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Book of Matthew - Chapter 14 - Verse 17

14:17
And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.

Meaning

When the disciples said to Jesus, "We have here but five loaves and two fishes," they were expressing doubt and uncertainty about how to feed the large crowd of people gathered to hear Jesus speak. In this verse from the Bible, the disciples were focusing on what they perceived as a lack of resources to meet the needs of the people. However, this moment serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the ability of Jesus to perform miracles. Despite the small amount of food present, Jesus was able to multiply it and feed the entire crowd, showing that with faith, even the smallest offering can be transformed into something abundant and miraculous.

Theological Overview

When examining the verse "And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes," it is important to consider the theological implications of this passage. This verse comes from the account of Jesus feeding the five thousand in the gospel of Matthew. The disciples present Jesus with only five loaves of bread and two fishes, which seems inadequate for feeding such a large crowd. However, Jesus performs a miracle and multiplies the food to feed everyone present. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' power and ability to provide for the needs of his followers. It also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision in times of scarcity. In addition to the theological interpretation of this verse, a word study reveals the significance of the numbers mentioned. The number five often represents God's grace and favor, while the number two can symbolize unity or partnership. By examining the context and symbolism of this verse, we can gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' miraculous works and the lessons he teaches through them.

American Standard Version

And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
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