Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

MATTHEW 16:9KJV
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Matthew 16:9 (KJV)

What does Matthew 16:9 mean?

Matthew 16:9 shows Jesus asking his disciples why they still do not understand or remember the miracle of feeding five thousand people with five loaves of bread, and how many baskets of leftovers they collected. Jesus is pointing out their lack of understanding and memory about what he has already done.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples after they misunderstood his warning about the "leaven of the Pharisees." He reminds them of the recent miracle where he fed a huge crowd with very little food, emphasizing that they have already seen proof of his power and provision. The verse highlights their struggle to grasp the deeper meaning behind his actions and words.

The Greek behind Matthew 16:9

  • "Understand" (νοέω, noeō): This word means to perceive or grasp mentally. Jesus is not just asking if they remember the event, but if they truly grasp its significance.
  • "Remember" (μνημονεύω, mnēmoneuō): This is about actively recalling past events. Jesus expects the disciples to bring to mind what they witnessed, not just as facts but as lessons.
  • "Baskets" (κοφίνους, kophinous): The specific word for baskets refers to a particular kind of container, which helps tie this verse directly to the earlier miracle and shows Jesus is referencing a real, memorable event.

Why Matthew 16:9 matters

  • Matthew 16:9 clears up that the disciples’ confusion was not about the facts of the miracle, but about failing to connect those facts to Jesus’ identity and teaching.
  • The verse emphasizes that witnessing miracles is not enough; understanding and remembering their meaning is crucial for faith.
  • This question from Jesus connects to the larger theme in Matthew of the disciples’ gradual realization of who Jesus is and what his actions reveal about God’s power and care.

Where else these words appear

“thousand” Greek G4000 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 14:21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.
  • Mark 6:44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
  • Luke 9:14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

“baskets” Greek G2894 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 14:20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.
  • Mark 6:43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.
  • Luke 9:17 And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

“ye” Greek G3539 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
  • Mark 8:17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?
  • Ephesians 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

“remember” Greek G3421 · used in 21 verses

  • Mark 8:18 Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
  • Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
  • 2 Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: