King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:18 Mean?

Matthew 14:18 in the King James Version says “He said, Bring them hither to me.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He said, Bring them hither to me.”

Matthew 14:18 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'He said, Bring them hither to me.' Jesus responds to disciples' statement of inadequacy with simple command: 'Bring them hither to me' (φέρετέ μοι ὧδε αὐτούς/pherete moi hōde autous)—bring them here to me. Reformed theology sees profound principle: bring your inadequacy to Jesus. Don't hide lack, bemoan insufficiency, or attempt ministry in own strength. Bring whatever you have—however inadequate—to Christ. He receives, blesses, multiplies. The command demonstrates: (1) We must consciously surrender resources to Jesus—not assume automatic multiplication but deliberately place them in His hands; (2) Jesus can use what we surrender—inadequacy doesn't disqualify us; (3) Multiplication requires bringing resources to Jesus—keeping them in our possession leaves them inadequate. The pattern applies universally: bring your inadequate faith, insufficient love, limited wisdom, meager resources to Christ. He takes, blesses, multiplies, uses for His kingdom purposes. The miracle begins when we bring what we have to Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish meals began with blessing—prayer thanking God for provision. Jesus takes the loaves/fish, blesses them (v.19), then distributes. The blessing acknowledges God as source; the distribution demonstrates trust that God will provide. Ancient world had no illusions about food multiplication—everyone knew five loaves couldn't feed 5000+. Yet Jesus commands disciples bring the food to Him. Their obedience to seemingly pointless command enabled the miracle. Throughout Scripture, obedience to strange commands precedes miracles: Moses striking rock (Exodus 17:6), Joshua marching around Jericho (Joshua 6), Naaman dipping in Jordan (2 Kings 5), blind man washing in Siloam (John 9:7). The pattern: God commands; we obey despite not understanding; He acts miraculously. Early church practiced this: when facing needs, they brought situation to Jesus in prayer, then acted in obedience to His leading. Paul's ministry exemplified this: constantly aware of inadequacy (2 Corinthians 3:5), yet experiencing Christ's sufficiency (2 Corinthians 12:9). The principle remains: bring everything to Jesus; He makes adequate what was insufficient.

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you need to consciously bring to Jesus rather than trying to manage in your own strength?
  2. How does the command 'bring them to me' change your perspective on inadequate resources and abilities?
  3. What seemingly pointless obedience might God be calling you to that could become occasion for His miraculous provision?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
ὁ1 of 7
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 7
G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν,3 of 7

“He said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Φέρετέ4 of 7

“Bring”

G5342

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

μοι5 of 7

“to me”

G3427

to me

αὐτοὺς6 of 7

“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

ὧδε7 of 7

“hither”

G5602

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

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 14:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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