New Testament
Matthew 16:9
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 is addressing his disciples, expressing frustration at their lack of understanding.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Don't you understand yet? Don't you remember the 5 loaves that fed 5,000 people, and how many baskets of leftovers you collected?
Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is addressing his disciples, expressing frustration at their lack of understanding. He reminds them of the miracle where he fed 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread. This miracle not only demonstrated his power but also highlighted the abundance of God's provision, as they collected many baskets of leftovers afterward. Jesus is emphasizing the importance of remembering past miracles to strengthen their faith and understanding of his capabilities. The disciples had witnessed this miracle firsthand, yet they still struggled to grasp the significance of Jesus' teachings and the nature of his mission. This moment serves as a reminder that faith requires reflection on God's past actions and a deeper understanding of his purpose.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 16:9 to your life
We should reflect on our own experiences of God's provision and miracles in our lives. Remembering these moments can strengthen our faith and help us trust in God's ability to provide for us in challenging times. Keeping a journal of blessings can be a helpful practice.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 16:9 mean?
Matthew 16:9 shows Jesus expressing frustration with his disciples for not understanding his teachings. He reminds them of the miracle of feeding 5,000 people with five loaves, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's past provisions to strengthen their faith.
What is the significance of the five loaves in Matthew 16:9?
The five loaves in Matthew 16:9 represent God's miraculous provision and abundance. Jesus uses this reference to remind his disciples of his power and the importance of recalling past miracles to deepen their understanding of his mission.
How does Matthew 16:9 relate to faith?
Matthew 16:9 relates to faith by encouraging believers to reflect on past miracles and God's provision. Remembering these experiences can help strengthen faith and trust in God's ability to provide in difficult times.
What lessons can we learn from Matthew 16:9?
From Matthew 16:9, we learn the importance of remembering God's past actions and miracles. This reflection can enhance our understanding of his nature and help us maintain faith during challenging situations.

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.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.