Feeding of the 4,000
Jesus feeds 4,000 men with seven loaves and a few small fishes, with seven baskets left over.
A great multitude had been with Jesus three days in the wilderness and had nothing to eat. He had compassion on them and would not send them away fasting. Taking seven loaves and a few little fishes, He gave thanks, brake, and gave to His disciples to set before the people.
The region of the Decapolis, east of the Sea of Galilee
What Happened
Key KJV Scriptures
"And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full."
"So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets."
Spiritual Significance
The feeding of the 4,000, largely among Gentile crowds in the Decapolis, shows that the Bread of Life is for all peoples — Jew and Gentile alike.
Lesson for Today
Jesus' compassion is not limited by background. He still satisfies those who linger long with Him in lonely places.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as the feeding of the 5,000?
No. Jesus Himself distinguishes them in Matthew 16:9-10, noting different numbers fed, loaves used, and baskets gathered.
Why two similar miracles?
The 5,000 took place among Jews near Bethsaida; the 4,000 in the Gentile Decapolis. Together they show Christ as Bread for the world.
Where in the Bible is the miracle of Feeding of the 4,000?
The miracle of Feeding of the 4,000 is recorded in Matthew 15:36-37 (KJV), with additional references in Mark 8:8.
Who performed the miracle of Feeding of the 4,000?
Scripture records that Jesus Christ carried out this miracle at The region of the Decapolis, east of the Sea of Galilee. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
Related Bible Miracles
Water Turned into Wine
Jesus' first public miracle at a wedding in Cana turned six water pots into the best wine.
Feeding the Five Thousand
Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fishes to feed a crowd of more than five thousand.
Elisha Feeds a Hundred Men
Elisha multiplies twenty barley loaves to feed a hundred men with leftovers, foreshadowing Jesus' miracles.
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
Beelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreJesus' Authority to Cast Out Demons
Jesus cast out demons with a word; He gave the same authority to His disciples and still delivers today through faith in His name.
Read moreThe Name of Jesus — Authority in Spiritual Warfare
The name of Jesus is not a magic word but the authority of the risen Christ, in which demons are cast out and prayers are heard.
Read moreAngels Ministered to Jesus (Wilderness & Gethsemane)
After temptation and in Gethsemane's agony, angels came and strengthened the Son of God — heaven's tender care for the suffering Saviour.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
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Stilling storms, walking on water, and the glory of the mount.
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Miracles of Jesus Quiz for Kids
Walking on water, feeding the 5,000, healing the sick.
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Jesus feeds 4,000 men with seven loaves and a few small fishes, with seven baske
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