The Boy with the Five Loaves and Two Fish

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Not given in the text; he remains unnamed, highlighting an anonymous participant in the narrative.
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period (Roman Imperial Context)
• Main References: John 6:8–13 (cf. parallels: Matt. 14:13–21; Mark 6:30–44; Luke 9:10–17)
• Key Connections: Jesus; Andrew (who identified him to Jesus); the gathered crowd

Who was The Boy with the Five Loaves and Two Fish?

An unnamed boy mentioned in John’s account of Jesus feeding the large crowd near the Sea of Galilee.
He had five barley loaves and two fish, a modest supply in the setting described.
Andrew brought attention to him as a practical source of food for the group.

Key Events & Achievements

• Identified by Andrew: His food is noted as available while the disciples assess the crowd’s needs (John 6:8–9).
• Provision supplied: His five barley loaves and two fish become the stated starting point for the meal (John 6:9).
• Included in the sign’s outcome: The food is distributed, and leftovers are gathered into twelve baskets (John 6:11–13).

Life Lesson & Legacy

In the Gospel narrative, his small provision is presented as part of the context in which Jesus meets a large need.

Key Verse

"One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”" — John 6:8–9, ESV