King James Version
Matthew 14:16 in the King James Version says “But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart ; give ye them to eat.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart ; give ye them to eat.”
Matthew 14:16 · King James Version
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
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.
But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart ; give ye them to eat.
And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
He said, Bring them hither to me.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
“Jesus”
G2424jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
“them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“They need”
G5532employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
“depart”
G565to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
“give”
G1325to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
“them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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.
Matthew 14:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Matthew 14:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge