And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The crowd wasn't just curious; they were "seeing the signs" – a deliberate choice of words by John. This wasn't about Jesus' personality or teachings at this point, but the visible, tangible power of God at work, which drew them in seeking more of what He could do for them.
And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just crossed the Sea of Galilee, and a large crowd is already following him. Their interest isn't in his teachings but in the tangible "signs"—the healing miracles he's been performing on the sick, drawing them in with the hope of their own miraculous cures. This sets the stage for Jesus to address their physical needs directly, leading into the well-known feeding of the five thousand.
Why were so many people scrambling after Jesus? It wasn't just His words, but what they saw Him do.
This verse highlights that the huge crowd's primary motivation for following Jesus was the 'signs' or miracles He performed, specifically His acts of healing. The original language suggests this wasn't a one-off event, but an ongoing pattern. They were 'beholding' and Jesus 'was doing' these miracles repeatedly. This shows how powerful visible acts of power and compassion were in drawing people's attention and drawing them towards Jesus. It wasn't just a philosophical discussion; it was a demonstration of divine power changing lives.
Was this a spontaneous crowd, or something more sustained? The wording tells a deeper story.
The Greek verbs used in this verse ('were following,' 'were beholding,' 'was doing') are in the imperfect tense. This isn't just a snapshot; it paints a picture of a continuous, ongoing action. The crowd wasn't just following for one day, and Jesus wasn't just performing one miracle. It suggests a sustained period where Jesus was regularly healing the sick, and a large group of people were consistently drawn to witness and experience these acts. This indicates a growing movement, people actively seeking Jesus out because of His repeated displays of power and mercy.
Understand the original words
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sēmeion · Greek Noun
A term used throughout the Gospel of John to denote miraculous acts that serve as indicators or proofs of Jesus’ messianic identity and divine power. They point beyond the event itself to the nature and mission of the Son of God.
The crowds following Jesus in this passage were not just curious onlookers; they were a mix of people drawn by genuine hope from Jesus' ongoing miracles, the recent return of his disciples, and the general pilgrimage atmosphere leading up to Passover.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist's Execution
Herod Antipas executes John the Baptist. This event likely prompts Jesus to withdraw temporarily to avoid further conflict with Herod.
c. AD 28
Return of the Twelve Apostles
Jesus' twelve apostles return from their missionary journeys. Their successful ministry likely increased Jesus' public profile and the size of the crowds following him.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus Crosses Sea of Galilee
Jesus travels by boat across the Sea of Galilee to a less populated area, likely seeking a time of rest.
c. AD 28
Jesus Heals the Sick
Jesus performs numerous miraculous healings, drawing large crowds who are amazed by his power and compassion.
c. AD 28
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus miraculously feeds over five thousand men (plus women and children) with five loaves and two fish, demonstrating his power over nature.
c. AD 28
Jews Flock to Passover Feast
The approach of the Passover feast means many Jews are traveling towards Jerusalem, potentially swelling crowds in Galilee.
This passage directly follows John 6:2, explaining that the crowd followed Jesus not for spiritual understanding but because they were filled and satisfied by the miraculous feeding, highlighting the superficial nature of their pursuit.
Matthew 14:14This parallel account in Matthew describes Jesus seeing the large crowd and having compassion on them, showing the broader context of His ministry and Jesus' gracious response to a crowd drawn by His miracles.
Acts 8:6This verse describes the crowds in Samaria paying attention to Philip because they saw the 'signs that he performed,' mirroring the motivation of the crowd in John 6:2 who were drawn by visible signs of healing.
John 2:23This verse mentions that many believed in Jesus' name when they saw the signs he was doing, but John clarifies that Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, suggesting a similar superficial faith among the crowd in John 6:2.
barnesJohn 6:2: "And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased."
Because they saw his miracles ... - They saw that he had the power to supply their wants, and they therefore followed him. See John 6:26 . Compare also Matthew 14:14 .
vincentJohn 6:2: "And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased."
Multitude (ὄχλος)See on John 1:19.Followed (ἠκολούθει)Imperfect tense, denoting not merely the following on this occasion, but generally.Saw (ἑώρων)Rev., beheld. See on John 1:18.His miraclesOmit his. Render, as Rev., the signs.He did (ἐποίει)Imperfect, was doing, from time to time.
The crowd wasn't just curious; they were "seeing the signs" – a deliberate choice of words by John. This wasn't about Jesus' personality or teachings at this point, but the visible, tangible power of God at work, which drew them in seeking more of what He could do for them.
Jesus has just crossed the Sea of Galilee, and a large crowd is already following him. Their interest isn't in his teachings but in the tangible "signs"—the healing miracles he's been performing on the sick, drawing them in with the hope of their own miraculous cures. This sets the stage for Jesus to address their physical needs directly, leading into the well-known feeding of the five thousand.
Jesus has just crossed the Sea of Galilee, and a large crowd is already following him. Their interest isn't in his teachings but in the tangible "signs"—the healing miracles he's been performing on the sick, drawing them in with the hope of their own miraculous cures. This sets the stage for Jesus to address their physical needs directly, leading into the well-known feeding of the five thousand.
"And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick." — The crowd wasn't just curious; they were "seeing the signs" – a deliberate choice of words by John. This wasn't about Jesus' personality or teachings at this point, but the visible, tangible power of…
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Last reviewed October 2026