Matthew 14 16

Matthew 14:16 kjv

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

Matthew 14:16 nkjv

But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."

Matthew 14:16 niv

Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."

Matthew 14:16 esv

But Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat."

Matthew 14:16 nlt

But Jesus said, "That isn't necessary ? you feed them."

Matthew 14 verses

Matthew 14 16 Meaning

This verse captures a pivotal moment where Jesus directly challenges His disciples' pragmatic solution to dismiss the hungry crowd. Their suggestion to send the multitude away to find food for themselves is met by Jesus' concise command, asserting that such dismissal is unnecessary and, strikingly, that the responsibility for feeding them now falls upon the disciples themselves. It reveals Jesus' profound compassion, His intent to meet human needs directly, and His strategy to involve His followers in miraculous provision.

Matthew 14 16 Context

Matthew chapter 14 begins with Herod Antipas's grim actions, specifically the execution of John the Baptist, which prompts Jesus to withdraw by boat to a desolate place. Despite Jesus' desire for solitude, large crowds follow Him from the towns. Upon seeing them, Jesus is moved with compassion and heals their sick (Mt 14:14). As evening approaches, the disciples, recognizing the remote location and the vast number of people, advise Jesus to send the crowds away to nearby villages to buy food (Mt 14:15). Verse 16 is Jesus' direct counter to this pragmatic but limited human suggestion. This setup highlights the vast human need, the disciples' logical but faithless solution, and Jesus' divine and compassionate response, leading directly into the miraculous feeding of the five thousand.

Historically, large gatherings like this would strain local resources. For the original Jewish audience, this miracle would resonate with the miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness during the Exodus (Ex 16) and Elisha's similar act of multiplying bread (2 Ki 4:42-44), demonstrating Jesus' authority as a greater prophet and the Messiah. The idea of divine provision for a multitude was deeply ingrained in their history, yet the disciples still struggled with the immediacy of its application through Jesus.

Matthew 14 16 Word analysis

• But (Δὲ - De): This Greek particle serves as a transition, often indicating a mild contrast or an introduction to a new turn in the narrative. Here, it contrasts Jesus' perspective with the disciples' preceding suggestion, marking a shift in approach.
• Jesus (ὁ Ἰησοῦς - ho Iēsous): Signifies the divine authority and unique compassion of the Son of God, who alone possesses the power and the will to defy natural limitations.
• said (εἶπεν - eipen): An indicative verb, indicating a direct statement, a definitive and authoritative utterance. It is not a suggestion or a question, but a declaration.
• to them (αὐτοῖς - autois): Refers to the disciples, who had just presented their logical, but humanly-limited, plan. Jesus is addressing His chosen followers, challenging their perspective and training them for future ministry.
• They do not need (οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν - ou chreian echousin): This phrase directly negates the disciples' assessment of the situation. "Χρείαν" (chreian) means "need" or "necessity." Jesus asserts that there is no necessity for the people to depart, implying a superior alternative is available. It signals His rejection of their proposed course of action.
• to go away (ἀπελθεῖν - apelthein): To depart, to leave. Jesus explicitly denies the need for their physical dispersion to seek food. His intention is to provide for them precisely where they are.
• You (Ὑμεῖς - Hymeis, embedded in the verb form Δότε): Emphatic plural pronoun. This is crucial. Jesus shifts the focus and responsibility directly onto the disciples. It is a command, an imperative. This challenge pushes them beyond their capabilities and tests their faith, preparing them to witness divine power through their own hands.
• give (Δότε - Dote): An aorist active imperative verb, meaning "you (plural) give!" It is a forceful, immediate command for them to provide the food themselves. It is a shocking demand, highlighting the vast gap between their limited resources and the massive need, setting the stage for the miracle. The act of "giving" is fundamental to discipleship.
• them (αὐτοῖς - autois): Referring back to the multitude, the hungry thousands.
• something to eat (φαγεῖν - phagein): The infinitive form "to eat," indicating sustenance or food. Jesus states the problem and immediately lays the solution at the feet of His disciples, though they possess no visible means.
• "But Jesus said to them, 'They do not need to go away.'": This phrase marks Jesus' compassion and His commitment to meet needs rather than avoid them. It rejects a dismissive solution, showing His divine concern for humanity's immediate well-being. It stands in contrast to worldly prudence.
• "'You give them something to eat.'": This command is the pivotal moment. It’s a powerful directive that demands impossible action from limited human resources. It forces the disciples to confront their helplessness and turn to Jesus, acting as a profound lesson in reliance on divine power rather than human capability. It also demonstrates Jesus' methodology of involving His followers in His ministry, empowering them to participate in God's miraculous work.

Matthew 14 16 Bonus section

The seemingly impossible command in Mt 14:16 ("You give them something to eat") served several purposes:

1. To test the disciples' faith: Jesus knew what He would do, but He wanted them to recognize their limitations and His limitless power.
2. To reveal the disciples' utter inadequacy: They had nothing close to what was needed, highlighting the stark contrast with Christ's omnipotence.
3. To train the disciples for future ministry: This miracle, and their involvement, prepared them for future works where they would similarly rely on divine provision for their missions (e.g., Pentecost).
4. To underscore Jesus' true identity: By repeating similar feats of miraculous provision as God did in the wilderness, or Elisha through God's power, Jesus demonstrated Himself as one possessing divine authority, able to transcend natural law.
5. To teach stewardship: Though the disciples possessed little, they were called to offer what they had (even a small amount) for God to multiply. This reflects the principle of presenting one's available, however meager, resources to God for His divine use.

Matthew 14 16 Commentary

Matthew 14:16 encapsulates Jesus' compassionate heart, divine authority, and a profound lesson in discipleship. When confronted with the disciples' "practical" solution to dismiss the hungry multitudes, Jesus offers a divine counter-solution, "You give them something to eat." This command, seemingly absurd given their lack of resources, is a strategic imperative. It bypasses human limitation and trust in worldly logistics, forcing the disciples to confront their inability and rely wholly on Christ. It is an invitation to active participation in God's supernatural provision, transforming them from mere spectators to channels of blessing. The verse signifies that Jesus does not wish for the hungry to be sent away; rather, He desires that they be fed, and crucially, He involves His own in this sacred task. It foreshadows the larger spiritual nourishment Christ offers, underscoring that our inadequacy is the very stage upon which God’s infinite capacity is revealed through our obedient, albeit humble, efforts.