Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

MATTHEW 16:8KJV
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Matthew 16:8 (KJV)

What does Matthew 16:8 mean?

Matthew 16:8 shows Jesus noticing that his disciples are worried about not having bread, and he gently rebukes them for their lack of faith, asking why they are discussing this among themselves. Jesus points out that their concern over bread reveals they still do not fully trust him to provide for their needs.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples after they realize they forgot to bring bread. The disciples are quietly discussing this problem, but Jesus perceives their thoughts and addresses their anxiety. His question highlights that their focus on physical needs shows a limited trust, especially after witnessing his earlier miracles of feeding large crowds.

The Greek behind Matthew 16:8

  • ὀλιγοπίστου (oligopistou, "of little faith"): This word is often used by Jesus when his followers doubt or worry. Here, it emphasizes that the disciples' concern over bread is not just forgetfulness but a sign of weak trust in him.
  • διαλογίζεσθε (dialogizesthe, "reason among yourselves"): The Greek word carries the sense of inward debate or anxious discussion, showing that the disciples are preoccupied with their lack rather than remembering Jesus' past provision.
  • ἄρτον (arton, "bread"): This word simply means bread, but in the context of recent miracles, it points to the disciples missing the deeper lesson about Jesus' ability to provide.

Why Matthew 16:8 matters

  • Matthew 16:8 helps clear up that Jesus is not just concerned with physical needs but wants his disciples to trust him more deeply, especially after witnessing his miracles.
  • The verse reveals that even those closest to Jesus can struggle with doubt and miss the bigger picture, making the lesson relatable to all readers.
  • This moment connects to the larger theme in Matthew of faith versus worry, showing that Jesus consistently calls his followers to trust in God's provision rather than being anxious about daily needs.

Where else these words appear

“faith” Greek G3640 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  • Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
  • Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

“ye” Greek G1260 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 16:7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
  • Mark 8:16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.
  • Luke 5:21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

“bread” Greek G740 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Mark 7:27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
  • John 6:23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)