John 6:26
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.
John 6:26 · King James Version
Meaning
Jesus is addressing the crowd in this verse, pointing out that their reasons for seeking Him were not because they saw the miracles He performed, but rather because they were fed with the loaves and fishes. By saying "Verily, verily, I say unto you," Jesus is emphasizing the importance of His next words. He wants to make it clear that following Him should be based on faith and belief in Him as the Son of God, not just on the temporary satisfaction of physical needs. Jesus is challenging the crowd to seek Him for spiritual nourishment and salvation, rather than just for material gain. This verse serves as a reminder to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary, and to seek Jesus for who He is, not just for what He can provide.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, it is evident that Jesus is addressing the crowd who had followed him after witnessing the feeding of the five thousand. In his response, Jesus reveals a deeper truth about their motivations for seeking him out. He points out that they were not truly seeking him because they saw the miracles he performed, but rather because they had benefited from the physical sustenance of the loaves and fish that he had multiplied. This distinction is crucial as it highlights the difference between seeking Jesus for mere temporal satisfaction versus seeking him for spiritual nourishment and understanding. Jesus uses this moment to challenge the crowd to look beyond their immediate needs and desires and to seek a deeper, more meaningful relationship with him. This verse serves as a reminder for us today to examine our own reasons for seeking Jesus and to ensure that our motivations are in alignment with a true desire for spiritual growth and connection with God.
John 6:26 in other translations
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.
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.
Douay-Rheims
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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Iesus answered them; and sayde, Verely, verely I say vnto you, ye seeke me not because ye sawe the miracles, but because yee ate of ye loaues, and were filled.