New Testament
Matthew 15:36
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he took the 7 loaves and the fish, gave thanks to God, broke them into pieces, and handed them to his disciples, who distributed them to the crowd.
Compare translations
And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
What Matthew 15:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus demonstrates a powerful act of gratitude and provision. He takes seven loaves of bread and a few fish, gives thanks to God, and then breaks the food into pieces. This act of breaking symbolizes sharing and generosity. After giving thanks, he entrusts the food to his disciples, who then distribute it to the large crowd gathered around them. This moment highlights Jesus' ability to provide abundantly, even from seemingly insufficient resources. It also emphasizes the importance of gratitude before meals, recognizing God's provision. The act of sharing the food illustrates the communal aspect of Jesus' ministry, where he cares for the physical needs of the people as well as their spiritual needs. This miracle not only satisfies hunger but also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of sharing what we have with others.
How to apply Matthew 15:36 to your life
This verse encourages us to be thankful for what we have, no matter how little it may seem. It reminds us to share our resources with others, trusting that God can multiply our efforts to meet the needs of those around us. Gratitude and generosity go hand in hand.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter

Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 15:36
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 15:36
Related Bible verses
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 15:36 mean?
Matthew 15:36 describes Jesus taking seven loaves of bread and a few fish, giving thanks to God, and distributing the food to his disciples for the crowd. This act illustrates gratitude, sharing, and Jesus' ability to provide abundantly.
What is the significance of giving thanks in Matthew 15:36?
In Matthew 15:36, giving thanks is significant as it shows Jesus' acknowledgment of God's provision before performing a miracle. It emphasizes the importance of gratitude in our lives, especially before meals.
How does Matthew 15:36 relate to sharing?
Matthew 15:36 relates to sharing as it depicts Jesus breaking the loaves and fish into pieces for his disciples to distribute. This act symbolizes generosity and the importance of sharing what we have with others.
What themes are present in Matthew 15:36?
Themes present in Matthew 15:36 include gratitude, provision, miracles, sharing, community, and faith. These themes highlight the significance of recognizing God's blessings and the communal aspect of Jesus' ministry.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.