Devine Scripture

Matthew 14:15

What does Matthew 14:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 14:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 14:15 means

As evening approached, the disciples, concerned about the late hour and the remote location, urged Jesus to dismiss the crowds. They suggested the people should go to nearby villages to buy food for themselves. This reflects their practical, human understanding of the situation and their limited perception of Jesus' capabilities. Their counsel, while logical from a worldly perspective, demonstrates their lack of faith in Jesus' divine provision.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when even was come, the disciples came to him, saying, The place is desert, and the time is already past; send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when even was come, the disciples came to him, saying, The place is desert, and the time is already past; send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when evening had come, the disciples came to him, saying, This place is waste land, and the time is now past; send the people away so that they may go into the towns and get themselves food.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying: This is a desert place, and the hour is now passed: send away the multitudes, that going into the towns, they may buy themselves victuals.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when even was come, his disciples came to him saying, The place is desert, and [much of] the [day] time already gone by; dismiss the crowds, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' healing of the sick among the multitude, setting the scene at the close of the day. It reveals the disciples' practical concerns about the logistical challenge of feeding such a large crowd in a desolate place. Their suggestion directly prompts Jesus' surprising command to them in the next verse, initiating the miraculous feeding and testing their faith.

v.14And he came forth, and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick.

v.15This passage

v.16But Jesus said unto them, They have no need to go away; give ye them to eat.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 8:3

    and if I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way; and some of them are come from far.

  • Luke 9:12

    And the day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are here in a desert place.

  • Mark 6:35

    And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, The place is desert, and the day is now far spent;

  • Matthew 15:23

    But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

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