Book of John - Chapter 6 - Verse 4

The verse "And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh" refers to the time when the Passover celebration was approaching for the Jewish people. The Passover is a significant feast in the Jewish calendar that commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. It is a time for remembrance and reflection on God's deliverance and faithfulness to his people. The Passover is marked by various rituals and traditions, including the sacrifice of a lamb and the sharing of a special meal known as the Seder. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of the Passover feast in Jewish tradition and the anticipation leading up to this sacred time of observance. It also sets the context for the events that unfold in the subsequent verses, highlighting the religious significance of the Passover celebration for the Jewish community.

Understanding the context and significance of the Passover feast is essential to fully grasp the implications of this verse. The Passover is a key event in Jewish history, commemorating the night when God passed over the homes of the Israelites in Egypt, sparing their firstborn sons from the final plague. The feast was instituted as a perpetual memorial of God's deliverance of the Hebrew people from slavery. By mentioning that the Passover was near, the Gospel writer sets the stage for the events that will unfold, leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and ultimate sacrifice. This reference to the Passover serves as a reminder of the historical and theological significance of the feast, foreshadowing the ultimate Passover sacrifice that Jesus, the Lamb of God, will offer for the redemption of all humankind.