Clean and Unclean
A total of four thousand men were fed, besides women and children. Matthew 15:38 · Berean Standard Bible
Four thousand men were fed, plus women and children. A second massive miracle of provision, confirming that the first wasn't a fluke.
When God does something wonderful once, it's a blessing. When He does it again, it's a pattern. He's establishing something you can count on.
Matthew gives the count of those miraculously fed.
Another crowd of thousands fed from almost nothing. God is teaching His followers that He can be trusted again and again.
The count of tetrakischilioi andres ('four thousand men') chōris gynaikōn kai paidiōn mirrors the formula from 14:21. The smaller number compared to the first feeding does not diminish the miraculous nature.
The distinction between the two feedings (five thousand vs. four thousand; twelve baskets vs. seven) will be explicitly referenced by Jesus in 16:9-10 as evidence the disciples should have understood.
The narrator provides the statistical summary.
The numbers are carefully recorded to confirm this as a distinct event. Both feedings together build an undeniable case for Jesus' divine provision.
36Taking the seven loaves and the fish, He gave thanks and broke them. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.
37They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
38A total of four thousand men were fed, besides women and children.
39After Jesus had dismissed the crowds, He got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.
Read all of Matthew 15 — Jesus dismantles the purity codes the Pharisees have built and shows that what defiles a person comes from within, not without.
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