Bible Strands
Matthew 14:16
“They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “You give them something to eat.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to the disciples at dusk in a desolate place, interrupting their suggestion to dismiss the crowd. He responds directly to their logistical concern by stating that departure is unnecessary.
The words — The Greek οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν (ou chreian echousin) literally reads "they do not have need," negating the disciples' proposed solution. Jesus immediately pairs this negation with the imperative command for the disciples to supply the food themselves.
The thread — The narrative connects to 2 Kings 4:42, where a man brings barley loaves to a prophet for feeding, and aligns with the generosity principles in 2 Corinthians 8:2 and Proverbs 11:24. These references establish a consistent biblical pattern where physical provision flows from obedient giving rather than human calculation.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to cease planning for others' needs and instead act as the immediate instrument of Christ's command. It demands obedience to divine provision over reliance on insufficient human resources.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.
Cross-references
- 2 Kings 4:42 Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha.
- 2 Corinthians 8:2 In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.
- Proverbs 11:24 One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
- Ecclesiastes 11:2 Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land.
- John 13:29 Since Judas kept the money bag, some thought that Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast, or to give something to the poor.
- Job 31:16 If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail,
- Luke 3:11 John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.