Matthew 15:36

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he took {G2983} the seven {G2033} loaves {G740} and {G2532} the fishes {G2486}, and gave thanks {G2168}, and brake {G2806} them, and {G2532} gave {G1325} to his {G846} disciples {G3101}, and {G1161} the disciples {G3101} to the multitude {G3793}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he took the seven loaves and the fish, made a b'rakhah, broke the loaves and gave them to the talmidim, who gave them to the people.

Berean Standard Bible

Taking the seven loaves and the fish, He gave thanks and broke them. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

American Standard Version

and he took the seven loaves and the fishes; and he gave thanks and brake, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:36 vividly portrays Jesus' actions preceding the miraculous feeding of the four thousand, highlighting His intentionality, profound gratitude, and the crucial involvement of His disciples in distributing divine provision. This verse encapsulates themes of Christ's compassionate care, the boundless nature of God's supply, and the practical outworking of discipleship as the disciples become channels of blessing to the waiting multitude.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the account of Jesus feeding the four thousand, as recorded in [Matthew 15:32-39](/matthew/15-32-39 "Matthew 15:32-39 - Feeding the Four Thousand"). The preceding verses establish the setting: Jesus has been ministering to a large crowd in a desolate region for three days, and He feels compassion for them, not wanting to send them away hungry. This miracle parallels, yet is distinct from, the earlier feeding of the five thousand found in [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand"), with differences in the number of loaves (seven vs. five), the number of people fed (four thousand vs. five thousand), and the quantity of leftovers (seven baskets vs. twelve baskets). Matthew 15:36 specifically details Jesus' actions of taking the available food, giving thanks, breaking it, and initiating its distribution through His disciples, setting the stage for the miraculous multiplication that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The feeding of the four thousand likely occurred in the Decapolis region, an area predominantly Gentile, east of the Sea of Galilee. This geographical detail underscores Jesus' expansive ministry, demonstrating His compassion and provision extending beyond the Jewish population to include Gentiles. In Jewish culture, the act of "breaking bread" was a common practice for sharing a meal, but in Jesus' hands, it takes on profound significance, foreshadowing His own body broken for humanity. Giving thanks before a meal was also a customary Jewish practice, acknowledging God as the provider of all sustenance. However, Jesus' consistent practice of *eucharisteō* (giving thanks) before miraculous provision elevates this custom to a deep theological statement of dependence and divine connection.
* **Key Themes:** The passage, including [Matthew 15:36](/matthew/15-36 "Matthew 15:36 - Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand"), contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Provision and Abundance**, showcasing Jesus' miraculous power to meet human needs from seemingly meager resources, echoing God's faithfulness throughout Israel's history (e.g., manna in the wilderness in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")). Another key theme is **Thanksgiving and Dependence on God**, exemplified by Jesus' act of giving thanks, which models a posture of gratitude and acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all blessings. Furthermore, the verse highlights **Discipleship and Partnership in Ministry**, as Jesus involves His disciples in the distribution, preparing them for their future roles as ministers of the Gospel and channels of God's grace to the world. Finally, the entire narrative is rooted in **Christ's Compassion**, as stated explicitly in [Matthew 15:32](/matthew/15-32 "Matthew 15:32 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowd"), demonstrating His empathetic care for human suffering and practical needs.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This word signifies "to get hold of" or "to receive." In this context, it emphasizes Jesus' deliberate action of taking the available, limited resources (seven loaves and a few small fish). It is not a passive reception but an active appropriation of what was at hand, demonstrating His intentionality in initiating the miracle from the existing scarcity.
* **gave thanks (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** This term means "to be grateful" or "to express gratitude," specifically "to say grace at a meal." Jesus' act of giving thanks is a profound declaration of dependence on God the Father and a consecration of the meager provisions. It transforms the ordinary act of eating into an acknowledgment of divine power and blessing, setting a spiritual precedent for the miracle about to unfold.
* **brake (Greek, _kláō'_):** This verb specifically means "to break (especially, of bread)." While a common action in sharing bread, in Jesus' hands, it becomes intrinsically linked to the miraculous multiplication. This act of breaking is not merely for portioning but is an action imbued with divine power, signifying the breaking of the whole into many parts, and foreshadowing the breaking of His own body in the Eucharist.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took the seven loaves and the fishes":** This initial clause establishes the meager starting point of the miracle. Jesus deliberately takes the limited provisions available – seven loaves and a few small fish – demonstrating that God can work powerfully even with seemingly insufficient resources. This act underscores His intentionality and the tangible nature of the elements involved.
* **"and gave thanks":** This is a pivotal action. Before any multiplication occurs, Jesus offers thanks to God. This act of gratitude (eucharisteō) is not merely a formality but a profound spiritual act, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all provision and consecrating the food. It highlights Jesus' dependence on the Father and models a spirit of gratitude in all circumstances.
* **"and brake [them]":** The act of breaking the bread is significant. It's a common gesture for sharing a meal, but in Jesus' hands, it becomes the point of miraculous multiplication. As He breaks, the food is supernaturally increased. This action also symbolically foreshadows the breaking of His own body on the cross, providing spiritual nourishment for all who believe.
* **"and gave to his disciples":** Jesus intentionally involves His disciples in the distribution process. He doesn't directly give to the multitude but entrusts the miraculously multiplied food to His followers. This act serves to train and empower them, making them active participants and channels of His blessing, preparing them for their future mission to feed the spiritually hungry.
* **"and the disciples to the multitude":** This final clause completes the chain of distribution. The disciples, having received from Jesus, then faithfully distribute the food to the thousands gathered. This demonstrates their role as mediators of Christ's provision, ensuring that the blessing reaches everyone in need, and solidifies their partnership in His compassionate ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:36 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the loaves and fish symbolizing not only physical sustenance but also the spiritual nourishment that Jesus provides. The act of **breaking bread** carries profound symbolic weight, foreshadowing the institution of the Lord's Supper and the breaking of Christ's body for the redemption of humanity. There is also clear **Narrative Parallelism** with the earlier feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14), inviting readers to compare and contrast the two miracles, highlighting Jesus' consistent power and compassion while subtly emphasizing the distinct context (likely Gentile audience in this instance). The repeated action of Jesus "giving thanks" and "breaking" before distribution also serves as a **motif**, reinforcing His character and setting a pattern for His followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:36 profoundly reveals the character of Christ as the compassionate and all-sufficient provider, echoing the Old Testament theme of God's faithfulness to His people in the wilderness. Jesus' actions here are not merely a display of power but an embodiment of divine love, demonstrating that God cares for both the spiritual and physical needs of humanity. The act of giving thanks before the miracle underscores the theological truth that all provision flows from God's grace, and gratitude is the proper response. Furthermore, the involvement of the disciples highlights the Church's ongoing role as instruments through whom Christ's blessings, both physical and spiritual, are distributed to a hungry world. This miracle points to the reality that God often chooses to work through human agents, empowering them to participate in His redemptive mission.

* [Mark 8:6-7](/mark/8-6-7 "Mark 8:6-7 - Parallel Account of the Feeding of the Four Thousand")
* [John 6:11](/john/6-11 "John 6:11 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand with Thanksgiving")
* [1 Corinthians 10:16](/1_corinthians/10-16 "1 Corinthians 10:16 - The Cup of Blessing and the Breaking of Bread")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:36 offers a powerful blueprint for Christian living, urging believers to embody Christ's compassion and trust in God's boundless provision. Just as Jesus took the meager resources, gave thanks, and then distributed them, we are called to bring what little we have—our time, talents, and treasures—to God, trusting that He can multiply them for His glory and the good of others. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of profound gratitude, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from above, even in moments of scarcity or uncertainty. Moreover, it reminds us of our calling as disciples: to be active participants in God's work, serving as channels through whom His grace and provision flow to a world in need. We are not merely recipients of blessing but are commissioned to share that blessing, extending Christ's love and care to those around us, both physically and spiritually.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' act of giving thanks before the miracle challenge your own approach to gratitude, especially when resources seem insufficient?**
* **In what ways might you, like the disciples, be called to be a channel of God's provision and blessing to others in your community or sphere of influence?**
* **What "loaves and fishes" (resources, talents, time) do you possess that, when offered to God with thanksgiving, might be multiplied for His purposes?**

### FAQ
**Is this the same miracle as the feeding of the five thousand?**

Answer: No, the feeding of the four thousand, detailed in [Matthew 15:32-39](/matthew/15-32-39 "Matthew 15:32-39 - Feeding the Four Thousand") and its parallel in [Mark 8:1-10](/mark/8-1-10 "Mark 8:1-10 - Feeding of the Four Thousand"), is distinct from the earlier feeding of the five thousand, recorded in [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand") and [Mark 6:30-44](/mark/6-30-44 "Mark 6:30-44 - Feeding of the Five Thousand"). Key differences include the number of loaves (seven vs. five), the number of people fed (four thousand vs. five thousand), and the number of leftover baskets (seven large baskets vs. twelve small baskets). The distinct accounts emphasize Jesus' consistent power and compassion, possibly also highlighting His ministry's extension to both Jewish and Gentile populations.

**Why did Jesus "give thanks" before performing the miracle?**

Answer: Jesus' act of "giving thanks" (Greek: _eucharisteō_) before the miracle is a profound theological statement. It demonstrates His complete dependence on God the Father as the ultimate source of all provision and power. This act of gratitude consecrates the meager resources, acknowledging divine sovereignty and inviting God's blessing upon the food. It also serves as a powerful example for His disciples and for us, teaching us to approach every situation, especially those requiring divine intervention, with a spirit of thanksgiving and trust in God's abundant provision, as seen in [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Prayer with Thanksgiving").

**What is the significance of the disciples' role in distributing the food?**

Answer: The disciples' role in distributing the food is highly significant. Jesus intentionally involves them, giving the multiplied food to them, and they, in turn, distribute it to the multitude. This action serves several purposes: it trains the disciples in practical ministry, preparing them for their future mission to spread the Gospel and minister to the needs of others; it demonstrates their partnership with Christ in His compassionate work; and it establishes them as channels of God's blessing to the world. It foreshadows the Church's ongoing role in sharing the "bread of life" and meeting both the spiritual and physical needs of humanity, as highlighted in [Acts 6:1-7](/acts/6-1-7 "Acts 6:1-7 - Appointment of the Seven").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:36, with its depiction of Jesus taking, giving thanks, breaking, and distributing the loaves and fish, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. This miracle foreshadows Jesus as the true "Bread of Life" (as declared in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), who offers Himself as the ultimate spiritual nourishment for a hungry world. His act of "breaking" the bread points directly to His body broken on the cross, the supreme act of self-giving that provides eternal life and reconciliation with God ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). The thanksgiving offered before the miracle anticipates Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial praise to the Father, even unto death ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")). Just as the disciples distributed the physical bread, so too the church, empowered by Christ, is called to distribute the spiritual bread of the Gospel, making known the life-giving provision found in Him alone ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, this miracle is not merely a historical event but a powerful Christological statement, revealing Jesus as the compassionate Savior who provides abundantly for all our needs, both physical and spiritual, through His redemptive work.

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

Romans 14:6

He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

Luke 22:19

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake [it], and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

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.

1 Timothy 4:3

Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

1 Timothy 4:4

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

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.