Devine Scripture

Matthew 14:16

What does Matthew 14:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 14:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 14:16 means

Jesus responded to His disciples' suggestion by telling them that the crowds did not need to leave, and then gave them the seemingly impossible instruction: "Give ye them to eat." This command challenged the disciples to move beyond their natural limitations and trust in Jesus' power. It was a test of their faith and an invitation for them to participate in His divine work, demonstrating that Jesus intended to meet the need Himself, through them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Jesus said to them, There is no need for them to go away; give them food yourselves.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Jesus said to them, They have no need to go: give you them to eat.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Jesus said to them, They have no need to go: give ye them to eat.

Context

This verse provides Jesus' direct and challenging response to the disciples' practical suggestion to send the crowds away for food. It sets up the miraculous intervention by shifting the responsibility to the disciples, forcing them to confront their own inadequacy and Jesus' extraordinary power. This command directly precedes their admission of limited resources, leading into the heart of the feeding miracle narrative.

v.15And 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.

v.16This passage

v.17And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 3:11

    And he answered and said unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath food, let him do likewise.

  • Job 31:16

    If I have withheld the poor fromtheirdesire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,

  • Proverbs 11:24

    There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to want.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7

    Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

  • 2 Kings 4:42

    And there came a man from Baal-shalishah, and brought the man of God bread of the first-fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:2

    Give a portion to seven, yea, even unto eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

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