New Testament
Luke 9:14
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There were about 5,000 men in the crowd. Jesus told his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about 50."
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For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
What Luke 9:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jesus addressing a large crowd of about 5,000 men, indicating the significant number of people who had gathered to hear him teach. Recognizing the need for organization, Jesus instructs his disciples to have the crowd sit down in groups of about 50. This shows Jesus' concern for order and the well-being of the people. By organizing the crowd, he prepares for a miracle that will follow, demonstrating his ability to provide for their needs. This moment highlights the importance of structure in ministry and the need to care for others in a thoughtful way. It also sets the stage for the miraculous feeding of the multitude, showcasing Jesus' compassion and power. The disciples are involved in this process, emphasizing their role in serving the people and participating in Jesus' ministry. Overall, this verse illustrates the balance between faith and practical action in serving others.
How to apply Luke 9:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to be organized and thoughtful in our service to others. Just as Jesus instructed his disciples to arrange the crowd, we should consider how we can effectively meet the needs of those around us. Being intentional in our actions can lead to greater impact.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Feeding the Five Thousand (Luke 9:10–17)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 9:14
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 9:14 mean?
Luke 9:14 describes Jesus instructing his disciples to organize a large crowd of about 5,000 men into groups of 50. This shows Jesus' concern for order and sets the stage for the miracle of feeding the multitude.
What is the significance of the number 50 in Luke 9:14?
In Luke 9:14, Jesus asks the crowd to sit in groups of about 50 to create an organized setting for the miracle of feeding them. This number helps facilitate better management and distribution of food.
How does Luke 9:14 relate to community and service?
Luke 9:14 illustrates the importance of community by showing how Jesus organized the crowd for a collective experience. It emphasizes thoughtful service and the role of disciples in caring for others.
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