Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Matthew: Chapter 14].
(\rh•nnumi\ and \a\ privative). \Esplagchnisth•\ is a deponent
passive. The verb gives the oriental idea of the bowels
(\splagchna\) as the seat of compassion.
14:15 {When even was come} (\opsias genomen•s\). Genitive
absolute. Not sunset about 6 P.M. as in 8:16 and as in 14:23,
but the first of the two "evenings" beginning at 3 P.M. {The
place is desert} (\er•mos estin ho topos\). Not a desolate
region, simply lonely, comparatively uninhabited with no large
towns near. There were "villages" (\k•mas\) where the people
could buy food, but they would need time to go to them. Probably
this is the idea of the disciples when they add: {The time is
already past} (\h• h•ra •d• par•lthen\). They must hurry.
14:16 {Give ye them to eat} (\dote autois h–meis phagein\). The
emphasis is on \h–meis\ in contrast (note position) with their
"send away" (\apoluson\). It is the urgent aorist of instant
action (\dote\). It was an astounding command. The disciples were
to learn that "no situation appears to Him desperate, no crisis
unmanageable" (Bruce).
14:17 {And they say unto him} (\hoi de legousin aut•i\). The
disciples, like us today, are quick with reasons for their
inability to perform the task imposed by Jesus.
14:18 {And he said} (\ho de eipen\). Here is the contrast between
the helpless doubt of the disciples and the confident courage of
Jesus. He used "_the_ five loaves and two fishes" which they had
mentioned as a reason for doing nothing. "Bring them hither unto
me." They had overlooked the power of Jesus in this emergency.
14:19 {To sit down on the grass} (\anaklith•nai epi tou
chortou\). "Recline," of course, the word means, first aorist
passive infinitive. A beautiful picture in the afternoon sun on
the grass on the mountain side that sloped westward. The orderly
arrangement (Mark) made it easy to count them and to feed them.
Jesus stood where all could see him "break" (\klasas\) the thin
Jewish cakes of bread and give to the disciples and they to the
multitudes. This is a nature miracle that some men find it hard
to believe, but it is recorded by all four Gospels and the only
one told by all four. It was impossible for the crowds to
misunderstand and to be deceived. If Jesus is in reality Lord of
the universe as John tells us (Joh 1:1-18) and Paul holds (Col
1:15-20), why should we balk at this miracle? He who created the
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