He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?
MARK 6:37KJVWhat does Mark 6:37 mean?
Mark 6:37 shows Jesus telling his disciples to feed the large crowd themselves, which surprises them because they do not have enough resources. The disciples respond by questioning whether they should go and buy a large amount of bread, highlighting how impossible the task seems to them.
In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples after they suggest sending the crowd away to buy food. The disciples’ reply shows their practical concern: they mention “two hundred pennyworth” (a large sum) to stress how feeding everyone would be far beyond their means. This sets up the moment for Jesus to demonstrate something beyond ordinary human ability.
The Greek behind Mark 6:37
- The word for “pennyworth” is δηνάριον (dēnarion), which refers to a Roman coin worth about a day’s wage. The disciples’ mention of “two hundred” of these coins shows just how overwhelming the need is.
- The verb δότε (dote, from δίδωμι, G1325), translated “Give,” is a direct command from Jesus. He is not making a suggestion but telling the disciples to take action.
- The verb ἀγοράσωμεν (agorasōmen, from ἀγοράζω, G59), meaning “buy,” shows the disciples’ practical thinking—they immediately consider the cost and logistics rather than any miraculous solution.
Why Mark 6:37 matters
- Mark 6:37 highlights the contrast between Jesus’ expectation and the disciples’ limited perspective, preparing the reader for the miracle that follows.
- The verse helps clarify that the disciples were not expecting Jesus to provide food supernaturally; they were thinking in ordinary, practical terms.
- This exchange sets the stage for one of the most well-known miracles in the Gospels, showing how Jesus often involves his followers in situations that reveal their need for trust and dependence on him.