What does Matthew 14:21 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 14:21 references the aftermath of the event commonly known as the Feeding of the Five Thousand.

This verse indicates the number of men who were fed, not including women and children.

In this context, the verse underlines the miraculous nature of Jesus' feeding of a multitude with only five loaves of bread and two fish.

The literal meaning highlights the actual count of individuals who benefited from the miracle.

The deeper interpretation brings attention to Jesus' compassion for the crowd and His divine provision, as well as the abundance that can come from seemingly insufficient resources when placed in Jesus' hands.

Historical Context

The Feeding of the Five Thousand is one of the few miracles of Jesus reported in all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), signifying its importance. The event occurs in a remote place, where a large crowd had followed Jesus.

Historically, food was a daily concern, and crowds following a teacher would not have had easy access to provisions.

This situation had set the stage for a significant display of divine intervention, which was to leave a lasting impression on the followers and play a prominent part in Jesus' ministry.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer varied insights on this verse:

• From an Orthodox and Catholic viewpoint, the incident prefigures the Eucharist, wherein believers partake in the body and blood of Christ, finding spiritual sustenance.
• Protestant interpretations might emphasize Jesus' role as a provider for His people, both spiritually and physically, and how faith can yield abundance even from scarcity.
• Liberation theology might see in the shared meal a message of social justice and equality, where all are provided for, regardless of status.

Practical Applications

This verse demonstrates the importance of sharing and generosity.

In modern life, it encourages believers to trust that what they can offer, no matter how small it may seem, can be blessed to provide for others' needs.

It also promotes faith in divine provision, suggesting that when facing overwhelming challenges, individuals can rely on a higher power for support.

Cross-References

• John 6:10-11 - And Jesus said, Make the men sit down.

Now there was much grass in the place.

So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

• Mark 6:44 - And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
• Luke 9:14 - For they were about five thousand men.

And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, "οἱ δὲ ἐσθίοντες" translates as "And those who had eaten," specifying the act of eating.

The Greek term for "men" used here is "ἀνδρες" (andres), which typically refers to adult males, contrasting with the general word for people, "λαὸς" (laos). The distinction made in the text highlights the cultural norms of the time, where men were often the focus of numerical records.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, the idea of a miraculous feeding can be found in various cultures, such as the Roman myth of the god Saturn providing a golden age of plenty.

In Jewish tradition, the manna provided in the wilderness during the Exodus is a parallel of divine provision.

However, the uniqueness in the Christian account lies in the personal nature of Jesus' miracle, emphasizing His role as a shepherd and caregiver.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the idea of five loaves and two fish feeding five thousand men, not counting women and children, defies the natural laws of conservation of mass and energy.

The event is thus considered a supernatural occurrence or a miracle by believers.

Current scientific understanding does not offer an explanation for such events outside of viewing them as anomalies or attributing them to psychological effects on the witnesses.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry's Commentary considers this verse a demonstration of Christ's compassion and his power to supply the needs of his people.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the significance of mentioning only the men, suggesting the total number fed could be two or three times greater, highlighting the even greater magnitude of the miracle.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible offers insights into the manner of the gathering, the number being considerable and revealing the power of Christ in providing meals for so many.

Commentators often focus on the miraculous nature of the event, its theological and spiritual relevance, and Christ's role as a provider and signpost to the kingdom of heaven.