Matthew 14:16

16 Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat."

Matthew 14:16 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 14:16

But Jesus said unto them
the disciples,

they need not depart;
meaning so long as he was with them, who had power enough to provide a sufficient meal for them, as well as by a word speaking, to heal their diseases; however, to try their faith, and make way for the working of the following miracle, he says to them,

give ye them to eat;
such provisions as you have along with you.

Matthew 14:16 In-Context

14 As he went ashore he saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick.

15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves."

16 Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat."

17 They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish."

18 And he said, "Bring them here to me."