Then Jesus dismissed them. Those who ate were about four thousand people.
This verse confirms the scale of the miracle and makes it clearer: about four thousand people were satisfied with a small amount of bread and fish, which plainly rises above natural possibilities and bears witness to divine power. By mentioning this number, the Evangelist emphasizes the reality of the miracle, not allowing it to be understood as something accidental or explainable by human means. Then Christ dismisses the crowd, which shows that, having accomplished His work and met people’s needs, He sends them on their way in peace. The Lord’s purpose is not simply to keep people around Himself, but to bless them and send them into their calling. Thus a person returns from the Lord’s presence to everyday life, already strengthened and confident that God can meet even needs that seem impossible.