Matthew 14:22

"Those who ate were about five thousand men, in addition to women and children."

Key Reflection

The crowd at the feeding of the five thousand was predominantly male, with a significant number of women and children also present, totaling about five thousand individuals. This detail highlights the extensive reach of Jesus's ministry, demonstrating that his miracles attracted people from all segments of society, including families and their dependents. In first-century Jewish culture, large public events often involved not just adult males but entire households, reflecting the communal nature of religious observance and social gatherings.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 22,23. And straightway Jesus constrained, etc. See Mr 6:45-56; Joh 6:16-21. The word straightway means immediately; that is, as soon as the fragments were gathered up. To constrain, means to compel. It here means to command. There was no need of compulsion. They were at this time on the east side of the lake of Gennesaret. He directed them to get into a ship, and cross over to the other side; that is, to Capernaum. Mark adds that he sent them to Bethsaida, Mr 6:45. Bethsaida was situated at the place where the Jordan empties into the lake, on the east side of the river.

Related Verses

More from Matthew 14

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion