Matthew 15:35

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

Complete Jewish Bible:

After telling the crowd to sit down on the ground,

Berean Standard Bible:

And He instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground.

American Standard Version:

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G2532} he commanded^{G2753} the multitude^{G3793} to sit down^{G377} on^{G1909} the ground^{G1093}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Matthew 15:35

Matthew 15:35, "And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground," is a verse set within the context of one of Jesus' miraculous feedings, specifically the second such event recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. This scene takes place in the predominantly Gentile region of the Decapolis, east of the Sea of Galilee. The historical context is significant as it reflects Jesus' ministry to both Jews and Gentiles, breaking down cultural and religious barriers.

In this verse, Jesus is preparing to perform a miracle that would not only meet the physical needs of a large, diverse crowd but also teach his disciples and the onlookers about his divine authority and provision. The act of seating the people on the ground sets the stage for what is commonly known as the Feeding of the Four Thousand. This event echoes the earlier Feeding of the Five Thousand, which was primarily directed towards a Jewish audience, thus reinforcing the theme of inclusivity in Jesus' ministry.

The theme of provision is central to this verse, as Jesus demonstrates his ability to care for the physical needs of a multitude with only a few loaves of bread and fish. This act of feeding also symbolizes spiritual sustenance, pointing to Jesus as the Bread of Life, a concept he expounds upon in the Gospel of John (John 6:35). Additionally, the miracle foreshadows the Eucharist, where bread is broken and shared among believers as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.

Matthew 15:35 captures a moment of divine preparation, as Jesus organizes the crowd to receive his blessing and provision, illustrating his role as a compassionate shepherd who cares for his diverse flock. This verse, and the miracle it introduces, serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' identity as the Messiah, who came to fulfill both physical and spiritual hunger for all people.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2753
   There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κελεύω
   Transliteration: keleúō
   Pronunciation: kel-yoo'-o
   Description: from a primary (to urge on); "hail"; to incite by word, i.e. order:--bid, (at, give) command(-ment).
   
3. Strong's Number: G3793
   There are 170 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὄχλος
   Transliteration: óchlos
   Pronunciation: okh'los
   Description: from a derivative of ἔχω (meaning a vehicle); a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot:--company, multitude, number (of people), people, press.
   
4. Strong's Number: G377
   There are 876 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀναπίπτω
   Transliteration: anapíptō
   Pronunciation: an-ap-ip'-to
   Description: from ἀνά and πίπτω; to fall back, i.e. lie down, lean back:--lean, sit down (to meat).
   
5. Strong's Number: G1909
   There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐπί
   Transliteration: epí
   Pronunciation: ep-ee'
   Description: a primary preposition; properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.:--about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).
   
6. Strong's Number: G1093
   There are 226 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γῆ
   Transliteration: gē
   Pronunciation: ghay
   Description: contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application):--country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world.