32 Jesus called his disciples and said: »I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.«

33 The disciples replied: »Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?«

34 Jesus asked: »How many loaves do you have?« They said: »Seven, and a few small fish.«

35 He told the people to sit down on the ground.

36 He took the seven loaves and the fish and offered a prayer of thanksgiving. Then he broke them and gave them to the disciples. The disciples gave them to the people.

37 They all ate and were satisfied. When they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, there were seven large baskets full.

38 Four thousand men, besides women and children were fed.