8:4a

In Greek, 8:4 begins with a common conjunction that the Revised Standard Version translates as “and.” In this context it introduces the disciples’ response to what Jesus had said. They objected to his implied suggestion that they needed to feed the people. In some languages it may be natural to use a conjunction like “but” to introduce it. Translate in a natural way in your language for this context.

His disciples replied: The word replied introduces the disciples’ response to what Jesus had just said. In some languages it may be more natural to use a different verb like “said.”

disciples: See the note on 8:1c.

8:4b–c

Where in this desolate place could anyone find enough bread to feed all these people?: This is a rhetorical question. It expresses an objection. The disciples implied that it would be impossible to find enough food in that remote place to feed that large crowd. There are at least two ways to translate this objection:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Where in this desert can anyone find enough food to feed all these people? (Good News Bible)
-or-
Can anyone possibly find enough food in this wilderness to feed all these people?
-or-
How can anyone provide these people with bread in this remote place? (Revised English Bible)

• As a statement. For example:

No one could ever find enough bread to feed all these people here in this uninhabited place!
-or-
It is impossible to find enough food in this remote place to feed all these people!

Use whichever form is most natural to express this sort of emphatic objection in your language.

in this desolate place: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as desolate place indicates a place where few people lived. It was a place that was far from any town or village.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

in this remote place (New International Version)
-or-
in this place where no one lives (God’s Word)
-or-
in the wilderness (New Living Translation)

This same word occurs in 6:35c. For more information, see the note on “wilderness” in 1:3a.

could anyone find enough bread: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as bread is literally “loaves.” It refers to loaves of bread, the main food of the Jewish people. If the people for whom you are translating do not eat bread, you could use a general term here, such as “food.” For example, the Contemporary English Version says:

Where can we find enough food to feed such a crowd?

However, you may need to use a more specific term in 8:6 and 8:9. See how you translated bread in 6:37.

to feed all these people: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to feed can also mean “to satisfy, fill.” This same word also occurs in 8:8a where it is translated as “satisfied.” Some other versions translate to feed as “to satisfy” Here in 8:4, as well. For example:

Where can someone get enough bread in this desolate place to satisfy these people? (NET Bible)
-or-
How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness? (New King James Version)

Consider translating to feed as “to satisfy” here if it would be natural in your language.

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