King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:16 Mean?

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 · KJV


Context

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.

18

He said, Bring them hither to me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' response 'They need not depart; give ye them to eat' transforms the disciples' problem into their assignment. 'They need not depart' shows Jesus' compassion and sufficiency. 'Give ye them to eat' commissions the disciples to participate in the miracle—God uses human instruments in divine provision. This command appeared impossible (v. 17 shows they had only five loaves and two fish), testing whether they would trust Jesus despite inadequate resources.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus deliberately involved the disciples in the miracle's distribution, teaching that God multiplies what we offer Him. The command to feed thousands with minimal resources seemed absurd, but Jesus was training them to depend on His power, not their resources. Faith steps forward in obedience despite impossibility.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'impossible' assignment is Jesus giving you that requires His miraculous provision?
  2. How does Jesus involving the disciples teach about participating in God's work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
1 of 13
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 13

But

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς3 of 13

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν4 of 13

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῖς5 of 13

them

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

Οὐ6 of 13

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

χρείαν7 of 13

They need

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ἔχουσιν8 of 13
G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀπελθεῖν9 of 13

depart

G565

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

δότε10 of 13

give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῖς11 of 13

them

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

ὑμεῖς12 of 13

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

φαγεῖν13 of 13

to eat

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)


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 14:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 14:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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