New Testament
Matthew 14:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the disciples are responding to Jesus when He asks them to feed the large crowd that has gathered.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
They replied, "All we have here is five loaves of bread and two fish."
And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the disciples are responding to Jesus when He asks them to feed the large crowd that has gathered. They express their concern about the limited resources they have, which consist of only five loaves of bread and two fish. This moment highlights their doubt and the challenge of meeting the needs of so many people with such little provision. The disciples likely felt overwhelmed and inadequate, focusing on their scarcity rather than the potential of what they had. This situation sets the stage for a miraculous event, where Jesus will demonstrate His power to multiply the food and feed thousands. It teaches us about the importance of faith and trust in God, even when our resources seem insufficient. The disciples' response reflects a common human tendency to focus on limitations rather than possibilities, reminding us that God can work wonders with what we have, no matter how small it may seem.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 14:17 to your life
When faced with overwhelming challenges, remember that God can use even the smallest resources to accomplish great things. Trust in His ability to provide and be willing to offer what you have, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 14:17 mean?
Matthew 14:17 shows the disciples expressing their concern about having only five loaves of bread and two fish to feed a large crowd. This highlights their doubt and the challenge of meeting the needs of many with limited resources.
What is the significance of the five loaves and two fish in Matthew 14:17?
The five loaves and two fish represent the disciples' limited resources and their initial focus on scarcity. This sets the stage for Jesus to perform a miracle, demonstrating that God can provide abundantly even from small beginnings.
How does Matthew 14:17 relate to faith?
Matthew 14:17 illustrates a moment of doubt among the disciples, who focus on their scarcity instead of trusting in Jesus' power. It teaches that even in situations of limited resources, faith can lead to miraculous outcomes.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 14:17?
The lesson from Matthew 14:17 is that God can use even the smallest resources to achieve great things. It encourages us to trust in His provision and to offer what we have, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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