New Testament
Matthew 14:16
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But Jesus told them, "They don't need to leave. You give them something to eat."
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But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.
What Matthew 14:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is responding to his disciples' concern about the crowd's hunger. They suggested sending the people away to find food, but Jesus challenges them by saying they should provide for the crowd instead. This moment highlights Jesus' compassion and his desire for his followers to take action. It emphasizes the idea that, even in seemingly impossible situations, there is a call to serve and meet the needs of others. The disciples may have felt overwhelmed, but Jesus encourages them to look for solutions rather than retreating. This interaction sets the stage for the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, showcasing Jesus' ability to provide abundantly. It teaches us that we often have more resources and capabilities than we realize, and we should be willing to step up and help others in need.
How to apply Matthew 14:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to take initiative in helping others, even when we feel inadequate. Instead of waiting for someone else to solve a problem, we should look for ways to contribute. Trust that God can multiply our efforts to meet the needs around us.
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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Key themes
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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 14:16 teach about helping others?
Matthew 14:16 emphasizes the importance of taking action to help those in need. Jesus instructs his disciples not to send the hungry crowd away but to provide for them instead. This teaches us that we should not wait for others to solve problems; we should step up and offer assistance, trusting that our efforts can make a difference.
How does this verse relate to faith and provision?
In this verse, Jesus challenges his disciples to look beyond their limitations and trust in God's provision. By asking them to feed the crowd, he highlights that even when resources seem scarce, faith can lead to miraculous outcomes. This encourages us to believe that God can multiply our efforts and resources when we act in faith.
What is the significance of Jesus' response in Matthew 14:16?
Jesus' response in Matthew 14:16 is significant because it reveals his compassion for the crowd and his desire for his disciples to engage in service. It shifts the responsibility from merely observing the need to actively addressing it, illustrating that followers of Christ are called to be agents of change and support in their communities.
How can we apply Matthew 14:16 in our daily lives?
We can apply Matthew 14:16 by looking for opportunities to help others, even when we feel unprepared or overwhelmed. Instead of waiting for someone else to take action, we should seek ways to contribute, whether through volunteering, offering support, or sharing resources. This verse encourages us to trust that our small efforts can lead to significant impact.
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