John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh .] This was the third passover, since our Lords baptism, and entrance on his public ministry; (see John 2:13 5:1). Whether Christ went up to this feast is not certain; some think he did not; but from what is said in ( John 7:1), it looks as if he did: how nigh it was to the feast, cannot well be said. Thirty days before the feast, they began to talk about it; and especially in the last fifteen days, they made preparations for it, as being at hand f264 ; and if there was now so long time to it, there was time enough for Jesus to go to it.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 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 no 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 dea ear to him.
Greek Textus Receptus
ην 2258 5713 V-IXI-3S δε 1161 CONJ εγγυς 1451 ADV το 3588 T-NSN πασχα 3957 ARAM η 3588 T-NSF εορτη 1859 N-NSF των 3588 T-GPM ιουδαιων 2453 A-GPM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
4. A feast (h eorth). With the definite article, the feast; pointing to something well known.
