Introduction: Bread for the Multitude
John 6:5 introduces the setting for the feeding of the 5,000. Jesus looks up and sees the crowd approaching:
Ἐπάρας οὖν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς, καὶ θεασάμενος ὅτι πολὺς ὄχλος ἔρχεται πρὸς αὐτὸν, λέγει πρὸς τὸν Φίλιππον· πόθεν ἀγοράσομεν ἄρτους, ἵνα φάγωσιν οὗτοι;
This verse—John 6:5—is full of rich Greek grammar, but let’s focus on the subjunctive purpose clause introduced by ἵνα:
πόθεν ἀγοράσομεν ἄρτους, ἵνα φάγωσιν οὗτοι;
“From where shall we buy bread, so that these may eat?”
The clause ἵνα φάγωσιν οὗτοι contains a classic purpose clause formed with ἵνα plus the aorist subjunctive verb φάγωσιν, with the subject οὗτοι (“these”) in an emphatic position at the end. The grammar expresses intent and concern—Jesus is drawing Philip into a problem-solving moment that will become miraculous.
The focal clause is ἵνα φάγωσιν οὗτοι, a classic ἵνα + subjunctive structure, indicating purpose: “that these may eat.” The grammar allows us to hear Jesus’ intent as he prepares to test Philip—and eventually feed the multitude.
πόθεν ἀγοράσομεν ἄρτους, ἵνα φάγωσιν οὗτοι;
Morphological Breakdown
- ἵνα {ína} –
Form: subordinating conjunction;
Meaning: “so that,” “in order that”;
Function: introduces a purpose clause and governs the subjunctive mood. - φάγωσιν {fágosin} –
Root: ἐσθίω {esthíō} or alternative aorist stem φάγω {phágō};
Form: aorist active subjunctive, 3rd person plural;
Meaning: “they may eat”;
Notes: This is an irregular aorist subjunctive from an irregular verb. The subjunctive here is required by ἵνα and expresses intentionality. - οὗτοι {oúti} –
Form: nominative masculine plural demonstrative pronoun;
Meaning: “these [people]”;
Usage: subject of the verb φάγωσιν, placed after the verb for emphasis and stylistic weight.
Syntactical Analysis: Subjunctive in ἵνα Purpose Clause
The structure:
– ἵνα = “in order that”
– φάγωσιν = “they may eat”
– οὗτοι = the crowd (emphatic placement)
Together, this forms:
> “so that these (people) may eat.”
This clause is dependent on the main interrogative clause:
> πόθεν ἀγοράσομεν ἄρτους;
> “From where shall we buy bread?”
So the full meaning is:
> “From where shall we buy bread so that these may eat?”
Semantic and Theological Implications
This purpose clause expresses:
– Jesus’ awareness of human need,
– His testing of Philip,
– His intent to provide.
The use of aorist subjunctive indicates the complete, definite outcome Jesus envisions: their eating is not hypothetical; it is certain, though grammatically expressed as potential through the subjunctive.
The demonstrative οὗτοι emphasizes “these people”, highlighting Jesus’ compassion and personal awareness of the crowd.
Literary and Narrative Significance
The use of ἵνα + subjunctive here sets the tone for the miracle:
– Jesus initiates the problem.
– The disciples respond inadequately.
– Jesus provides in abundance.
The grammar cues the reader that this is not just an inquiry—it’s the beginning of divine intention in action.
So That These May Eat
The clause ἵνα φάγωσιν οὗτοι reveals the heart of the miracle before it happens.
Jesus doesn’t just see the crowd.
He sees their need.
And the grammar says:
He intends to meet it.
Because the gospel begins not just with power,
but with purpose—
and it’s wrapped in a subjunctive clause.
