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Matthew 14:16

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 14:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But Jesus said unto them, They have no need to go away; give ye them to eat.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But Jesus said unto them, They have no need to go away; give ye them to eat.
Matthew 14:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13Now when Jesus heard [it], he withdrew from thence in a boat, to a desert place apart: and when the multitudes heard [thereof,] they followed him on foot from the cities.
14And he came forth, and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick.
15And when even was come, the disciples came to him, saying, The place is desert, and the time is already past; send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.
16But Jesus said unto them, They have no need to go away; give ye them to eat.
17And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
18And he said, Bring them hither to me.
19And he commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But Jesus said unto them, etc.] the disciples, they need not depart; meaning so long as he was with them, who had power enough to provide a sufficient meal for them, as well as by a word speaking, to heal their diseases; however, to try their faith, and make way for the working of the following miracle, he says to them, give ye them to eat; such provisions as you have along with you.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A full narrative of the feeding the five thousand is given in each of the other evangelists: in Mark 6:32-44; in Luke 9:10-17; in John 6:1-14. Matthew 14:13 And when Jesus heard of it, he departed - He went to a place of safety. He never threw himself unnecessarily into danger. It was proper that he should secure his life until the appointed time had come for him to die. By a ship into a desert place - That is, he crossed the Sea of Galilee. He went to the country east of the sea, into a place little inhabited. Luke says Luke 9:10 he went to a place called Bethsaida. See the notes at Matthew 11:21. “A desert place” means a place little cultivated, where there were few or no inhabitants. On…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they: Kg2 4:42-44; Job 31:16, Job 31:17; Pro 11:24; Ecc 11:2; Luk 3:11; Joh 13:29; Co2 8:2, Co2 8:3, Co2 9:7, Co2 9:8 Matthew 14:17”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification