Matthew 14:14

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} went forth {G1831}, and saw {G1492} a great {G4183} multitude {G3793}, and {G2532} was moved with compassion {G4697} toward {G1909} them {G846}, and {G2532} he healed {G2323} their {G846} sick {G732}.

So when he came ashore, he saw a huge crowd; and, filled with compassion for them, he healed those of them who were sick.

When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

And he came forth, and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick.

Commentary

Matthew 14:14 presents a powerful snapshot of Jesus' character and ministry, immediately following the somber news of John the Baptist's death. It highlights His inherent compassion and divine power to heal.

Context

This verse immediately follows a period of immense personal grief for Jesus, who had just received word of John the Baptist's execution. Seeking a moment of solitude, Jesus withdrew by boat to a deserted place. However, the eager crowds, having heard of His whereabouts, followed Him on foot from the surrounding towns. Instead of being deterred by His need for quiet, Jesus' response upon seeing the vast multitude reveals His profound empathy and commitment to His mission.

Key Themes

  • Divine Compassion: The central theme is Jesus' deep and active compassion. He was not merely sympathetic but "moved with compassion," a profound inner stirring that compelled Him to act. This demonstrates His perfect empathy for human suffering and need.
  • Healing Ministry: As a direct result of His compassion, Jesus healed "their sick." This highlights His role as the Great Physician, demonstrating God's power over sickness and disease, and His desire to bring wholeness to humanity.
  • Jesus' Selflessness: Despite His own grief and desire for solitude, Jesus prioritized the needs of the multitude, putting their well-being before His own comfort. This selfless act is a hallmark of His earthly ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "moved with compassion" translates the Greek verb splagchnizomai (σπλαγχνίζομαι). This is a very strong term, literally meaning to be "moved in the bowels" or "in the gut." It signifies a deep, visceral, heartfelt pity and mercy, not just a fleeting emotion. It is used often in the Gospels to describe Jesus' profound empathy (e.g., Matthew 20:34, Mark 1:41).

Related Scriptures

This act of compassion and healing sets the stage for the miraculous event that immediately follows: the feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus again responds to the crowd's physical needs out of compassion. His healing ministry is a consistent theme throughout the Gospels, exemplified in passages like Matthew 9:36, where He sees the crowds as "sheep without a shepherd."

Practical Application

Matthew 14:14 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Embrace Compassion: We are called to reflect Christ's compassion, looking beyond our own needs and discomforts to genuinely care for others, especially those who are suffering or in need.
  • Action Follows Empathy: True compassion is not passive; it leads to action. Just as Jesus' compassion led to healing, our empathy should prompt us to serve and help those around us.
  • God's Presence in Suffering: This verse reassures us that God, through Jesus, is intimately acquainted with our weaknesses and pain. He is moved by our condition and desires our well-being.
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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 4:15 (11 votes)

    For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.

  • Matthew 9:36 (8 votes)

    But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

  • John 11:33 (7 votes)

    ¶ When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

  • John 11:35 (7 votes)

    Jesus wept.

  • Hebrews 2:17 (7 votes)

    Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

  • Matthew 15:32 (6 votes)

    Then Jesus called his disciples [unto him], and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

  • Matthew 15:39 (6 votes)

    And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.