New Testament
Mark 6:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But Jesus replied, "You feed them." They asked him, "Should we go and spend 200 denarii on bread to feed them?"
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He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?
What Mark 6:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus challenges his disciples to take responsibility for feeding a large crowd that had gathered to hear him teach. The disciples are overwhelmed by the task and question whether they should spend a significant amount of money—200 denarii—on bread to feed everyone. This exchange highlights their doubt and the enormity of the situation. Jesus' response emphasizes that they have the ability to act and provide for the needs of others, even when it seems impossible. It sets the stage for the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, demonstrating that with faith and action, God can provide abundantly. This moment teaches us about reliance on God’s provision and the importance of stepping out in faith, even when resources seem limited.
How to apply Mark 6:37 to your life
When faced with overwhelming challenges, we can feel inadequate or unsure of how to help. This verse encourages us to take initiative and trust that God can work through our efforts, no matter how small they may seem. We should not shy away from meeting the needs of others.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Feeding the Five Thousand (Mark 6:30–44)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 6:37 mean?
In Mark 6:37, Jesus tells his disciples to feed a large crowd, prompting them to question the feasibility of spending 200 denarii on bread. This exchange illustrates their doubt and the challenge of meeting the needs of others, while also highlighting Jesus' call for them to take action.
What is the significance of 200 denarii in Mark 6:37?
The mention of 200 denarii in Mark 6:37 signifies a substantial amount of money, indicating the disciples' concern about the cost of feeding the crowd. It emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the task and their doubt in being able to provide for such a large number of people.
How does Mark 6:37 relate to faith in action?
Mark 6:37 illustrates faith in action by showing Jesus urging his disciples to act despite their doubts. It teaches that even when resources seem limited, taking initiative can lead to miraculous outcomes.
What lesson can we learn from Mark 6:37?
From Mark 6:37, we learn the importance of stepping out in faith and taking responsibility, even when faced with overwhelming challenges. It encourages us to trust that God can work through our efforts to meet the needs of others.
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