Matthew 14:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The disciples report their meager supply: only five loaves and two fish.
What Does Matthew 14:17 Mean?
The disciples answer with an inventory of their poverty. All they possess is five loaves and two small fish -- a single person's meal set against a hungry multitude. Their words measure the gap between what they have and what is needed, and the gap seems hopeless.
What looks too small to matter is exactly what Jesus asks us to bring. The disciples saw five loaves as proof that nothing could be done; the Lord saw them as enough to begin. He does not despise small offerings placed in His hands. Whatever little we have, surrendered to Him, becomes the seed of more than we could ask.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 14:17
What does Matthew 14:17 mean?
The disciples report their meager supply: only five loaves and two fish.