New Testament
Matthew 14:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
As evening approached, his disciples came to him and said, "This place is remote, and it's getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves."
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And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
What Matthew 14:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the disciples notice that it is getting late and they are in a remote area where food is not readily available. They approach Jesus with a practical concern, suggesting that he send the crowds away so they can find food in nearby villages. This highlights the disciples' awareness of the needs of the people and their desire to ensure that everyone is taken care of. The mention of a 'desert place' emphasizes the lack of resources in their current location. The disciples are focused on the immediate needs of the crowd, showing their concern for their well-being. This moment sets the stage for the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus will demonstrate his ability to provide abundantly, even in seemingly impossible situations. It reflects the tension between human limitations and divine provision, illustrating that while the disciples see a problem, Jesus sees an opportunity to reveal his power and compassion.
How to apply Matthew 14:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to be aware of the needs of those around us. Like the disciples, we may often see problems and limitations, but we should also trust in Jesus' ability to provide solutions. We can take action to help others while relying on God's provision.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Feeding the Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13–21)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Matthew 14:15
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 14:15 mean?
Matthew 14:15 describes a moment when Jesus' disciples express concern about the crowd's need for food as evening approaches. They suggest sending the people away to find food in nearby villages, highlighting their awareness of the situation and the lack of resources in their remote location.
What is the significance of the disciples' concern in Matthew 14:15?
The disciples' concern in Matthew 14:15 shows their awareness of the needs of the crowd and their desire to ensure everyone's well-being. This moment sets the stage for Jesus to perform a miracle, demonstrating his ability to provide even when resources seem scarce.
What does 'desert place' mean in Matthew 14:15?
In Matthew 14:15, 'desert place' refers to a remote area lacking food and resources. This emphasizes the challenges faced by the crowd and the disciples, highlighting the need for Jesus' intervention.
How does Matthew 14:15 relate to community needs?
Matthew 14:15 highlights the importance of being aware of community needs, as the disciples notice the crowd's hunger. It encourages us to consider how we can help others while trusting in God's ability to provide solutions.
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