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 · King James Version


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.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


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

ὁ12 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

ἡ15 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

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study