Matthew 15:32

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.

Then {G1161} Jesus {G2424} called {G4341} his {G846} disciples {G3101} unto him, and said {G2036}, I have compassion {G4697} on {G1909} the multitude {G3793}, because {G3754} they continue {G4357} with me {G3427} now {G2235} three {G5140} days {G2250}, and {G2532} have {G2192} nothing {G3756}{G5101} to eat {G5315}: and {G2532} I will {G2309} not {G3756} send {G630} them {G846} away {G630} fasting {G3523}, lest {G3379} they faint {G1590} in {G1722} the way {G3598}.

Yeshua called his talmidim to him and said, "I feel sorry for these people, because they have been with me three days, and now they have nothing to eat. I don't want to send them away hungry, because they might collapse on the way home."

Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint along the way.”

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

Matthew 15:32 captures a pivotal moment demonstrating Jesus' profound empathy and divine foresight before His second great miracle of feeding a large crowd. This verse highlights Jesus' initiative in addressing the practical, physical needs of the multitude who had been with Him for three days, listening to His teaching and witnessing His healings.

Context

This verse occurs immediately after Jesus has performed numerous healings in the region of Decapolis, a predominantly Gentile area, following a significant confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes regarding ceremonial defilement. The crowd mentioned here had been with Jesus for three days, indicating their deep engagement and spiritual hunger. Having traveled to hear Him, they were now physically exhausted and without food. This scenario parallels the earlier feeding of the five thousand, yet it is distinct, emphasizing Jesus' consistent concern for both the spiritual and physical well-being of all people, Jew and Gentile alike.

Key Themes

  • The Compassion of Jesus: The phrase "I have compassion on the multitude" is central. Jesus is not merely sympathetic; He is deeply moved by their plight. This compassion is a consistent trait of Jesus, often preceding His miracles, as seen in His response to the sick and needy (Matthew 9:36).
  • Divine Provision: Jesus' concern for their physical weakness ("lest they faint in the way") underscores His role as a provider. He recognizes their immediate need for sustenance, setting the stage for the miraculous provision that follows in Matthew 15:33-38.
  • Jesus' Initiative: Jesus calls His disciples and articulates the problem, rather than waiting for them to bring it to His attention. This shows His active awareness and leadership in caring for the people.
  • Discipleship and Learning: By involving His disciples, Jesus teaches them about relying on divine power and participating in God's work of provision and care for humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "compassion" is splagchnizomai (σπλαγχνίζομαι), which literally means "to be moved in one's bowels" or "to feel deep pity." It conveys a visceral, profound empathy that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding. It signifies a deep, gut-level feeling of concern for another's suffering, indicating the intensity of Jesus' love and care for the people.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' holistic care for humanity, addressing both spiritual and physical needs. For believers today, it encourages us to:

  • Cultivate Compassion: Emulate Jesus' deep empathy for those in need, whether their hunger is physical, emotional, or spiritual.
  • Trust in God's Provision: Recognize that God cares for our daily needs and can provide in extraordinary ways, even when resources seem scarce.
  • Be Attentive to Others: Like Jesus, we should be proactive in noticing and responding to the needs of those around us, not waiting to be asked.

Matthew 15:32 beautifully illustrates the compassionate heart of Christ and His readiness to meet the needs of all who come to Him, demonstrating that His kingdom concern extends to every aspect of human life.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 9:36

    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.

  • Luke 12:29

    And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

  • Luke 12:30

    For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

  • Acts 27:33

    And while the day was coming on, Paul besought [them] all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

  • Matthew 14:14

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

  • Matthew 14:21

    And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

  • Mark 8:1

    ¶ In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples [unto him], and saith unto them,

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back