Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

LUKE 9:16KJV
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Luke 9:16 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:16 mean?

Luke 9:16 describes Jesus taking five loaves of bread and two fish, looking up to heaven, blessing the food, breaking it, and giving it to his disciples to distribute to the large crowd. This verse shows Jesus preparing to feed a multitude with a small amount of food, highlighting both his compassion and the miraculous nature of what is about to happen.

In this scene, Jesus is with his disciples and a large group of people who have come to hear him teach. The disciples are concerned about how to feed everyone, but Jesus takes what little food is available, offers a blessing, and begins the process of sharing it. The verse sets up the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand, showing Jesus’ trust in God’s provision and his role as a provider for the people.

The Greek behind Luke 9:16

  • The word for "blessed" is εὐλόγησεν (eulogēsen), which means to speak well of or give thanks for. In this context, it often refers to a prayer of thanks to God before a meal, showing Jesus’ acknowledgment of God as the source of all provision.
  • The verb "brake" is ἔκλασεν (eklasen), meaning to break apart. In Jewish custom, bread was often broken rather than cut, and this act was a regular part of sharing a meal, but here it also prepares for the miracle of multiplying the food.
  • The phrase "looking up to heaven" uses the word οὐρανόν (ouranon), meaning the sky or heaven. This gesture shows Jesus directing his prayer and gratitude to God, making it clear that the blessing and the coming provision are from above.

Why Luke 9:16 matters

  • Luke 9:16 clarifies that Jesus did not simply distribute the food as it was, but first blessed it, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and reliance on God even in practical needs.
  • The verse highlights the role of the disciples as participants in Jesus’ work, as they are the ones who hand out the food to the crowd, showing a pattern of shared ministry.
  • By describing Jesus looking up to heaven and blessing the food, Luke connects this miracle to traditional Jewish practices, but also points to Jesus’ unique authority and relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“brake” Greek G2622 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 6:41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

“fishes” Greek G2486 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
  • Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
  • Luke 11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

“before” Greek G3908 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • Luke 10:8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
  • Acts 17:3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

“up” Greek G308 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
  • Mark 10:51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
  • Luke 21:1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.