Luke 9:16

KJV

Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} he took {G2983} the five {G4002} loaves {G740} and {G2532} the two {G1417} fishes {G2486}, and looking up {G308} to {G1519} heaven {G3772}, he blessed {G2127} them {G846}, and {G2532} brake {G2622}, and {G2532} gave {G1325} to the disciples {G3101} to set before {G3908} the multitude {G3793}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he took the five loaves and the two fish and, looking up toward heaven, made a b’rakhah, broke the loaves and began giving them to the talmidim to distribute to the crowd.

Berean Standard Bible

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus spoke a blessing and broke them. Then He gave them to the disciples to set before the people.

American Standard Version

And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake; and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:16 details Jesus' pivotal actions during the miraculous feeding of the five thousand: taking the meager provisions of five loaves and two fish, looking heavenward, blessing the food, breaking it, and then entrusting it to His disciples for distribution to the vast crowd. This verse encapsulates Jesus' divine authority, His reliance on the Father, and the miraculous multiplication that provides for an overwhelming human need, setting the stage for profound theological implications regarding divine provision and the nature of discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Jesus' Galilean ministry, specifically following His instruction to the disciples to feed the multitude (Luke 9:12-13). The disciples' initial response highlights their human limitations and the inadequacy of their resources ("We have no more than five loaves and two fish" [Luke 9:13](/luke/9-13 "Luke 9:13 - Disciples' Limited Resources")). Jesus' command for the crowd to sit down in groups (Luke 9:14-15) precedes His actions in verse 16, creating an orderly setting for the miracle. The subsequent verses describe the miraculous distribution and the abundance of leftovers (Luke 9:17), completing the account of divine provision. This event immediately precedes Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ (Luke 9:18-20), underscoring the significance of Jesus' identity as the Son of God, capable of such wonders.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event likely occurred in a desolate place near Bethsaida (Luke 9:10), a region known for its sparse population and limited resources, making the provision of food for such a large crowd (estimated at five thousand men, not counting women and children) an impossible feat by human standards. In Jewish culture, the act of "breaking bread" was a common practice for sharing meals, but Jesus' actions here elevate it to a sacred, miraculous event. The act of "looking up to heaven" was a traditional posture for prayer and blessing in Jewish tradition, signifying an appeal to God as the ultimate source of all good. The setting of the multitude on the grass in groups (Luke 9:14-15) evokes imagery reminiscent of Israel in the wilderness, being fed by God, and also anticipates the orderly nature of the early Christian community.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 9:16 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. It is a profound demonstration of **Divine Provision**, showcasing Jesus' ability to meet overwhelming physical needs through supernatural means, echoing God's provision of manna in the wilderness for Israel ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")). The verse also highlights the theme of **Jesus' Authority and Compassion**, as He takes initiative to feed the hungry crowd, demonstrating His concern for both their spiritual and physical well-being. Furthermore, the involvement of the disciples in distributing the food underscores the theme of **Discipleship and Service**, portraying them as conduits of God's blessing, called to participate in His work. The actions of blessing and breaking the bread also strongly foreshadow the **Institution of the Lord's Supper** ([Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")), establishing a pattern of thanksgiving, sacrifice, and shared communion that would become central to Christian worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This verb signifies Jesus' active reception or taking hold of the meager provisions. It implies a deliberate and authoritative act, not merely a passive acceptance. In this context, Jesus takes what is available, however insufficient it may seem, to initiate His miraculous work. It contrasts with the disciples' inability to "get hold of" a solution themselves.
* **blessed (Greek, _eulogéō'_):** Derived from "eu" (good) and "logos" (word), this word means "to speak well of," "to praise," or "to invoke divine favor upon." Jesus' act of blessing is not merely a polite prayer but a powerful act of thanksgiving and consecration, acknowledging God as the source of all provision and inviting His divine power to act upon the food. This transforms the ordinary into the sacred and sets the stage for multiplication.
* **brake (Greek, _katakláō'_):** This term means "to break down" or "to divide." While a simple act in itself, in this context, it signifies the beginning of the multiplication. The breaking of the bread is essential for distribution and foreshadows the breaking of Jesus' own body for the world, making His life available to all. It points to the idea that abundance often comes through division and sharing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes":** This clause establishes Jesus' direct engagement with the limited resources. It highlights the scarcity of the provisions (five barley loaves and two small fish, as detailed in other Gospel accounts) and Jesus' willingness to work with what is available, rather than conjuring food from nothing. This act of taking is the initial step in the miraculous process.
* **"and looking up to heaven, he blessed them":** This phrase emphasizes Jesus' posture of prayer and dependence on God the Father. His gaze heavenward signifies His direct communion with the divine source of power and provision. The act of "blessing" is a prayer of thanksgiving and consecration, dedicating the food to God and invoking His power to multiply it. This spiritual act precedes and enables the physical miracle.
* **"and brake":** This simple yet profound action signifies the division of the food, making it ready for distribution. In the context of the miracle, this breaking is intrinsically linked to the multiplication, as each broken piece seemingly generates more. It also carries symbolic weight, foreshadowing the breaking of Jesus' body in sacrifice for humanity.
* **"and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude":** This final clause highlights the role of the disciples as intermediaries. Jesus does not directly feed the crowd but empowers His followers to participate in His work. They receive the blessed and multiplied food from Him and are tasked with distributing it, underscoring their role as servants and channels of God's blessing to the world.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:16 is rich with **Symbolism** and **Foreshadowing**. The "five loaves and two fishes" are symbolic of humanity's limited resources and the inadequacy of human effort to meet overwhelming needs, while also representing the humble offerings that, when surrendered to Christ, become instruments of divine power. Jesus' act of "looking up to heaven" symbolizes His divine origin and His intimate connection to the Father, from whom all true provision flows. The "blessing" of the food is symbolic of God's sanctifying and multiplying power, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Most significantly, the actions of "taking," "blessing," and "breaking" the bread profoundly **Foreshadow** the institution of the Lord's Supper ([Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")), where Jesus performs similar actions with bread, symbolizing His body broken for the remission of sins. This parallel draws a direct line between physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment, presenting Jesus as the ultimate provider of life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:16 stands as a powerful testament to God's boundless capacity for provision and His compassionate response to human need. Theologically, it affirms Jesus' divine nature as the one through whom God's miraculous power is channeled, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and His ability to transcend natural limitations. It highlights the principle that God often works through seemingly insufficient means, multiplying what is offered in faith. Furthermore, the involvement of the disciples in the distribution underscores the theological truth that believers are called to be co-laborers with Christ, participating in His redemptive work by sharing His blessings with a hungry world. The act of blessing before breaking and giving emphasizes the importance of thanksgiving and acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all good, a pattern that profoundly influences Christian worship and daily life.

* [Matthew 14:19](/matthew/14-19 "Matthew 14:19 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")
* [Mark 6:41](/mark/6-41 "Mark 6:41 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")
* [John 6:11](/john/6-11 "John 6:11 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:16 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to bring our seemingly meager resources—our time, talents, financial means, or even our perceived inadequacies—to Jesus with an open hand and a trusting heart. Just as Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, He can take our small offerings, bless them, and multiply their impact far beyond what we could ever imagine. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude and dependence on God. Before embarking on any endeavor, or even in the simple act of eating, pausing to "look up to heaven" and bless what we have acknowledges God's sovereignty and invites His miraculous touch into our lives. Finally, the disciples' role in distributing the food calls us to actively participate in God's work, becoming channels of His provision and grace to a world in need. We are not merely recipients of blessing but are commissioned to share generously, extending Christ's compassion and provision to those around us, both physically and spiritually.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "five loaves and two fish" (limited resources, talents, time) am I holding back from Jesus, fearing they are insufficient?**
* **How does Jesus' act of "looking up to heaven" and blessing the food challenge or inform my own prayer life and expressions of gratitude?**
* **In what ways am I called to be a "disciple" in my own context, receiving from Christ and then distributing His blessings to others?**
* **How does this miracle encourage me to trust in God's provision even when circumstances seem overwhelming or impossible?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus look up to heaven before blessing the food?**

Answer: Jesus' action of "looking up to heaven" (G308, _anablépō'_) before blessing the food is a deeply significant gesture rooted in Jewish prayer tradition. It signifies His direct communion with and dependence on God the Father, acknowledging that all provision and power originate from above. This posture demonstrates His humility, even in His divine authority, and serves as a model for believers to seek God's blessing and acknowledge His sovereignty in all things. It underscores that the miracle was not a mere act of magic but a divine intervention orchestrated through prayer and faith in the Father's power.

**What is the significance of Jesus giving the food to the disciples to distribute, rather than feeding the multitude directly?**

Answer: Jesus' decision to give the blessed and broken food to His disciples for distribution (G1325, _dídōmi'_) is highly significant. Firstly, it involves the disciples directly in the miraculous work, preparing them for their future ministry of spreading the Gospel and ministering to the needs of others. It teaches them that they are to be channels of God's blessing, not the source of it. Secondly, it demonstrates the principle of delegation and multiplication through human agents. Just as the physical food was multiplied, the spiritual message and provision of Christ are to be multiplied and distributed through the hands of His followers. This act foreshadows the Church's mission to take the "bread of life" to the world ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The feeding of the five thousand, as described in Luke 9:16, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the true and ultimate Bread of Life. While this miracle provided physical sustenance for a hungry crowd, it powerfully foreshadows Jesus' greater provision for humanity's deepest spiritual hunger. Just as Jesus took the physical bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it, so too did He offer His own body, broken on the cross, as the ultimate sacrifice for the spiritual nourishment of the world. This is profoundly echoed in the institution of the Lord's Supper, where Jesus again takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and declares, "This is my body, which is given for you" ([Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). He is the one who satisfies our spiritual hunger, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Living Bread")). The abundance of leftovers (Luke 9:17) further testifies to the superabundant grace and provision found in Christ, who is able to do "far more abundantly than all that we ask or think" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power")). Thus, Luke 9:16 is not merely a story of a physical miracle, but a profound revelation of Jesus as the divine provider, the sacrificial Lamb, and the spiritual sustenance for all humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 14:19

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to [his] disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

1 Timothy 4:4

For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

1 Timothy 4:5

For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Luke 24:30

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed [it], and brake, and gave to them.

Matthew 15:36

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.

Acts 27:35

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken [it], he began to eat.

John 6:11

And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.