“ἔλεγε πειράζων… ᾔδει τί ἔμελλε ποιεῖν”: Testing and Knowing in John 6:6

Introduction: A Test With a Known Answer

After asking Philip where to buy bread (John 6:5), the narrator comments:

Τοῦτο δὲ ἔλεγε πειράζων αὐτόν· αὐτὸς γὰρ ᾔδει τί ἔμελλε ποιεῖν.
“But this he was saying, testing him; for he himself knew what he was about to do.”

This sentence contrasts Jesus’ apparent uncertainty (posing a question) with his actual foreknowledge. It uses an elegant mix of grammatical forms to present Jesus as a teacher who tests, but also a sovereign who knows.

Τοῦτο δὲ ἔλεγε πειράζων αὐτόν· αὐτὸς γὰρ ᾔδει τί ἔμελλε ποιεῖν.

This verse John 6:6 features a powerful present participle (πειράζων) alongside two imperfect indicative verbs (ἔλεγε and ᾔδει) and a periphrastic future construction (ἔμελλε + infinitive). The grammar shows the difference between appearance and intention—Jesus tests, but already knows.

Morphological Breakdown

1. ἔλεγε {élege} –
   Root: λέγω {légō};
   Form: imperfect active indicative, 3rd person singular;
   Meaning: “he was saying”;
   Notes: Indicates ongoing or background action in the past—“he kept saying” or “he was saying.”
2. πειράζων {pirázon} –
   Root: πειράζω {pirázō};
   Form: present active participle, nominative masculine singular;
   Usage: adverbial participle modifying ἔλεγε;
   Meaning: “testing,” “putting to the test”;
   Notes: Describes why Jesus was saying it—his intent.
3. ᾔδει {ídi} –
   Root: οἶδα {oída};
   Form: pluperfect in form, imperfect in meaning (perfect with past sense);
   Translation: “he knew”;
   Voice: active;
   Notes: Stative verb—denotes knowledge held continuously.
4. ἔμελλε {émelle} –
   Root: μέλλω {méllō};
   Form: imperfect active indicative, 3rd person singular;
   Meaning: “he was about to”;
   Usage: governs the infinitive that follows.
5. ποιεῖν {piín} –
   Root: ποιέω {poiéō};
   Form: present active infinitive;
   Meaning: “to do”;
   Notes: Completes the construction ἔμελλε ποιεῖν = “he was about to do.”

Syntactical Analysis: Testing with a Purpose

– ἔλεγε πειράζων = “he was saying (this), testing him”
The participle πειράζων functions adverbially and causally: why was he saying it? To test Philip.

– ᾔδει τί ἔμελλε ποιεῖν = “he knew what he was about to do”
The interrogative clause (τί ἔμελλε ποιεῖν) functions as the object of ᾔδει.
This is a periphrastic future:
– ἔμελλε = “he was on the verge of”
– ποιεῖν = “doing”
Together: “he knew what he was going to do.”

Semantic and Theological Implications

– The participle πειράζων reveals that Jesus is not inquiring for information, but posing a test.
– The verb ᾔδει affirms his foreknowledge: he already knew the miracle he would perform.
– The phrase ἔμελλε ποιεῖν shows intentionality and imminent action—Jesus is in control of what comes next.

This grammar illustrates that:
– Jesus is a teacher (he tests),
– Jesus is omniscient (he knew),
– Jesus is sovereign (he intended to act).

Literary and Narrative Value

This narrator’s comment breaks into the dialogue to give insider insight:
– The question to Philip is dramatic setup.
– The participial phrase πειράζων αὐτόν gives motive.
– The past continuous knowledge (ᾔδει) contrasts with the uncertainty of the disciples.

He Knew What He Would Do

The phrase ᾔδει τί ἔμελλε ποιεῖν is perfect Greek theology:

– Jesus doesn’t react—he acts.
– He tests—but only to teach.
– He waits—but already knows.

And John, with grammar as his pen, lets us in
on the miracle behind the miracle.