4 The Jewish Passover Festival was near.
4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.
4 It was nearly time for the Feast of Passover, kept annually by the Jews.
4 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near.
4 (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.)
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 6:4
Commentary on John 6:1-14
(Read John 6:1-14)
John relates the miracle of feeding the multitude, for its reference to the following discourse. Observe the effect this miracle had upon the people. Even the common Jews expected the Messiah to come into the world, and to be a great Prophet. The Pharisees despised them as not knowing the law; but they knew most of Him who is the end of the law. Yet men may acknowledge Christ as that Prophet, and still turn a deaf ear to him.