Matthew 14:16 Meaning and Explanation
“But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus refuses to send them away and tells the disciples to feed the crowd themselves.
What Does Matthew 14:16 Mean?
Jesus overturns their plan with a single command. The people need not leave; the disciples themselves are to give them something to eat. He places the impossible task squarely in their hands, knowing well the slender resources they hold and the vast need before them.
Christ often gives a command before He gives the means, that we may learn to look to Him. The order to feed thousands with nothing was meant to drive the disciples to their Lord rather than their pantry. So He still bids His people to love and serve beyond their capacity, then supplies what the obedience requires. The lack is not the obstacle; it is the opening.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 14:16
What does Matthew 14:16 mean?
Jesus refuses to send them away and tells the disciples to feed the crowd themselves.