Mark 6:38

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 6:38 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go [and] see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go [and] see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
Mark 6:38 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
38And he saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go [and] see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he saith unto them, how many loaves have ye? etc..] This he said, not as ignorant, but as willing to try their faith yet more, and that the after miracle might be more manifest and illustrious: go and see; meaning, either that they should examine their own store, if they had any; or rather go and see what was to be had upon the spot, among the company, for money; and when they knew, they say five loaves and two fishes: when they had made inquiry what provisions there were, and the most that could be got at any rate, they tell him, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, particularly, that there was a boy among the multitude that had five barley loaves, and two small fishes; and, at the same time,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this narrative explained in the notes at Matthew 14:13-21. Mark 6:32 By ship - By a boat or a small vessel. Privately - Without making their plan known. They intended to go privately. It appears, however, that their intention became known, and multitudes followed them. Mark 6:33 Afoot thither - On foot to the place where they saw them going. Out of all cities - All cities or large towns in the neighborhood. Mark 6:34 Much people ...as sheep ... - They had no one to teach them and guide them. The priests and scribes were proud and corrupt; they despised the common people and neglected them. Mark 6:35 The time is far passed - The day is almost gone. It is drawing near night. Mark 6:37 Two…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mar 8:5; Mat 14:17, Mat 14:18, Mat 15:34; Luk 9:13; Joh 6:9 Mark 6:39”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification