New Testament
Matthew 15:36
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, Jesus demonstrates a powerful act of gratitude and provision.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
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.
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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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