He said, Bring them hither to me.

MATTHEW 14:18KJV
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Matthew 14:18 (KJV)

What does Matthew 14:18 mean?

Matthew 14:18 records Jesus telling his disciples, “Bring them hither to me,” referring to the five loaves and two fish they had found among the crowd. Jesus is instructing his followers to bring what little food they have to him as he prepares to address the needs of the hungry crowd.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples after they mention the small amount of food available. The verse sets up the miracle of feeding the five thousand, showing Jesus’ readiness to use even a small offering for a greater purpose. The instruction is simple but significant, highlighting trust and willingness to act with what is available.

The Greek behind Matthew 14:18

  • “Bring” (φέρετε, pherete): This word means to carry or bring something to someone. Here, it emphasizes an active response—Jesus is not just asking for the food, but for the disciples to physically bring it to him, showing participation in what is about to happen.
  • “Hither” (ὧδε, hōde): This word means “here” or “to this place.” Jesus is calling for the food to be brought directly to him, underlining his central role in what is about to take place.
  • “Me” (μοι, moi): This is the Greek word for “me,” making it clear that Jesus himself is the one who will receive and act with the food, not the disciples or anyone else.

Why Matthew 14:18 matters

  • Matthew 14:18 clarifies that Jesus wants the disciples to bring what they have, no matter how little, directly to him, which sets the stage for the miracle that follows.
  • The verse highlights Jesus’ leadership and the importance of trusting him with limited resources, rather than focusing on what seems impossible.
  • This instruction connects to the broader theme in the passage of Jesus involving his followers in his work, showing that even small offerings can be used in significant ways when entrusted to him.

Where else these words appear

“hither” Greek G5602 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
  • Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

“Bring” Greek G5342 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
  • John 2:8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
  • Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.