New Testament
Matthew 14:21
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And those who had eaten were about five thousand men, not including women and children.
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And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.
What Matthew 14:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about a miraculous event where Jesus fed a large crowd. The number mentioned, five thousand men, indicates the scale of the miracle, but it does not account for women and children who were also present. This suggests that the total number of people fed could have been much higher. The emphasis on men highlights the societal norms of the time, where men were often counted separately. This event demonstrates Jesus' compassion and ability to provide for people's needs, both physically and spiritually. It also sets the stage for understanding the significance of Jesus as the Bread of Life, as He later explains in the Gospel. The miracle serves as a powerful reminder of God's provision and the importance of sharing resources with others, especially in times of need.
How to apply Matthew 14:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the needs of those around us and to be willing to share what we have. Just as Jesus provided for the crowd, we can also be instruments of God's provision in our communities. It reminds us to trust in God's ability to multiply our efforts when we act with generosity and compassion.
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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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 14:21 mean?
Matthew 14:21 describes the miracle where Jesus fed about five thousand men, not counting women and children. This highlights the magnitude of the miracle and emphasizes Jesus' ability to provide for a large crowd.
What is the significance of the number five thousand in Matthew 14:21?
The number five thousand in Matthew 14:21 indicates the scale of the miracle Jesus performed. It shows that many people were present, and when including women and children, the total fed could be much higher.
What does 'beside women and children' mean in Matthew 14:21?
The phrase 'beside women and children' in Matthew 14:21 indicates that the count of five thousand men does not include others present. This suggests that the actual number of people fed was significantly larger.
How does Matthew 14:21 relate to sharing resources?
Matthew 14:21 encourages us to recognize the needs of others and to share what we have. It serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity and community support.
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