Matthew 14:16

KJV

But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, They need {G5532} not {G3756} depart {G565}{G2192}; give {G1325} ye {G5210} them {G846} to eat {G5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yeshua replied, "They don't need to go away. Give them something to eat, yourselves!"

Berean Standard Bible

“They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “You give them something to eat.”

American Standard Version

But Jesus said unto them, They have no need to go away; give ye them to eat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 14:16 stands as a pivotal declaration by Jesus during the feeding of the five thousand, directly countering the disciples' pragmatic, yet limited, assessment of the situation. It powerfully reveals Christ's divine authority, boundless compassion for the multitude, and His intentional call for His disciples to actively participate in His miraculous work of provision, shifting the focus from human scarcity to God's unlimited capability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a moment of profound personal grief for Jesus, as He had just received the devastating news of John the Baptist's execution (cf. [Matthew 14:13](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13 - Jesus Hears of John's Death")). Seeking solitude and a quiet place to mourn, Jesus withdrew by boat to a desolate area. However, the eager crowds, having heard of His arrival, followed Him on foot from the towns. Instead of dismissing them, Jesus, moved by deep compassion, spent the day healing their sick (cf. [Matthew 14:14](/matthew/14-14 "Matthew 14:14 - Jesus Heals the Sick")). As evening approached, the disciples, observing the vast number of people and the remote location, urged Jesus to send the crowds away to nearby villages to buy food for themselves (cf. [Matthew 14:15](/matthew/14-15 "Matthew 14:15 - Disciples' Suggestion to Send Crowds Away")). Jesus's response in [Matthew 14:16](/matthew/14-16 "Matthew 14:16 - Jesus's Command to Feed the Multitude") directly refutes their practical, human-centered solution, setting the stage for one of His most renowned miracles.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is described as a "desolate place" (Greek: ἔρημος τόπος, _erēmos topos_), implying a rural, uninhabited area far from towns or markets. This detail is crucial, as it highlights the logistical impossibility of feeding such a massive crowd (estimated at five thousand men, besides women and children, cf. [Matthew 14:21](/matthew/14-21 "Matthew 14:21 - Total Number Fed")) through conventional means. In ancient Israel, hospitality was a sacred duty, and hosts were expected to provide for their guests. As the day wore on and evening approached, hunger would become a pressing issue, especially for those who had traveled long distances. The disciples' suggestion to send the crowds away was a reasonable, albeit limited, response to a genuine crisis of provision in a pre-industrial society without readily available food services or large-scale supply chains. Jesus's command thus challenges not only their immediate assessment but also the very limits of human capability in such a context.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is a nexus for several profound theological and narrative themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully establishes **Divine Provision and Abundance**, shifting the paradigm from human scarcity to God's limitless resources. Jesus's command, "They need not depart; give ye them to eat," directly contradicts the disciples' perception of lack, foreshadowing the miraculous multiplication that follows (cf. [Matthew 14:17-21](/matthew/14-17-21 "Matthew 14:17-21 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand")). Secondly, it underscores the **Disciples' Responsibility and Participation** in God's work. By instructing "give _ye_ them to eat," Jesus actively involves His followers, calling them to be instruments of His grace and distribution, even when they feel utterly inadequate. This highlights the principle that God often chooses to work through His people, empowering them beyond their natural abilities. Thirdly, it vividly portrays the **Compassion of Christ**. Despite His own profound grief and need for rest, Jesus prioritizes the physical and spiritual needs of the multitude, demonstrating His unwavering empathy and concern for the well-being of every individual (cf. [Mark 6:34](/mark/6-34 "Mark 6:34 - Jesus's Compassion for the Crowds")). Finally, the verse exemplifies the theme of **Faith Over Logic**, challenging the disciples (and by extension, us) to trust in a solution that transcends human reason and material limitations, echoing the broader biblical call to believe that "with God all things are possible" (cf. [Matthew 19:26](/matthew/19-26 "Matthew 19:26 - With God All Things Are Possible")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _dé'_):** This primary particle serves as an adversative conjunction, introducing a strong contrast or shift. Here, it marks Jesus's immediate and decisive counter-statement to the disciples' suggestion. It signals a turning point in the narrative, moving from the disciples' human-centric problem-solving to Jesus's divine, authoritative solution. The "but" emphasizes that Jesus's perspective and command stand in direct opposition to their logical conclusion.
* **need (Greek, _chreía'_):** Derived from a root meaning "employment" or "use," _chreía_ here signifies "necessity," "requirement," or "want." When Jesus says "They need not depart," He is declaring that there is no necessity or legitimate reason for the crowd to leave due to lack of food. This word highlights the disciples' perception of an unmet need that only external action (sending them away) could resolve, which Jesus fundamentally negates by asserting His own capacity to meet that need.
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This versatile primary verb means "to give" in a very wide application, encompassing bestowing, granting, delivering, or offering. In this context, it is an imperative, a direct command from Jesus to His disciples. The act of "giving" here is not merely an act of charity but a participation in divine provision. It implies active involvement, distribution, and the transfer of resources, setting the stage for the disciples to become conduits of His miraculous power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jesus said unto them":** This phrase immediately establishes Jesus's authority and initiative. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) signals a direct counter-response to the disciples' prior suggestion to send the crowds away (cf. [Matthew 14:15](/matthew/14-15 "Matthew 14:15 - Disciples' Suggestion")). Jesus does not agree with their assessment or their proposed solution; instead, He asserts a different, divinely-sourced path forward. His words are not a question or a suggestion, but a definitive statement of intent.
* **"They need not depart":** This is a compassionate negation of the disciples' "send them away" proposal. The Greek word for "need" (G5532, _chreía_) indicates a lack of necessity. Jesus declares that there is no valid reason for the hungry multitude to leave. This statement is rooted in His profound empathy and desire to meet the immediate, tangible needs of the people who had followed Him. It underscores His commitment to their well-being and His unwillingness to dismiss them in their hunger.
* **"give ye them to eat":** This is the core of Jesus's command and the most striking part of the verse. The emphatic "ye" (G5210, _hymeîs_) refers specifically and pointedly to the disciples. Jesus is not merely stating that food will be provided; He is delegating the act of provision to His seemingly ill-equipped followers. This command is a direct challenge to their human limitations and an invitation to participate in a miracle. It shifts the responsibility from the crowd finding their own food to the disciples becoming instruments of divine provision, forcing them to look beyond their meager resources to the limitless power of Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 14:16 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as Jesus's command directly opposes the disciples' logical, human-centric solution. While they see scarcity and the need for dismissal, Jesus sees opportunity for divine provision and calls for active engagement. This creates a dramatic tension that highlights the difference between human wisdom and divine power. The phrase "give **ye** them to eat" employs **Emphasis** through the use of the Greek emphatic pronoun _hymeis_ ("ye yourselves"), underscoring the personal responsibility and direct involvement Jesus demands of His disciples. This is not a passive instruction but an active **Delegation** of a seemingly impossible task, which serves as a test of their faith and an opportunity for their growth. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** present: the disciples, who perceive themselves as lacking the means to feed the crowd, are commanded to do precisely that, setting the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His power *through* their inadequacy. This also functions as a **Paradox**, where the solution to a massive problem comes not from external resources, but from an internal, seemingly insufficient, source empowered by divine will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 14:16 serves as a profound theological bridge, connecting the immediate narrative of the feeding of the five thousand to broader biblical truths about God's nature and humanity's role in His kingdom. It reveals Jesus as the ultimate source of all provision, echoing the Old Testament theme of God as the one who feeds His people in the wilderness (e.g., manna in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness")). More profoundly, it highlights the divine economy where God chooses to work through human agents, empowering them to participate in His miraculous work. The command "give ye them to eat" is not an abdication of responsibility by Jesus, but an invitation into co-laboring, demonstrating that true discipleship involves stepping out in faith beyond perceived limitations. This moment foreshadows the Church's ongoing mission to be Christ's hands and feet in the world, ministering to both physical and spiritual needs, not from its own sufficiency but from the inexhaustible abundance of God.

* [Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - God Provides Manna") - "Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no."
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs") - "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
* [2 Corinthians 9:8](/2_corinthians/9-8 "2 Corinthians 9:8 - God's Grace for Abundance") - "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 14:16 offers timeless and challenging lessons for believers today, inviting us to re-evaluate our responses to overwhelming needs and perceived limitations. When faced with situations that appear insurmountable—whether personal struggles, community needs, or global crises—our natural inclination, like the disciples', is often to assess our finite resources and conclude that the problem is too big for us, leading to a desire to "send them away" or avoid the issue. However, Jesus's direct command, "They need not depart; give ye them to eat," calls us to a radically different posture. It reminds us that our sufficiency is not in ourselves, but in Christ. We are called to bring our meager offerings, our limited talents, and our perceived inadequacies to Him, trusting that He can multiply them beyond measure. This verse challenges us to move beyond a mindset of scarcity and embrace a theology of divine abundance. It compels us to act with compassion, to be willing vessels through whom God's provision can flow, and to step out in faith even when the solution seems illogical or impossible from a human perspective. Our role is not to generate the miracle, but to be obedient participants in its distribution, trusting that God will provide the means as we obey the command.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situations or overwhelming needs in your life or community are you tempted to "send away" because you feel inadequate to address them?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry is Jesus calling you to "give ye them to eat," even when you feel you have nothing to offer?**
* **How does this verse challenge your understanding of God's provision and your role in His work?**
* **What small step of faith can you take this week to act on Jesus's command, trusting Him to multiply your efforts?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus command the disciples to feed the crowd when He knew He would perform a miracle?**

Answer: Jesus's command, "give ye them to eat," was a deliberate pedagogical act designed to teach His disciples crucial lessons about faith, their role in His ministry, and the nature of divine provision. He didn't just want to provide food; He wanted to transform His disciples. By issuing this seemingly impossible directive, Jesus pushed them beyond their logical limitations, forcing them to confront their inadequacy and rely entirely on Him. It was an invitation to participate actively in His miraculous work, preparing them for their future roles as apostles who would continue His ministry of compassion and provision (cf. [Luke 9:1-2](/luke/9-1-2 "Luke 9:1-2 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")). This moment served as a foundational lesson in co-laboring with God, demonstrating that God often works *through* His people, even when they feel insufficient, to accomplish His purposes.

**What is the significance of the disciples' "lack" in this narrative?**

Answer: The disciples' perceived "lack" (only five loaves and two fish, cf. [Matthew 14:17](/matthew/14-17 "Matthew 14:17 - The Disciples' Meager Resources")) is crucial because it highlights the vast chasm between human capability and divine power. Their assessment was practical and realistic from a human perspective, emphasizing the impossibility of the task. However, this very lack becomes the canvas upon which Jesus demonstrates His supernatural abundance. It underscores that God does not require us to be self-sufficient; rather, He takes what little we have, blesses it, and multiplies it far beyond our natural capacity. The disciples' "lack" serves as a powerful reminder that God's power is made perfect in weakness (cf. [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Strength in Weakness")), and His provision is not limited by our resources.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 14:16, while a direct command to the disciples, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus is not merely the one who commands provision; He is the very source of all provision, the true "Bread of Life" (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). His declaration, "They need not depart; give ye them to eat," foreshadows His own ultimate act of self-giving on the cross, where He became the perfect sacrifice, providing eternal spiritual nourishment for all who believe (cf. [John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). Just as He empowered His disciples to distribute physical bread, He empowers His Church today to share the spiritual bread of the Gospel, which is Himself. Through His resurrection and ascension, Christ continues to nourish His people, not with perishable food, but with His enduring presence and the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit (cf. [John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Matthew 14:16 is a testament to Christ's compassionate heart, His limitless power to provide for every human need—both physical and spiritual—and His ongoing call for His followers to participate in His redemptive work, drawing from His inexhaustible supply (cf. [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")).

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

2 Kings 4:42

And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.

2 Kings 4:44

So he set [it] before them, and they did eat, and left [thereof], according to the word of the LORD.

2 Corinthians 8:2

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

2 Corinthians 8:3

For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves;

John 13:29

For some [of them] thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy [those things] that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

Ecclesiastes 11:2

Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.

Job 31:16

¶ If I have withheld the poor from [their] desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;