John Gill Commentary Matthew 14:17

"And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes." — Matthew 14:17 (ASV)

And they say unto him
In order to excuse themselves, and to show the impossibility of feeding such a large number of people;

we have here but five loaves ;
and these barley ones, coarse bread;

and two fishes ;
small ones, which were dried and salted, and fit for present eating; which they either brought along with them for their own refreshment, or rather, were brought thither by a boy to sell, as is usual where a great concourse of people are got together:

these words seem to be spoken by Andrew, Simon Peter's brother; who added, "but what are they among so many?" see (John 6:8John 6:9) not thinking of the power of Christ, who was able to multiply, and make this provision a sufficiency for the whole company.