And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

MATTHEW 14:15KJV
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Matthew 14:15 (KJV)

What does Matthew 14:15 mean?

Matthew 14:15 describes how, as evening approached, Jesus’ disciples came to him and pointed out that they were in a deserted place and it was getting late. The disciples suggested that Jesus send the crowds away so they could go to the nearby villages and buy food for themselves.

In this verse, the disciples are speaking directly to Jesus, concerned for the practical needs of the large crowd that had gathered to hear him. The setting is remote, with no easy access to food, and the time is late in the day. The disciples’ suggestion shows their awareness of the crowd’s needs and sets the stage for the miracle of feeding the five thousand that follows.

The Greek behind Matthew 14:15

  • ἔρημος (erēmos, “desert”): This word means a deserted or uninhabited place, not necessarily a sandy desert, but simply an area without settlements or resources. It highlights the isolation and lack of provisions where the crowd had gathered.
  • ὥρα (hōra, “time”): This word refers to an hour or a period of time. The disciples note that the time is “now past,” emphasizing that it is late and urgent action is needed.
  • ἀπόλυσον (apolysōn, “send away”): The disciples ask Jesus to dismiss the crowd, showing they see no other solution for the people to get food except to leave and find it themselves.
  • βρώματα (brōmata, “victuals”): This word means food or something to eat. The disciples are focused on the basic, physical need for nourishment.

Why Matthew 14:15 matters

  • This verse shows the disciples’ practical thinking and their concern for the crowd’s well-being, but also their limited view of what Jesus could do in that situation.
  • Matthew 14:15 sets up the context for one of Jesus’ most well-known miracles, the feeding of the five thousand, by highlighting the impossibility of meeting the crowd’s needs through ordinary means.
  • The verse helps readers see the contrast between human limitations and what Jesus is about to demonstrate regarding God’s provision and care.

Where else these words appear

“evening” Greek G3798 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
  • Matthew 26:20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
  • Mark 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

“victuals” Greek G1033 · used in 15 verses

  • Mark 7:19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
  • Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

“past” Greek G3928 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
  • Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

“villages” Greek G2968 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
  • Mark 8:27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?
  • Luke 13:22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.