Matthew 16:8
Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
Matthew 16:8 · King James Version
Meaning
When Jesus perceived that his disciples were worried because they had forgotten to bring bread, he rebuked them for their lack of faith. The disciples were focused on their physical needs, forgetting that Jesus had performed miracles before, such as feeding the five thousand with just five loaves of bread and two fish. By questioning why they were reasoning amongst themselves about bread, Jesus was teaching them to have faith in God's provision and not to be consumed by worry. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to trust in God's divine provision and not to let fear and doubt overshadow their faith. Jesus was using this moment to teach his disciples an important lesson about the power of faith and trust in God, even in seemingly impossible situations.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Jesus rebukes his disciples for their lack of faith and understanding. The phrase "O ye of little faith" highlights Jesus' disappointment in his disciples' failure to grasp the greater spiritual lesson he was trying to teach. The word "reason" in this context refers to the disciples' anxious and fruitless discussion among themselves. Jesus is essentially questioning why they are so preoccupied with material concerns like bread when he is offering them a deeper lesson about faith and trust in God's provision.
This verse serves as a reminder to believers to look beyond the physical needs and worries of the world and instead focus on trusting in God's provision and guidance. It challenges us to have faith in God's ability to provide for our needs, both material and spiritual, even when it may not seem apparent to us. By understanding the theological significance of Jesus' words, we can learn to rely on God's faithfulness and trust in His plan for our lives.
Matthew 16:8 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Jesus perceiving it said, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have no bread?
World English Bible
Jesus, perceiving it, said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, ‘because you have brought no bread?’
Douay-Rheims
And Jesus knowing it, said: Why do you think within yourselves, O ye of little faith, for that you have no bread?
Geneva Bible (1599)
But Iesus knowing it, saide vnto them, O ye of litle faith, why reason you thus among your selues, because ye haue brought no bread?