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Luke 9:14

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For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

For {G1063} they were {G2258} about {G5616} five thousand {G4000} men {G435}. And {G1161} he said {G2036} to {G4314} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, Make {G2625} them {G846} sit down {G2625} by {G303} fifties {G4004} in a company {G2828}.

(For there were about five thousand men.) He said to his talmidim, “Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”

(There were about five thousand men.) He told His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”

For they were about five thousand men. And he said unto his disciples, Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each.

Commentary

Luke 9:14 is a pivotal verse within the narrative of Jesus miraculously feeding over five thousand people. It highlights the immense scale of the crowd Jesus was ministering to and His meticulous approach to order, even in a seemingly chaotic situation.

Context of Luke 9:14

This verse immediately follows the disciples' admission that they only had five loaves and two fish, an insufficient amount for such a multitude (Luke 9:13). Jesus' command to seat the crowd prepares the scene for one of His most famous miracles, demonstrating His power to provide abundantly. This event is also recorded in the other Gospels, such as Matthew 14:19, Mark 6:39, and John 6:10, underscoring its significance in Jesus' ministry.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Preparation: Jesus' instruction to "Make them sit down by fifties in a company" reveals His commitment to order. This was not just for convenience but likely ensured everyone could be served efficiently and witness the miracle clearly. It speaks to God's character as a God of order, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).
  • Vast Human Need: The mention of "about five thousand men" (likely excluding women and children) emphasizes the overwhelming number of people present and the immense need for sustenance. This sets the stage for the dramatic display of divine provision.
  • Disciples' Role in Ministry: The disciples are given a practical task, involving them directly in the preparations for the miracle. This teaches them obedience and participation in God's work, even when the outcome is unclear.
  • Leadership and Delegation: Jesus, as the ultimate leader, delegates a manageable task to His disciples, empowering them and preparing them for future ministry where they would also be responsible for feeding and leading spiritual multitudes.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "men" here is andres (ἄνδρες), which specifically refers to adult males, not a general term for people (anthrōpoi). This detail reinforces the truly massive scale of the crowd, as the total number including women and children would have been considerably higher, perhaps numbering 15,000 to 20,000. The phrase "by fifties in a company" translates the Greek ana pentēkonta (ἀνὰ πεντήκοντα) and klisia (κλισία), literally meaning "by fifties" and "group" or "reclining company," indicating a structured, communal arrangement for the meal.

Practical Application

Luke 9:14 offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Provision: Even when faced with overwhelming needs and seemingly insufficient resources, we are called to trust in God's ability to provide, often in ways beyond our comprehension.
  • The Value of Order: God works through order. Whether in personal life, church, or ministry, strategic planning and organization, guided by divine wisdom, can facilitate greater effectiveness and blessing.
  • Obedience in Small Tasks: The disciples were not asked to multiply the food but to organize the people. Our obedience in seemingly small, practical tasks can be crucial steps in God's larger miraculous plans.
  • Preparation for Blessing: Just as the crowd was prepared to receive food, we too should prepare our hearts and lives to receive God's blessings and to be used by Him.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 14:40 (3 votes)

    Let all things be done decently and in order.

  • Mark 8:6 (2 votes)

    And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before [them]; and they did set [them] before the people.

  • Mark 6:39 (2 votes)

    And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.

  • Mark 6:40 (2 votes)

    And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.