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John 6:11

ESV Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.
NIV Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
NASB Jesus then took the loaves, and after giving thanks He distributed them to those who were reclining; likewise also of the fish, as much as they wanted.
CSB Then Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks he distributed them to those who were seated--so also with the fish, as much as they wanted.
NLT Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted.
KJV And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

What does John 6:11 mean?

Jesus tested His disciples by asking them how to feed a massive, hungry crowd. Their responses all shared a common error: dependence on human effort first. Jesus, on the other hand, will demonstrate that human effort is valuable only after it is brought under the blessing and power of God. It is no accident that Jesus begins first by giving thanks to God—this fact is specifically repeated later in verse 23.

This is the fourth of John's seven miraculous "signs" which prove Jesus' divinity.

In 2 Kings 4:42–44, the prophet Elisha miraculously divides twenty small barley loaves to feed 100 men, with food left over afterwards. Here, Jesus performs a miracle even greater than that of Elisha. At this point, Jesus is surrounded by a crowd at least fifty times the size of the group Elisha fed. "The men"—from a Greek term referring to males only—were said to number 5,000 (John 6:10). Jesus takes five barley loaves and two fish, and in return, distributes enough food to completely satisfy everyone. Plus there are twelve baskets of leftovers (John 6:12–13). This, in part, inspires the throng to proclaim Jesus as the Prophet foretold by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15).
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