King James Version

What Does Matthew 15:36 Mean?

Matthew 15:36 in the King James Version says “And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the discipl... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Matthew 15:36 · KJV


Context

34

And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

35

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

36

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

37

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.

38

And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks (καὶ λαβὼν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἄρτους καὶ τοὺς ἰχθύας εὐχαριστήσας)—The verb εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō, 'to give thanks') gives us 'Eucharist.' Jesus blessed the Father before distribution, modeling gratitude for provision. Thanksgiving preceded multiplication—recognizing God's goodness unlocks His generosity. The aorist participle εὐχαριστήσας shows Jesus gave thanks once, yet the provision satisfied thousands—one prayer, endless provision.

And brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude (ἔκλασεν καὶ ἐδίδου τοῖς μαθηταῖς, οἱ δὲ μαθηταὶ τοῖς ὄχλοις)—The breaking (κλάω, klaō) multiplied the bread. The imperfect ἐδίδου ('He kept giving') shows continuous distribution. Jesus gave to disciples who gave to crowds—establishing the pattern: Christ provides, disciples distribute. Ministers are channels, not sources. We dispense what we receive, adding nothing, subtracting nothing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish meal blessings (berakot) thanked God as Creator and Provider: 'Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.' Jesus followed this tradition, but as God incarnate, He gave thanks to the Father while simultaneously acting as Provider. The breaking of bread was customary before distribution; here it became the moment of miraculous multiplication, perhaps grain by grain as pieces passed through Jesus's hands.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does thanking God before seeing provision demonstrate faith versus thanking Him only afterward?
  2. In what ways are you merely a conduit of Christ's provision rather than the source of ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

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

λαβὼν2 of 20

he took

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τοὺς3 of 20
G3588

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

ἑπτὰ4 of 20

the seven

G2033

seven

ἄρτους5 of 20

loaves

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

καὶ6 of 20

And

G2532

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

τοὺς7 of 20
G3588

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

ἰχθύας8 of 20

the fishes

G2486

a fish

εὐχαριστήσας9 of 20

and gave thanks

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

ἔκλασεν10 of 20

and brake

G2806

to break (specially, of bread)

καὶ11 of 20

And

G2532

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

ἔδωκεν12 of 20

gave

G1325

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

τοῖς13 of 20
G3588

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

μαθηταὶ14 of 20

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοῦ·15 of 20
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

οἱ16 of 20
G3588

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

δὲ17 of 20

and

G1161

but, and, etc

μαθηταὶ18 of 20

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

τῷ19 of 20
G3588

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

ὄχλῷ20 of 20

to the multitude

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot


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 15:36 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 15:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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