And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

MATTHEW 15:36KJV
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Matthew 15:36 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:36 mean?

Matthew 15:36 describes Jesus taking seven loaves of bread and some fish, giving thanks for them, breaking them, and handing them to his disciples, who then distribute the food to the crowd. This verse shows Jesus providing for a large group by first expressing gratitude and involving his disciples in the act of sharing.

In this scene, Jesus is surrounded by a multitude of people who have come to hear him teach. The disciples are present and act as helpers in distributing the food. The verse highlights Jesus’ practice of giving thanks before a meal and his role as a provider, while also showing the disciples’ participation in serving others.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:36

  • εὐχαριστέω (eucharisteō, "gave thanks"): This Greek word means to express gratitude or give thanks. Its use here emphasizes that Jesus paused to thank God before sharing the food, highlighting a practice of gratitude even in miraculous situations.
  • ἔκλασεν (eklasen, "brake"): This word means to break something into pieces, often used for breaking bread. It points to the physical act of preparing the food to be shared, a common gesture in meals of that time.
  • ἔδωκεν (edōken, "gave"): This verb means to give or hand over. The verse uses it twice, first for Jesus giving to the disciples, and then for the disciples giving to the crowd, underscoring the chain of sharing and involvement of others in the act.

Why Matthew 15:36 matters

  • Matthew 15:36 clarifies that Jesus did not distribute the food directly to the crowd but worked through his disciples, showing their role in his ministry.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of gratitude, as Jesus gives thanks before the miracle, modeling thankfulness even when resources seem limited.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of Jesus’ compassion and provision, echoing other feeding miracles and reinforcing his care for both physical and spiritual needs.

Where else these words appear

“brake” Greek G2806 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 14:19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Mark 14:22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.
  • Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

“fishes” Greek G2486 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
  • 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.
  • 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?

“thanks” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
  • Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
  • Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

“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.