King James Version

What Does Matthew 14:21 Mean?

Matthew 14:21 in the King James Version says “And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.”

Matthew 14:21 · KJV

Context

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.

21

And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

22

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

23

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.' Matthew specifies the miracle's scope: approximately 5000 men (ἄνδρες/andres, adult males) 'beside women and children' (χωρὶς γυναικῶν καὶ παιδίων/chōris gynaikōn kai paidiōn). Total crowd likely reached 15,000-20,000 people. This massive number eliminates natural explanations: no one secretly distributed hidden food to such multitudes. Reformed theology sees this as demonstrating Christ's divine power—only God creates from nothing or multiplies matter. The specification 'men, beside women and children' shows Matthew's historical precision and reveals Jesus's counter-cultural ministry: He valued and served women/children, groups often marginalized in ancient society. The feeding demonstrates Jesus's compassionate provision for all—regardless of age, gender, or status. This anticipates gospel's universal scope: salvation for all who believe, regardless of human distinctions (Galatians 3:28).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient censuses typically counted only adult males—women/children weren't enumerated. Matthew follows this convention while noting their presence. If 5000 men, and assuming many had families, total could easily reach 15,000-20,000. This massive crowd testifies to Jesus's enormous popularity in Galilee. The setting—remote area near Bethsaida—shows people traveled significant distances, walked miles, to hear Jesus. Their commitment despite inconvenience demonstrates hunger for His teaching. The miracle's public nature—thousands of witnesses—meant it couldn't be fabricated or explained away. All four Gospels record this miracle, emphasizing its significance. Early church saw this as demonstrating Jesus's deity and foreshadowing eucharistic provision. Throughout history, this miracle has encouraged believers facing material need: the God who fed multitudes can meet any legitimate need.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the massive crowd size teach about the miracle's undeniability and Jesus's popularity?
  2. How does Jesus's inclusion and provision for women and children demonstrate God's heart for all people?
  3. When have you witnessed God provide for large needs in ways that eliminated natural explanations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
οἱ1 of 11
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 11

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐσθίοντες3 of 11

“they that had eaten”

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

ἦσαν4 of 11

“were”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἄνδρες5 of 11

“men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ὡσεὶ6 of 11

“about”

G5616

as if

πεντακισχίλιοι7 of 11

“five thousand”

G4000

five times a thousand

χωρὶς8 of 11

“beside”

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

γυναικῶν9 of 11

“women”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

καὶ10 of 11

“and”

G2532

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

παιδίων11 of 11

“children”

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

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 14:21 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 14:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 4:192 Corinthians 9:8-11Acts 4:4Acts 4:34John 6:10

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