New Testament
Matthew 14:17
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They replied, "All we have here is five loaves of bread and two fish."
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And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
What Matthew 14:17 means
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.
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
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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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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 14:17 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.
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