Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of John - Chapter 6 - Verse 9

6:9
There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

Meaning

In this verse from the Bible, Jesus is faced with a large crowd of people who are hungry, and his disciples are trying to figure out how to feed everyone. A young boy offers his meager lunch of five barley loaves and two small fish. The disciples question the adequacy of such a small amount of food for such a large group of people. This verse serves to illustrate the theme of faith and trust in God's provision. Despite the small offering, Jesus is able to perform a miracle and feed the entire crowd, demonstrating his power and ability to provide abundantly. This verse challenges us to have faith in God's ability to work miracles in our lives, even when faced with what seems like insufficient resources. It reminds us that with God, all things are possible, and that we can trust in his provision no matter how inadequate our own resources may seem.

Theological Overview

When exploring the theological interpretation of the verse where Jesus asks about the significance of a young boy's five barley loaves and two small fishes among a large crowd, we can see the theme of God's miraculous provision and abundance. This passage showcases Jesus' ability to take something small and seemingly insignificant and use it to perform a great miracle. The symbolism of the barley loaves and fishes could represent the humble offering of the young boy, which Jesus then multiplies to feed the multitude, demonstrating His power over scarcity and His ability to provide for His people abundantly. Additionally, this verse highlights the importance of faith and generosity, as the boy willingly offers what little he has, trusting in Jesus to do the impossible with it. Through this story, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and His ability to work miracles in our lives, even when we may feel inadequate or lacking. It serves as a powerful testament to the limitless resources and compassion of our Savior.

American Standard Version

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