Matthew 15:34
And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Πόσους
How many
G4214
Πόσους
How many
Strong's:
G4214
Word #:
6 of 15
interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)
ἔχετε
have ye
G2192
ἔχετε
have ye
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 15
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Bread (ἄρτος) was the staple food of ancient Palestine, made from wheat or barley. Fish from the Sea of Galilee—typically dried or salted for preservation—provided protein. The disciples' inventory was perhaps their own provisions for the journey. Jesus's use of their personal food demonstrates that God uses what we surrender, not what we withhold. The feeding miracles validated Jesus's claim to be the Bread of Life (John 6:35).
Questions for Reflection
- What insufficient resources in your life could Christ multiply if you offered them to Him?
- How does focusing on what you have, rather than what you lack, change your perspective on ministry opportunities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? (καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς, Πόσους ἄρτους ἔχετε;)—Jesus's question focuses them on present resources, not absent provisions. He always begins with what we have, not what we lack. The interrogative πόσος ('how many') invites inventory—what's available for God to use? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes (οἱ δὲ εἶπαν, Ἑπτά, καὶ ὀλιγα ἰχθύδια)—seven loaves and ὀλίγα ἰχθύδια ('a few small fishes,' diminutive of ἰχθῦς).
The number seven (ἑπτά) symbolizes completeness in Scripture. While the 5,000 were fed with five loaves (representing Torah's five books and Jewish ministry), the 4,000 receive seven loaves (representing complete gospel provision for all nations). The small fish emphasize the inadequacy of human resources for divine tasks—yet Christ multiplies whatever is offered to Him. Our insufficiency becomes the platform for His all-sufficiency.