Matthew 14:16

16 “They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “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 When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

15 When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

16 “They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “You give them something to eat.”

17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

18 “Bring them here to Me,” Jesus said.