Matthew 14:17

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 14:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
Matthew 14:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, 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 they say unto him, etc.] In order to excuse themselves, and to show the impossibility of feeding such a large number of people; we have here but five loaves; and these barley ones, coarse bread; and two fishes; small ones, which were dried and salted, and fit for present eating; which they either brought along with them for their own refreshment, or rather, were brought thither by a boy to sell, as is usual where a great concourse of people are got together: these words seem to be spoken by Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother; who added, “but what are they among so many?” (see <430608>John 6:8,9) not thinking of the power of Christ, who was able to multiply, and make this provision a…”
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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
“Mat 15:33, Mat 15:34; Num 11:21-23; Psa 78:19, Psa 78:20; Mar 6:37, Mar 6:38, Mar 8:4, Mar 8:5; Luk 9:13; Joh 6:5-9 Matthew 14:19”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification