King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:17 Mean?

Matthew 14:17 in the King James Version says “And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 14:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Read Matthew 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.' Disciples respond to Jesus's command (v.16) by stating their resources: 'five loaves and two fishes' (πέντε ἄρτους καὶ δύο ἰχθύας/pente artous kai dyo ichthyas). The word 'but' (εἰ μή/ei mē, except, only) emphasizes limitation. John's Gospel adds these belonged to a boy (John 6:9)—the resources were both minimal and borrowed. Reformed theology sees significance in stating our poverty before experiencing God's provision. The disciples didn't pretend adequacy or hide their lack. Honesty about inadequacy is prerequisite for experiencing supernatural supply. God doesn't multiply what we don't acknowledge we lack. The verse also demonstrates that God uses what we have, however inadequate. Disciples didn't need more resources; they needed Jesus to multiply existing resources. Modern application: bring your inadequacy to Christ—limited gifts, insufficient strength, meager resources—He specializes in multiplying the insufficient.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Barley loaves were peasant food—wheat was expensive, barley cheap. Five loaves represented minimal supply, possibly one person's meal. Two fish (ὀψάρια/opsaria, John 6:9—small fish) were appetizers or condiments, not main course. Total food was laughably inadequate for 5000+ people. Yet Jesus took these, blessed them, multiplied them. The principle echoes widow's oil (2 Kings 4:1-7): God multiplies what's surrendered to Him. Disciples could have hidden the inadequate supply, embarrassed to present it. Instead, they stated plainly what they had. This honesty enabled the miracle. Throughout redemptive history, God uses inadequate means: Gideon's 300 vs Midianite thousands (Judges 7), David's sling vs Goliath's armor (1 Samuel 17), early church's weakness vs Roman power. Paul celebrates this: 'when I am weak, then am I strong' (2 Corinthians 12:10). God's power operates best through obvious human inadequacy, ensuring He receives glory. Modern church needs this reminder: adequate resources can become barrier to experiencing God's supernatural provision; acknowledged inadequacy invites divine multiplication.

Reflection Questions

  1. What inadequate resources (gifts, time, strength, money) do you need to bring to Jesus rather than hiding them or considering them useless?
  2. How does honestly acknowledging insufficiency position you to experience God's supernatural provision?
  3. What's the difference between false humility that refuses to steward available resources versus genuine humility that acknowledges inadequacy while offering what exists?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
οἱ1 of 14
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

λέγουσιν3 of 14

“they say”

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

αὐτῷ4 of 14

“unto him”

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

Οὐκ5 of 14

“but”

G3756

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

ἔχομεν6 of 14

“We have”

G2192

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

ὧδε7 of 14

“here”

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

εἰ8 of 14
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ9 of 14
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πέντε10 of 14

“five”

G4002

"five"

ἄρτους11 of 14

“loaves”

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

καὶ12 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

δύο13 of 14

“two”

G1417

"two"

ἰχθύας14 of 14

“fishes”

G2486

a fish

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 14:17 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 14:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 6:5-9Matthew 15:33-34Luke 9:13Mark 6:37-38Mark 8:4-5Matthew 16:9

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 14 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes