And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

MATTHEW 15:34KJV
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Matthew 15:34 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:34 mean?

Matthew 15:34 shows Jesus asking his disciples how much food they have, and they answer that they have seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. This sets the stage for Jesus to provide for a large crowd with what seems like a small amount of food.

In this moment, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples as they face a hungry crowd. The disciples’ answer reveals the limited resources they have on hand. This verse highlights the practical reality before a miracle, showing the disciples’ awareness of their small supply and Jesus’ intention to use what is available.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:34

  • The word for "loaves" is ἄρτους (artous), which refers to simple, everyday bread—an ordinary food, not a luxury, emphasizing the humble resources.
  • The phrase "few" is ὀλίγα (oliga), meaning not many or a small number, stressing the insufficiency of the fish compared to the crowd’s need.
  • The number "seven" is ἑπτά (hepta), which is specific and concrete, showing the disciples counted exactly what they had.

Why Matthew 15:34 matters

  • This verse makes clear that Jesus is aware of the disciples’ limited resources before performing the miracle, underlining that what follows is not accidental or due to abundance.
  • The detail about the exact amount of food connects this event to other feeding miracles, helping readers notice both similarities and differences.
  • By recording the disciples’ answer, Matthew shows their honesty and trust in bringing their small supply to Jesus, which is a key part of the story’s dynamic.

Where else these words appear

“fishes” Greek G2485 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 8:7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.

“many” Greek G4214 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 6:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
  • Mark 8:5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.
  • Luke 16:5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

“few” Greek G3641 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
  • 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

“Seven” Greek G2033 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
  • Luke 20:31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
  • Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.