Matthew 14:17

17 They answered, We have not here, but five loaves and two fishes.

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 But when eventide was come, his disciples came to him, and said, The place is desert, and the time is now passed; let the people go into towns, to buy them(selves) meat. [Soothly the evening made, his disciples came nigh to him, saying, The place is desert, and the hour hath now passed; leave thou the companies, that they, going into castles, buy meats to them.]

16 Jesus said to them, They have not need to go; give ye them somewhat to eat. [+Forsooth Jesus said to them, They have no need to go; give ye to them to eat.]

17 They answered, We have not here, but five loaves and two fishes.

18 And he said to them, Bring ye them hither to me.

19 And when he had commanded the people to sit to meat on the hay, he took five loaves and two fishes, and he beheld into heaven, and blessed, and brake, and gave to his disciples; and the disciples gave to the people. [And when he had commanded the company to sit to the meat on the hay, five loaves and two fishes taken, he beholding into heaven, blessed, and brake, and gave loaves to his disciples; soothly the disciples gave to the companies.]