Matteo 14:17

17 Ed essi gli risposero: Non abbiam qui altro che 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 Or, facendosi sera, i suoi discepoli gli si accostarono e gli dissero: Il luogo è deserto e l’ora è già passata; licenzia dunque le folle, affinché vadano pei villaggi a comprarsi da mangiare.

16 Ma Gesù disse loro: Non hanno bisogno d’andarsene; date lor voi da mangiare!

17 Ed essi gli risposero: Non abbiam qui altro che cinque pani e due pesci.

18 Ed egli disse: Portatemeli qua.

19 Ed avendo ordinato alle turbe di accomodarsi sull’erba, prese i cinque pani e i due pesci e, levati gli occhi al cielo, rese grazie; poi, spezzati i pani, li diede ai discepoli e i discepoli alle turbe.