New Testament

Matthew 14:18

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ClearClear Bible Translation

"Bring them to me," he said.

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KJVKing James Version

He said, Bring them hither to me.

What Matthew 14:18 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus is instructing his disciples to bring the food they have to him. This moment occurs during the feeding of the 5,000, where the disciples are concerned about how to feed such a large crowd with limited resources. Jesus' command to 'bring them to me' highlights his authority and ability to provide for the needs of the people. It shows that even when resources seem scarce, bringing our needs to Jesus can lead to miraculous outcomes. This verse emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in Jesus, as he can take what little we have and multiply it for greater purposes. It also illustrates the role of the disciples in participating in the miracle, as they are called to bring what they have to Jesus, who then performs the miracle of feeding the multitude. This interaction encourages believers to rely on Jesus for their needs and to actively participate in his work.

How to apply Matthew 14:18 to your life

When faced with overwhelming challenges, remember to bring your needs to Jesus. Trust that he can take your limited resources and use them for greater purposes. Participate in his work by offering what you have, no matter how small it may seem.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

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A painting of Jesus feeding the five thousand

Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Feeding the Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13–21)

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Jesus

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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 14:18 mean?

In Matthew 14:18, Jesus tells his disciples to bring the food they have to him during the feeding of the 5,000. This highlights his ability to provide for needs, even when resources seem limited.

What is the significance of 'bring them to me' in Matthew 14:18?

The phrase 'bring them to me' signifies Jesus' authority and willingness to help. It shows that he invites us to bring our needs to him, trusting that he can work miracles with what we offer.

How does Matthew 14:18 relate to faith?

Matthew 14:18 relates to faith by demonstrating that bringing our limited resources to Jesus can lead to miraculous outcomes. It encourages believers to trust in his ability to provide.

What can we learn from Matthew 14:18?

From Matthew 14:18, we learn the importance of bringing our needs to Jesus and participating in his work. It teaches that even small contributions can lead to significant results when entrusted to him.

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