Devine Scripture

Matthew 15:34

What does Matthew 15:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 15:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 15:34 means

Jesus directly asks His disciples about their available food supply. They report having only "seven loaves, and a few small fishes." This inventory firmly establishes the meager human resources at hand, making the upcoming miracle all the more striking. Jesus's question serves to draw attention to the severe lack, underscoring that the subsequent abundance will be entirely due to His divine power, not any substantial human contribution.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jesus said unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few small fishes.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jesus said unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few small fishes.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus says to them, How much bread have you? And they said, Seven cakes, and some small fishes.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus saith to them, `How many loaves have ye?' and they said, `Seven, and a few little fishes.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus said to them: How many loaves have you? But they said: Seven, and a few little fishes.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus says to them, How many loaves have ye? But they said, Seven, and a few small fishes.

Context

Following the disciples' expression of doubt in verse 33, Jesus's question in this verse serves to inventory their meager resources. This specific detail — seven loaves and a few small fish — is crucial, as it physically contrasts with the great need, setting the stage for the miraculous multiplication and highlighting the divine origin of the forthcoming provision for the four thousand.

v.33And the disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so many loaves in a desert place as to fill so great a multitude?

v.34This passage

v.35And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground;

Cross references

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

  • John 21:9

    So when they got out upon the land, they see a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

  • Matthew 16:9

    Do ye not yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

  • Luke 24:41

    And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here anything to eat?

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