Matthew 15:36
New International Version
Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.

New Living Translation
Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.

English Standard Version
he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

Berean Standard Bible
Taking the seven loaves and the fish, He gave thanks and broke them. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

Berean Literal Bible
having taken the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks, He broke them and kept giving them to the disciples, and the disciples to the crowd.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude.

New American Standard Bible
and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

NASB 1995
and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

NASB 1977
and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples in turn, to the multitudes.

Legacy Standard Bible
and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and kept giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

Amplified Bible
and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and when He had given thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples [gave them] to the people.

Christian Standard Bible
he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He took the seven loaves and the fish, and He gave thanks, broke them, and kept on giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

American Standard Version
and he took the seven loaves and the fishes; and he gave thanks and brake, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.

Contemporary English Version
he took the seven loaves of bread and the fish and gave thanks. He then broke them and handed them to his disciples, who passed them around to the crowds.

English Revised Version
and he took the seven loaves and the fishes; and he gave thanks and brake, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks to God. Then he broke the bread and gave it to the disciples, and they gave the bread and fish to the people.

Good News Translation
Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks to God, broke them, and gave them to the disciples; and the disciples gave them to the people.

International Standard Version
he took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks. Then he broke them in pieces and kept giving them to his disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.

Majority Standard Bible
Taking the seven loaves and the fish, He gave thanks and broke them. Then He gave them to His disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

NET Bible
he took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks, he broke them and began giving them to the disciples, who then gave them to the crowds.

New Heart English Bible
and he took the seven loaves and the fish. He gave thanks and broke them, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the crowds.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and broke them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Weymouth New Testament
and He took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks He broke them up and then distributed them to the disciples, and they to the people.

World English Bible
and he took the seven loaves and the fish. He gave thanks and broke them, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and having taken the seven loaves and the fishes, having given thanks, He broke, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples [gave] to the multitude.

Berean Literal Bible
having taken the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks, He broke them and kept giving them to the disciples, and the disciples to the crowd.

Young's Literal Translation
and having taken the seven loaves and the fishes, having given thanks, he did break, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Smith's Literal Translation
And having taken the seven loaves and the fishes, having returned thanks, he brake, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the crowd.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And taking the seven loaves and the fishes, and giving thanks, he brake, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the people.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And taking the seven loaves and the fish, and giving thanks, he broke and gave to his disciples, and the disciples gave to the people.

New American Bible
Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.

New Revised Standard Version
he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then he took the seven loaves of bread and the fish, and gave thanks, and he broke them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he took up those seven loaves and the fish and he gave praise, and he broke and he gave to his disciples and his disciples gave to the crowd.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and broke, and gave thorn to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the multitude.

Godbey New Testament
He took the seven loaves and the fishes; having given thanks, He broke them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Haweis New Testament
And taking the seven loaves and the fishes, he gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Mace New Testament
then taking the seven loaves, and the fish, he gave thanks, and distributed them, by pieces, to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Weymouth New Testament
and He took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks He broke them up and then distributed them to the disciples, and they to the people.

Worrell New Testament
He took the seven loaves and the fishes; giving thanks, He broke, and was giving to the disciples; and the disciples to the multitudes.

Worsley New Testament
and taking the seven loaves and the fishes, when He had given thanks, He brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Feeding of the Four Thousand
35And He instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36Taking the seven loaves and the fish, He gave thanks and broke them. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 37They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.…

Cross References
Mark 8:6
And He instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then He took the seven loaves, gave thanks and broke them, and gave them to His disciples to set before the people. And they distributed them to the crowd.

John 6:11
Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.

Matthew 14:19
And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

Luke 9:16
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus spoke a blessing and broke them. Then He gave them to the disciples to set before the people.

1 Samuel 9:13
As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.”

2 Kings 4:42-44
Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. / But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.

John 6:23
However, some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.

Acts 27:35
After he had said this, Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.

1 Corinthians 11:24
and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

Deuteronomy 8:10
When you eat and are satisfied, you are to bless the LORD your God for the good land that He has given you.

Psalm 107:9
For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

Psalm 145:15-16
The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in season. / You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

Isaiah 55:2
Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.

Exodus 16:12-15
“I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’” / That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. / When the layer of dew had evaporated, there were thin flakes on the desert floor, as fine as frost on the ground. ...

Numbers 11:7-9
Now the manna resembled coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of gum resin. / The people walked around and gathered it, ground it on a handmill or crushed it in a mortar, then boiled it in a cooking pot or shaped it into cakes. It tasted like pastry baked with fine oil. / When the dew fell on the camp at night, the manna would fall with it.


Treasury of Scripture

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and broke them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

and gave thanks.

Matthew 26:26,27
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body…

1 Samuel 9:13
As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.

Luke 22:19
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Jump to Previous
Brake Bread Broke Broken Cakes Crowd Crowds Disciples Distributed Fish Fishes Loaves Multitude Multitudes Praise Seven Started Thanks Turn
Jump to Next
Brake Bread Broke Broken Cakes Crowd Crowds Disciples Distributed Fish Fishes Loaves Multitude Multitudes Praise Seven Started Thanks Turn
Matthew 15
1. Jesus reproves the Scribes and Pharisees
7. for transgressing God's commandments through their own traditions;
10. teaches how that which goes into the mouth does not defile a man.
21. He heals the daughter of the woman of Canaan,
29. and other great multitudes;
32. and with seven loaves and a few small fish feeds four thousand men














Then He took
This phrase marks the beginning of a miraculous event, emphasizing Jesus' active role. The Greek word for "took" is "λαβών" (labōn), which implies a deliberate action. In the context of biblical miracles, this action signifies Jesus' authority and readiness to provide. Historically, this act of taking is reminiscent of the priestly role in the Old Testament, where offerings were taken and presented to God. Jesus, as the High Priest, takes what is available to perform a divine act.

the seven loaves and the fish
The number seven in biblical terms often symbolizes completeness or perfection, reflecting the sufficiency of God's provision. The loaves and fish, common food items, represent the simplicity and ordinariness of the means through which God can work extraordinary miracles. This echoes the Old Testament provision of manna, where God provided sustenance in the wilderness. The use of fish also connects to the disciples' backgrounds as fishermen, symbolizing the transformation of their ordinary lives into extraordinary service.

and after giving thanks
The Greek word for "giving thanks" is "εὐχαριστήσας" (eucharistēsas), from which the term "Eucharist" is derived. This act of thanksgiving is crucial, as it acknowledges God's sovereignty and provision. It sets a precedent for Christian practice, where gratitude is expressed before receiving God's blessings. Historically, this reflects Jewish mealtime prayers, where blessings were pronounced over food, recognizing God as the ultimate provider.

He broke them
Breaking the bread is a significant act, symbolizing the distribution and sharing of God's provision. The Greek word "κλάσας" (klasas) implies a physical breaking, which foreshadows the breaking of Jesus' body on the cross. This act of breaking is not just physical but also spiritual, indicating the breaking of barriers and the sharing of divine grace with all.

and gave them to the disciples
The act of giving to the disciples signifies the role of the disciples as intermediaries in Jesus' ministry. The Greek word "ἔδωκεν" (edōken) suggests a transfer of responsibility. This mirrors the Great Commission, where Jesus entrusts His followers to continue His work. Historically, this act of giving reflects the rabbinic tradition of teaching and passing on wisdom and responsibility to disciples.

and they in turn to the people
This phrase highlights the chain of distribution, emphasizing the role of the disciples in the miracle. The Greek structure suggests a continuous action, indicating the ongoing nature of ministry. The disciples' obedience and participation are crucial, as they act as conduits of Jesus' blessing. This reflects the communal aspect of the early church, where resources were shared among believers, and the message of Christ was spread through collective effort.

Verse 36. - He took. The account differs little from that on the former occasion. Gave thanks (εὐχαριστήσας). This represents the blessing of the viands. Thanksgiving was a specially enjoined accompaniment of meals. The Talmud said, "He that enjoys anything without an act of thanksgiving is as one that robs the Almighty." The blessing here was the efficient cause of the multiplication of the food. Without any fresh creation Jesus used the materials ready to his hands, and only increased them by his Almighty power. Brake them, and gave (ἔκλασε καὶ ἐδίδου). Looking to the tenses used, we should say that Jesus brake the viands once, and then kept continually giving of them to the twelve for the purpose of distribution. We do not read how the multitude was arranged in the present case. Possibly the locality did not admit of methodical division into ranks and companies, or, on the other hand, its natural terraces may have obviated the necessity for any such formal arrangement, the company falling naturally into convenient sections.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Taking
ἔλαβεν (elaben)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

seven
ἑπτὰ (hepta)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2033: Seven. A primary number; seven.

loaves
ἄρτους (artous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 740: Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

fish,
ἰχθύας (ichthyas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2486: A fish. Of uncertain affinity; a fish.

He gave thanks
εὐχαριστήσας (eucharistēsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2168: From eucharistos; to be grateful, i.e. to express gratitude; specially, to say grace at a meal.

[and] broke [them].
ἔκλασεν (eklasen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2806: To break (in pieces), break bread. A primary verb; to break.

Then
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

He gave [them]
ἐδίδου (edidou)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

to
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

[the] disciples,
μαθηταῖς (mathētais)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

and
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

disciples
μαθηταὶ (mathētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

[gave them] to the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people.
ὄχλοις (ochlois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 15:35
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