle of feeding the five thousand is recorded also in Matthew 14:13-21 ; Mark 6:32-44 ; Luke 9:10-17 . John has added a few circumstances omitted by the other evangelists.
The verse notes that Jesus went "to the other side" of the Sea of Galilee, indicating a significant journey across the water. This wasn't just a casual stroll; it marked a transition from one region to another, setting the stage for the dramatic events that would unfold.
Following Jesus' interactions in Jerusalem, he withdraws to the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, a region near Bethsaida. This move is significant because it precedes the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, an event also recounted by other Gospel writers and directly leading into Jesus' discourse about being the Bread of Life. The timing is notably close to the Passover feast, highlighting the importance of the upcoming events.
Following Jesus' interactions in Jerusalem, he withdraws to the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, a region near Bethsaida. This move is significant because it precedes the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, an event also recounted by other Gospel writers and directly leading into Jesus' discourse about being the Bread of Life. The timing is notably close to the Passover feast, highlighting the importance of the upcoming events.
"After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias." — The verse notes that Jesus went "to the other side" of the Sea of Galilee, indicating a significant journey across the water. This wasn't just a casual stroll; it marked a transition from one region…
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Last reviewed October 2026