Verse 21. Five thousand men, beside, etc. Probably the number might have been ten thousand. To feed so many was an act of great benevolence, and a stupendous miracle. The effect was such as might be expected. John says Joh 6:14 that they were convinced by it that he was that prophet that should come into the world; that is, the Messiah.

See Barnes on "Mt 14:13"