Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 9:14

"For they were about five thousand men. And he said unto his disciples, Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each." — Luke 9:14 (ASV)

The crowd was much greater than five thousand, since there were that many men, plus women and children (Matthew 14:21). Luke briefly summarizes the miracle, showing the orderliness of the distribution, Jesus’ thanks (providing a lasting example for Christians), and the adequacy of the food.