1
In those days, when there was a very great multitude, and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to himself, and said to them,
2
"I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat.
3
If I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way, for some of them have come a long way."
4
His disciples answered him, "From where will one be able to fill these men with bread here in a desert place?"
5
He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?" They said, "Seven."
6
He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves. Having given thanks, he broke them, and gave them to his disciples to serve, and they served the multitude.
7
They had a few small fish. Having blessed them, he said to serve these also.
8
They ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets of broken pieces that were left over.
9
Those who had eaten were about four thousand. Then he sent them away.