Matthew 15:36

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λαβὼν

G2983

he took

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑπτὰ

G2033

the seven

seven

ἄρτους

G740

loaves

bread (as raised) or a loaf

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἰχθύας

G2486

the fishes

a fish

εὐχαριστήσας

G2168

and gave thanks

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

#10

ἔκλασεν

G2806

and brake

to break (specially, of bread)

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

ἔδωκεν

G1325

gave

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#13

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

μαθηταὶ

G3101

disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

#15

αὐτοῦ·

G846

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

#16

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#18

μαθηταὶ

G3101

disciples

a learner, i.e., pupil

#19

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

ὄχλῷ

G3793

to the multitude

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 15 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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Matthew 15:36

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources