King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:15 Mean?

Matthew 14:15 in the King James Version says “And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the m... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 14:15 · KJV


Context

13

When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart : and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

14

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

15

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.

16

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

17

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The disciples' suggestion 'send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals' appears practical but shows limited faith. They saw the problem (hungry crowd, late hour, remote location) but not the divine solution. Their focus on human resources ('villages,' 'buy') missed the divine opportunity for miraculous provision. This response contrasts with Jesus' intention to test and train their faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Evening in Jewish reckoning began around 3pm. The remote location meant villages were hours away. The disciples' calculation was reasonable by human standards—5000 men plus women and children (possibly 10,000+ total) needed food. But Jesus was about to demonstrate God's economy transcends human limitation.

Reflection Questions

  1. When do you default to 'practical' solutions that limit God's miraculous power?
  2. How does the disciples' suggestion reveal limited faith in your own life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
ὀψίας1 of 29

evening

G3798

late; feminine (as noun) afternoon (early eve) or nightfall (later eve)

δὲ2 of 29

And

G1161

but, and, etc

γενομένης3 of 29

when it was

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

προσῆλθον4 of 29

came

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

αὐτοῦ,5 of 29

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οἱ6 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταὶ7 of 29

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ,8 of 29

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

λέγοντες9 of 29

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἔρημός10 of 29

a desert

G2048

lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

ἐστιν11 of 29

This is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

12 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τόπος13 of 29

place

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

καὶ14 of 29

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

15 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὥρα16 of 29

the time

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἤδη17 of 29

is now

G2235

even now

παρῆλθεν·18 of 29

past

G3928

to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert

ἀπόλυσον19 of 29

away

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

τοὺς20 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄχλους21 of 29

the multitude

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ἵνα22 of 29

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀπελθόντες23 of 29

they may go

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

εἰς24 of 29

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰς25 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κώμας26 of 29

the villages

G2968

a hamlet (as if laid down)

ἀγοράσωσιν27 of 29

and buy

G59

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

ἑαυτοῖς28 of 29

themselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

βρώματα29 of 29

victuals

G1033

food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the jewish law


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 14:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 14:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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