Matthew 14:17

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

Matthew 14:17 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 14:17

And they say unto him
In order to excuse themselves, and to show the impossibility of feeding such a large number of people;

we have here but five loaves;
and these barley ones, coarse bread;

and two fishes;
small ones, which were dried and salted, and fit for present eating; which they either brought along with them for their own refreshment, or rather, were brought thither by a boy to sell, as is usual where a great concourse of people are got together: these words seem to be spoken by Andrew, Simon Peter's brother; who added, "but what are they among so many?" see ( John 6:8 John 6:9 ) not thinking of the power of Christ, who was able to multiply, and make this provision a sufficiency for the whole company.

Matthew 14:17 In-Context

15 When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, "The place is a desert, and the time is already past. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food."

16 But Jesus said to them, "They don't need to go away. You give them something to eat."

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

18 He said, "Bring them here to me."

19 He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.