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Book of Mark - Chapter 8 - Verse 5

8:5
And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.

Meaning

When Jesus asked his disciples "How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.", he was initiating a miraculous feeding of the masses known as the Feeding of the Four Thousand. This event is significant in the New Testament because it demonstrates Jesus' ability to provide for the physical needs of a large crowd through divine intervention. The number seven is often associated with completion and perfection in the Bible, symbolizing the abundance of blessings that Jesus can provide to those in need. By starting with only seven loaves of bread, Jesus shows that even a small offering can be multiplied and used to serve a multitude. This verse reminds believers of the power of faith and generosity in the face of scarcity, encouraging them to trust in God's provision and share their resources with others in times of need.

Theological Overview

When looking at the theological interpretation of the verse "And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.", we can see a symbolic representation of the abundance and provision of God. The number seven is often associated with completeness and perfection in the Bible. In this context, the seven loaves can be seen as a symbol of God's fullness and abundance. Jesus' question to the disciples about the loaves serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate provider, able to meet all of our needs. Additionally, this verse can also be viewed as a foreshadowing of the miracle that is about to take place, where Jesus will take the seven loaves and feed a large crowd of people. Through this miracle, Jesus demonstrates His power and ability to provide for His people in a miraculous way.

American Standard Version

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