Matthew 14:16

16 And Jesus said to them, `They have no need to go away -- give ye them 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 And Jesus having come forth, saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion upon them, and did heal their infirm;

15 and evening having come, his disciples came to him, saying, `The place is desolate, and the hour hath now past, let away the multitudes that, having gone to the villages, they may buy to themselves food.'

16 And Jesus said to them, `They have no need to go away -- give ye them to eat.'

17 And they say to him, `We have not here except five loaves, and two fishes.'

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