But he said to them: Give you them to eat. And they said: We have no more than five loaves and two fishes; unless perhaps, we should go and buy food for all this multitude.
ειπεν δε προς αυτους δοτε αυτοις υμεις φαγειν οι δε ειπον ουκ εισιν ημιν πλειον η πεντε αρτοι και ιχθυες δυο ει μητι πορευθεντες ημεις αγορασωμεν εις παντα τον λαον τουτον βρωματα
9 Church Fathers comment on this verse · 12 commentaries
The Lord instructed the disciples, saying, "You are to provide food for them." He mentioned this not due to a lack of awareness regarding their shortage, but rather to prompt the disciples to acknowledge the quantity of loaves they possessed. In doing so, through their acknowledgment and the statement of their meager supplies, He aimed to unveil the full extent of the miracle.
Observe the unmatched kindness of the One they petition. He not only fulfills all the desires of those who have devoted themselves to Him, but He also enriches them with abundance from His gracious hand, revitalizing those who cherish Him in every way and cultivating their spiritual fortitude. This is evident from the account we have just considered. The blessed disciples requested of Christ that those who had followed Him, after having their needs met, might be allowed to depart and disperse freely. Yet, He commanded that provisions be made for them. This seemed unattainable to the disciples, as they possessed only five loaves and two fish; they approached Him and acknowledged this limitation.
This event illustrates that the ministry of hospitality is richly rewarded by God. Additionally, these new happenings can be linked to the earlier miracles, both being manifestations of the same divine power. In the desert, God rained down manna for the Israelites, gifting them the heavenly bread. As the Psalms declare, “Man ate the bread of angels” (Ps 77:24-25). Likewise, in that very wilderness, He generously supplied sustenance for those in need, as if it were sent straight from heaven. The miraculous multiplication of a modest amount of food to feed such a vast crowd is reminiscent of the original sign.
Moses In summary, the five loaves mentioned in Luke 9:13 symbolize the five books attributed to Moses. By their nature, they are not made from wheat but from barley, reflecting their origin in the Old Covenant. It is understood that barley is constructed in such a way that its inner kernel is difficult to access. The grain is enveloped in a tough outer husk, which is tightly bound and often inseparable. This illustrates the nature of the Old Testament writings: shrouded in the outer layers of physical obligations; yet, once one penetrates to the heart of the text, its true substance provides nourishment and fulfillment.
Only after the woman, who reflected the Church, had been restored from her bleeding and the apostles were commissioned to share the message of God's Kingdom, did He begin to gift the sustenance of divine grace. This nourishment is not given to those who are complacent or entrenched in worldly status, but rather to those earnestly in search of Christ in desolation. Christ welcomes those who exhibit neither pride nor complacency, addressing them with God’s Word that speaks of the Kingdom instead of worldly matters. And if they are still marked by the wounds of their earthly desires, He graciously offers His healing.
Thus, those whom He healed from their afflictions were also nourished with spiritual sustenance, for one cannot partake in the bread of Christ until after being made whole, and those summoned to a feast before receiving healing are mistaken. If a person was disabled, he gained the strength to walk, allowing him to attend the banquet; if he lacked sight, it was restored to him, as entry into the Lord’s house requires vision.
A divine order is consistently displayed: first, sins are forgiven, leading to the healing of wounds, and subsequently, the bounty of the heavenly feast is made available. This multitude has yet to partake of solid nourishment, nor is the Body and Blood of Christ provided to those whose faith lacks substance. It is written, "I fed you with milk, and not with solid food, for you were not yet able to receive it" (1 Cor. 3:2). The five loaves symbolize milk, while the more substantial food represents the Body of Christ, and the stronger drink signifies the Blood of the Lord. We do not immediately consume everything at once; first, we are instructed to drink this (Is. 8:23). There is a sequence to our intake: initially, we consume the five loaves, then the seven.
Let us not forsake the Lord, who feeds us according to our capacity. Solid food does not burden the strong, and the gentle nourishment does not leave the weak wanting; for the weak should partake of vegetables (Romans 14:2). Yet, those who have overcome their weaknesses may indulge in the five loaves and two fish. If one hesitates to ask for nourishment, let him, setting aside his own desires, hasten to the Word of God, and as he begins to listen, he will be filled. The apostles noticed a man's hunger, though they were unaware of what he truly craved; Christ, however, understood that he sought not the sustenance of this world, but the food that comes from Him. And He expressed His concern, saying, "I do not want to let them go hungry, lest they become weak on the way" (Matthew 15:32). The Lord requires effort, but He also provides strength.
Oh, if only, Lord Jesus, You would not allow these men, like me, to go hungry, but instead feed them with Your nourishment, so that they might be emboldened and unafraid of hunger! If You had declared concerning us, “I do not want to let them go hungry” (Matthew 15:32)! Provide a reason for this compassion. And indeed, You have already given it: for anyone who is allowed to go hungry will become weak on their journey of earthly existence, before reaching the destination set by the Father, before recognizing that Christ is from the Father and that the Christ who descended is the same as the one who ascended.
Thus, to prevent them from growing fatigued, He instructed, “Give them something to eat.” They responded, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish; shall we go purchase food for all these people?” (Luke 9:13). The apostles had yet to realize that the bread meant for the faithful is not for sale. Christ fully understood that we are in need of redemption, and that His sustenance requires no cost. The disciples may not yet have possessed that which could redeem us, but they did have the provision meant to satisfy us. For it is written, "bread strengthens the heart of man" (Psalm 103:5). Thus, the Lord shows mercy that none may falter on their journey. Therefore, if one is weary, it is not due to the Lord Jesus, but rather his own doing, and one cannot blame the Lord, who prevails in judgment.
What will you say to Him who has empowered you and strengthened you? Did He not bring you forth and sustain you? His nourishment is your strength. Should you falter in the strength received through neglect, it reveals a lack of diligence within your own spirit, not a deficiency in the divine sustenance. The Lord provides for both the just and unjust alike (Matthew 5:45).
By the power of holy nourishment, Elijah, weary in his journey, traveled forty days, fed by an angel’s ministrations (3 Kings 19:5-8). But if Christ nourishes you and you safeguard the gift received, you will not merely walk for forty days and nights; rather, you could journey for forty years after exiting Egypt until reaching a land of abundance, a land flowing with milk and honey, promised by the Lord (Ex. 3:18; Ex. 13:5; Lk. 1:73; Acts 7:36; 2 Ezra 9:21). Seek the strength of the inheritance promised to the meek, not of this arid earth (Mt. 12:43), but of what Christ nourishes, sustained under the reign of the eternal King and inhabited by multitudes of saints.
Thus, the Lord Jesus distributes nourishment, withholding from none; He is a provider to all. When He breaks bread and gives it to His disciples, if you do not extend your hand to receive it, you will weaken on your path and cannot shift the blame to Him who shows mercy. The early Church custom is reflected here, where the faithful received the Gift in their cupped hands. He shares with those who remain with Him even amidst trials, not departing after the first, second or third day. It is written, “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with Me for three days” (Matthew 15:32). What compassion and humanity He exhibits! He does not wish for them to go hungry, fearing they may grow weak on their journey.
Do not tire of God's instruction, nor grow weary when He corrects you. Do not become weary now, lest you lack strength later. What will be your response or explanation if you squander the strength derived from the nourishment He provides? You cannot claim that He has withheld food, for it is freely given to all (Psalm 135:25). You cannot argue that He has failed to direct you towards goodness, as He has set before you the choice of good and evil (Gen. 2:9, 17), ensuring that your good deeds stem not from coercion, but from willingness (Phlm. 1:14). There exists a vast difference between acting out of necessity and choosing goodness freely; should I perform a task involuntarily, I am merely fulfilling a duty, but when I act willingly, I am promised a reward (1 Cor. 9:17).
Let us remember that we shall stand before Christ’s judgment (Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 3:15). We will be without excuses. He will remind us of what He has already conveyed through the prophet: “My people, what have I done to you, or in what way have I troubled you? Answer Me!” (Micah 6:3). He will question the one weak on the way, “Why are you fainting along the journey? Have I not created the loaves, blessed them, and commanded their distribution? Why did you not receive them?” How many will find themselves weakened on the road after these words. These reflections should be seen as bread, for no one can declare Jesus as Lord except through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3). How many, I ask, will stumble, maybe even just one, as love leads them astray into the distorted ways of the world? But Jesus is not the cause of anyone’s weariness, even if a few grow tired. He distributes bread to all who follow Him, whether five thousand or four thousand.
After the one who embodies the Church has been restored from the flow of blood, and following the apostles being commissioned to proclaim the kingdom of God, the sustenance of divine grace is bestowed. It is important to observe to whom this gift is granted: not to the indifferent, nor to those who dwell in urban centers as if they are in a place of worship amid the allure of this world, but rather to those who seek the Savior in desolate places. Indeed, those who do not oppose Him are welcomed by Christ, and the Scriptures do not address them concerning earthly matters, but rather speak of the kingdom of heaven. If there are individuals bearing the scars of physical suffering, He generously offers them His healing power.
Thus, He satisfies the spiritual yearning of those He has healed from their deep wounds with heavenly nourishment. Consequently, it is evident that no one receives sustenance from Christ unless they have first been made whole, and those summoned to partake in the feast must first be called to receive healing. If there was a man who was unable to walk, he gained the strength to move in order to approach; similarly, one whose eyes could not perceive light could not enter the house of the Lord without first having his vision restored.
In the Scriptures, we learn that initially five thousand individuals were nourished with five loaves, and subsequently four thousand more with seven loaves. Let us delve into the profound mystery that transcends the miracle itself. The five thousand could symbolize the five physical senses, receiving from Christ sustenance that remains available to the fleshly portion of humanity. On the other hand, although the four thousand inhabit the physical realm comprised of the four elements, they partake in what is described as the food of divine tranquility: still connected to the world, yet destined to transcend it.
Though they reside in this earthly existence, they are not confined by it, partaking instead of the nourishment that brings spiritual rest; for the world was formed in six days, while the seventh was designated as a day of repose, which the Lord blessed. Thus, beyond the confines of the world lies peace, and from that peace springs forth the fruits of rest. Moreover, blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be recognized as the sons of God (Matt. 5:9). Consequently, since God exists above the world, it follows that no one can behold God unless they first elevate themselves beyond worldly confines with a discerning spirit. The beatitude of the peacemakers stands out, mirrored by the seven baskets of leftovers collected after feeding the four thousand. This is no mere coincidence, for the leftovers represent sustenance of rest, sanctified bread pertaining to the Sabbath. It may be that if you start with the five loaves through your senses, you will ultimately find that after consuming the five and seven loaves, you will cease to partake of earthly bread. Instead, you will find nourishment beyond the earth, as you consume eight loaves like those in heaven. The seven loaves signify the loaves of peace, whereas the eight loaves symbolize the loaves of resurrection. Those who were sustained by the seven loaves remained for three days, perhaps developing a complete faith in the promised resurrection and unwavering resolve.
Regarding this matter, we ought to remember that the divine plan of salvation encompasses the humiliation of Christ’s earthly form, embodying the law of death. His suffering on the cross culminated in the Resurrection, which heralded victory over sin and death, as revealed in the Scriptures. In Him, we find the ultimate fulfillment of hope and redemption.
The Lord showed mercy, and with five loaves and two fish, He miraculously fed five thousand attendees, a testament to His abundant grace, leaving each apostle with a basket of remnants. This event echoed the manna provided in the wilderness and other miraculous acts found in the Old Testament. Witnessing such a wonder, the crowd acknowledged Him as the prophet foretold by Moses and sought to elevate Jesus to kingship. However, He chose to retreat to the mountain to pray and instructed His disciples to cross over to the other side without Him, leaving the people unfulfilled in their longing.
Jesus instructed, "They do not need to depart; instead, let them be fed" (Matthew 14:16), and then He ascended the mountain accompanied by the apostles, taking a seat there. The multitude followed Him. As He observed the throng approaching them, Jesus sought to challenge the faith of His disciple Philip by inquiring, "Where shall we find bread to feed this crowd?" Philip responded, "The resources we have are inadequate for such a number; even with two hundred denarii, we could not provide enough for each one to have a morsel." Unaware that He who had the power to raise the dead and heal the bl
ind, mute, and paralyzed could equally nourish the hungry, Andrew, the brother of Peter, mentioned to Christ, "There is a boy here with five barley loaves and two fish; but how are these sufficient for such a great assembly?" (John 6:7).
Yet, in His deep compassion, Christ had previously cautioned them about their anxieties, and He directly communicated with Philip regarding their predicament. They engaged in a brief discussion. It would have taken no less than two hundred denarii to procure even a small amount of bread for such a large crowd; however, even if they had that amount in their communal funds, the time and means to purchase the food were lacking. Andrew pointed out that one boy possessed five barley loaves and two fish, but clearly, that amount was so minimal it seemed hardly worth mentioning. "Have them recline," Christ responded with calm assurance (Matt. 14:13-21, Mk. 6:30-44, Lk. 9:10-17, Jn. 6:1-15).
The narrative presented by Luke regarding the Lord’s retreat to a solitary region and the miraculous sustenance of the multitude serves as a bridge in length between the accounts provided by Matthew and Mark. It extends beyond Matthew's concise version while not approaching the extensive detail found in Mark's retelling. Luke does not introduce any novel elements to the story compared to the others, apart from specifying the wilderness location, identifying it as being close to Bethsaida (Julia), situated in the northeast area of the Lake of Gennesaret and near the eastern shore of the Jordan River. The content of this account aligns closely with those of the earlier Evangelists. See note on Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44.
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 32 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS