Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 14:18

"And he said, Bring them hither to me." — Matthew 14:18 (ASV)

Jesus alone multiplies the loaves and fishes. He gives the orders, gives thanks, and breaks the loaves (vv.18–19). The actions—looking up to heaven, thanking God, and breaking the loaves—are normal for any head of a Jewish household in prayer (see comment on Mk 6:41).

The crowd was huge: fifteen or twenty thousand total, if there were five thousand “men,” v.21. Yet all ate and were satisfied, and there were twelve baskets of leftovers. The “twelve basketfuls” may be significant (cf. twelve tribes and twelve apostles; 19:28). The best suggestion is that Messiah’s supply is so lavish that even the scraps of his provision are enough to supply the needs of Israel, represented by the Twelve.