Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 9:16

"And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake; and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude." — Luke 9:16 (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.