John 6:26
New International Version
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.

New Living Translation
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs.

English Standard Version
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.

Berean Standard Bible
Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it is not because you saw these signs that you are looking for Me, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus answered them and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were satisfied.

King James Bible
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

New King James Version
Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.

New American Standard Bible
Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate some of the loaves and were filled.

NASB 1995
Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.

NASB 1977
Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled.

Legacy Standard Bible
Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.

Amplified Bible
Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, you have been searching for Me, not because you saw the signs (attesting miracles), but because you ate the loaves and were filled.

Christian Standard Bible
Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jesus answered, “I assure you: You are looking for Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled.

American Standard Version
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled.

Contemporary English Version
Jesus answered, "I tell you for certain that you are not looking for me because you saw the miracles, but because you ate all the food you wanted.

English Revised Version
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus replied to them, "I can guarantee this truth: You're not looking for me because you saw miracles. You are looking for me because you ate as much of those loaves as you wanted.

Good News Translation
Jesus answered, "I am telling you the truth: you are looking for me because you ate the bread and had all you wanted, not because you understood my miracles.

International Standard Version
Jesus replied to them, "Truly, I tell all of you emphatically, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate the loaves and were completely satisfied.

Majority Standard Bible
Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it is not because you saw these signs that you are looking for Me, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.

NET Bible
Jesus replied, "I tell you the solemn truth, you are looking for me not because you saw miraculous signs, but because you ate all the loaves of bread you wanted.

New Heart English Bible
Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled.

Webster's Bible Translation
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say to you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye ate of the loaves, and were satisfied.

Weymouth New Testament
"In most solemn truth I tell you," replied Jesus, "that you are searching for me not because you have seen miracles, but because you ate the loaves and had a hearty meal.

World English Bible
Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were satisfied;

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus answered them and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were satisfied.

Young's Literal Translation
Jesus answered them and said, 'Verily, verily, I say to you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were satisfied;

Smith's Literal Translation
Jesus answered them and said, Truly, truly, I say to you, ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but for that ye ate of the loaves, and were satisfied.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Jesus answered them, and said: Amen, amen I say to you, you seek me, not because you have seen miracles, but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Jesus answered them and said: “Amen, amen, I say to you, you seek me, not because you have seen signs, but because you have eaten from the bread and were satisfied.

New American Bible
Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled.

New Revised Standard Version
Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jesus answered and said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, You seek me, not because you saw the miracles, but just because you ate bread and were filled.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Yeshua answered and said to them, “Timeless truth I speak to you: you seek me, not because you saw the signs but because you ate the bread and were filled.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Jesus answered them, and said: Verily, verily I say to you, You seek me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were satisfied.

Godbey New Testament
Jesus responded to them and said, Truly, truly, I say unto you, You seek me not because you saw the miracles, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled.

Haweis New Testament
Jesus replied to them and said, Ye seek me, not because ye have seen the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

Mace New Testament
Jesus answered them, I declare unto you, you seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye had loaves to eat, and were filled.

Weymouth New Testament
"In most solemn truth I tell you," replied Jesus, "that you are searching for me not because you have seen miracles, but because you ate the loaves and had a hearty meal.

Worrell New Testament
Jesus answered them and said, "Verily, verily, I say to you, ye seek Me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled.

Worsley New Testament
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus the Bread of Life
25When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?” 26 Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it is not because you saw these signs that you are looking for Me, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”…

Cross References
Isaiah 55:2
Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.

Matthew 6:31-33
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ / For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. / But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

John 4:48
Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.”

John 2:24-25
But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.

1 Corinthians 6:13
“Food for the stomach and the stomach for food,” but God will destroy them both. The body is not intended for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.

Philippians 3:19
Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.

Romans 16:18
For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Matthew 16:8-11
Aware of their conversation, Jesus said, “You of little faith, why are you debating among yourselves about having no bread? / Do you still not understand? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? / Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? ...

Luke 12:29-30
And do not be concerned about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about it. / For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.

John 5:44
How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

John 12:43
For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

Amos 8:11-12
Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord GOD, when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. / People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east, seeking the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.

Proverbs 23:4-5
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.

Ecclesiastes 6:7
All a man’s labor is for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.

Isaiah 29:13
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.


Treasury of Scripture

Jesus answered them and said, Truly, truly, I say to you, You seek me, not because you saw the miracles, but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

Verily.

John 6:47,53
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life…

John 3:3,5
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…

Ye seek.

John 6:15,64
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone…

Psalm 78:37
For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.

Psalm 106:12-14
Then believed they his words; they sang his praise…

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Ate Bread Eat Enough Fill Filled Hearty Jesus Loaves Miracles Satisfied Searching Seek Signs Solemn Truth Verily
John 6
1. Jesus feeds five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes.
15. Thereupon the people would have made him king;
16. but withdrawing himself, he walks on the sea to his disciples;
26. reproves the people flocking after him, and all the fleshly hearers of his word;
32. declares himself to be the bread of life to believers.
66. Many disciples depart from him.
68. Peter confesses him.
70. Judas is a devil.














Jesus replied
The phrase "Jesus replied" indicates a direct response from Jesus, emphasizing His role as a teacher and authority. In the Greek, "Jesus" is "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsous), which is the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." This highlights Jesus' divine mission and identity. The act of replying shows His willingness to engage with the crowd, addressing their motivations and guiding them towards spiritual truth.

Truly, truly
The repetition of "truly" (Greek: "ἀμὴν ἀμὴν," amēn amēn) is a solemn affirmation, underscoring the importance and certainty of what follows. In Jewish tradition, "amen" is a declaration of truth, and its double use by Jesus serves to capture attention and convey the gravity of His message. It is a call to listen carefully and understand the deeper spiritual implications of His words.

I tell you
This phrase signifies a personal and authoritative declaration from Jesus. The Greek "λέγω ὑμῖν" (legō hymin) implies a direct communication, emphasizing the personal relationship Jesus seeks with His listeners. It is not just a statement of fact but an invitation to internalize and respond to His teaching.

it is not because you saw the signs
Here, Jesus addresses the crowd's superficial understanding of His miracles. The Greek word for "signs" is "σημεῖα" (sēmeia), which refers to miraculous acts that point to a deeper reality. Jesus performed signs to reveal His divine nature and mission, yet the crowd's focus was on the physical rather than the spiritual significance. This highlights a common human tendency to seek immediate, tangible benefits rather than eternal truths.

that you are looking for Me
The phrase "looking for Me" (Greek: "ζητεῖτέ με," zēteite me) suggests an active pursuit, yet Jesus challenges the motivation behind it. The crowd's search is driven by physical needs rather than a genuine desire for spiritual enlightenment. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God desires sincere seekers who yearn for a relationship with Him beyond material provision.

but because you ate the loaves and had your fill
Jesus contrasts their true motivation with their perceived one. The Greek word for "ate" is "ἐφάγετε" (ephagete), and "had your fill" is "ἐχορτάσθητε" (echortasthēte), which implies satisfaction and fulfillment. This highlights the crowd's focus on physical sustenance rather than the spiritual nourishment Jesus offers. It serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly satisfaction compared to the eternal fulfillment found in Christ.

(26) Jesus does not answer their question. There is an earlier sign than that about which they now ask, the spiritual significance of which neither they nor the disciples have realised (Mark 6:52). He does not satisfy their curiosity, but with the solemn "Verily, verily," begins to reveal this hidden truth.

Not because ye saw the miracles.--Better, not because ye saw signs. There is no article in the original, and the common rendering "miracles" quite misses the sense. They had seen miracles and had felt their force as wonders; what they had not done was to enter into the spiritual significance, and see in them signs of the eternal truth. They regarded the whole matter from without. It was to them nothing more than an eating yesterday, which may be repeated to-day; or it may be He will allow them to take Him and make Him King now, though He did not then.

Verses 26-36. -

(a) An offer of himself as veritable bread. Verse 26. - Jesus answered them; i.e. he met by response their question, but not after the fashion their curiosity might dictate, omitting any reply to their unnecessary inquiry, and even refusing to answer it. The method and time were of no real moment to his questioners. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs - in the sense I am desirous you should see those miracles of healing (ver. 2) or other wonders of yesterday, viz. as "signs," "symbols," of my higher nature or of my Divine commission. The first group of healings drew some of you to my side, not for my word, but for more healing; and though some others of you who ate off the bread said (ver. 14), "This is the promised Prophet that is coming into the world," you did not get beyond the outward seeming, the superficial phenomenon, you revealed by thus rushing to the couclusion that I was your Prophet and King, that you did not really discern the sign I gave, and ye are seeking me now, not because you have really seen "signs" - but because ye ate of the (those) loaves, and were filled up by this temporary supply of your daily want, expecting today some new, some more impressive, characteristic of the Messianic kingdom than yesterday. You are fastening on the outward, acting on the mere physical resources which you suppose me to possess. These are not the claims I make on your loyalty or obedience.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

replied,
Ἀπεκρίθη (Apekrithē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

“Truly,
Ἀμὴν (Amēn)
Hebrew Word
Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.

truly,
ἀμὴν (amēn)
Hebrew Word
Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.

I tell
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

[it is] not
οὐχ (ouch)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you saw
εἴδετε (eidete)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

[these] signs
σημεῖα (sēmeia)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4592: Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.

[that] you are looking for
ζητεῖτέ (zēteite)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

Me,
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

but
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you ate
ἐφάγετε (ephagete)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5315: A primary verb; to eat.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

loaves
ἄρτων (artōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 740: Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

had your fill.
ἐχορτάσθητε (echortasthēte)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5526: To feed, satisfy, fatten. From chortos; to fodder, i.e. to gorge.


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NT Gospels: John 6:26 Jesus answered them Most certainly I tell (Jhn Jo Jn)
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