Matthew 15:33

And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?

And {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101} say {G3004} unto him {G846}, Whence {G4159} should we {G2254} have so much {G5118} bread {G740} in {G1722} the wilderness {G2047}, as {G5620} to fill {G5526} so great {G5118} a multitude {G3793}?

The talmidim said to him, "Where will we find enough loaves of bread in this remote place to satisfy so big a crowd?"

The disciples replied, “Where in this desolate place could we find enough bread to feed such a large crowd?”

And the disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so many loaves in a desert place as to fill so great a multitude?

Context

Matthew 15:33 sets the stage for the second major miraculous feeding recorded in Matthew's Gospel, often referred to as the feeding of the four thousand. Jesus had been ministering to a large crowd for three days in a desolate area, and He felt compassion for them, knowing they were hungry. He expresses this concern to His disciples, who then respond with the question in this verse. This question strikingly mirrors the disciples' reaction before the feeding of the five thousand, an earlier miracle documented in Matthew 14. Despite having witnessed Jesus' power to multiply food, their immediate response reveals a struggle with fully grasping His divine capability to provide, even in a wilderness setting.

Key Themes

  • Human Limitation vs. Divine Power: The disciples' question highlights their focus on human resources and logistical impossibilities. They see only the vastness of the crowd and the scarcity of bread in the wilderness, contrasting sharply with Jesus' impending demonstration of limitless divine provision.
  • Disciples' Forgetfulness and Lack of Faith: Despite having previously seen Jesus multiply a few loaves and fish to feed thousands, the disciples seem to forget this powerful lesson. Their query underscores a recurring theme in the Gospels: the disciples' slow understanding and struggle to consistently exercise faith in Jesus' miraculous abilities.
  • God's Compassion and Abundant Provision: Even though the disciples are focused on lack, Jesus' primary motivation is compassion for the hungry multitude. This verse ultimately serves to magnify God's abundant and faithful provision, even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Whence should we have so much bread" conveys the disciples' bewilderment and the perceived impossibility of the task. The word "Whence" (from where) emphasizes their practical, human-centered viewpoint, limited by their immediate surroundings and resources. It reflects a common human tendency to evaluate situations based on what is visible and tangible, rather than on the unseen power of God.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful lesson for believers today. Just as the disciples faced a seemingly insurmountable problem in the wilderness, we often encounter situations in life where our resources seem insufficient, and the challenges appear overwhelming. This passage encourages us to:

  • Remember God's Past Faithfulness: Reflect on how God has provided for you in the past. Remembering His previous acts of grace can build faith for present and future challenges.
  • Look Beyond Human Limitations: Do not be confined by what you can see or humanly accomplish. God's power is not bound by our circumstances or lack.
  • Trust in Divine Provision: Cultivate a deeper trust in God's ability and willingness to provide for all your needs, echoing the promise that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 6:5

    When Jesus then lifted up [his] eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

  • John 6:9

    There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

  • Mark 8:4

    And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these [men] with bread here in the wilderness?

  • Mark 8:5

    And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.

  • Luke 9:13

    But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

  • Matthew 14:15

    And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

  • Mark 6:37

    He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?

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