Matteo 14:17

17 Ed essi gli dissero: Noi non abbiam qui se non cinque pani, e due pesci.

Matteo 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.

Matteo 14:17 In-Context

15 E, facendosi sera, i suoi discepoli gli si accostarono, dicendo: Questo luogo è deserto, e l’ora è già passata; licenzia le turbe, acciocchè vadano per le castella, e si comperino da mangiare.

16 Ma Gesù disse loro: Non han bisogno di andarsene; date lor voi da mangiare.

17 Ed essi gli dissero: Noi non abbiam qui se non cinque pani, e due pesci.

18 Ed egli disse: Recatemeli qua.

19 E comandò che le turbe si coricassero sopra l’erba; poi prese i cinque pani, e i due pesci; e levati gli occhi al cielo, fece la benedizione; e, rotti i pani, li diede a’ discepoli, e i discepoli alle turbe.