Matthew 15:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:35 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, immediately preceding the miraculous feeding of the four thousand. This verse describes Jesus' authoritative command for the large crowd to sit down on the ground, an act that establishes order and prepares the multitude for the divine provision He is about to demonstrate. It highlights Jesus' compassion, His sovereign control over circumstances, and the people's obedient trust, setting the stage for a profound display of His power to meet both physical and spiritual needs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 15:35 is nestled within the narrative of Jesus' second miraculous feeding, often distinguished from the feeding of the five thousand in [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "The Feeding of the Five Thousand"). Immediately prior to this verse, Jesus has expressed profound compassion for the large multitude who had been with Him for three days and had nothing to eat, stating, "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 15:32](/matthew/15-32 "Jesus' Compassion for the Hungry Multitude")). The disciples' subsequent concern about finding enough food in a desolate place echoes their apprehension from the first feeding, underscoring the seemingly impossible nature of the task. Jesus' command to sit down, therefore, is not merely a logistical instruction but a deliberate act that precedes a spectacular display of divine power and provision, emphasizing His methodical approach to meeting needs.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern culture, sitting down, especially in groups, was the customary posture for sharing a meal. This command for the multitude to "sit down on the ground" would have been understood as a clear signal that a meal was imminent. The "ground" itself, likely a grassy or open area, was the natural setting for such a large gathering outside of a village or city. Furthermore, the act of sitting together fostered a sense of community and order, transforming a potentially chaotic throng into an organized assembly ready to receive. This preparation was crucial for the efficient distribution of food to thousands of people, reflecting a practical wisdom that complemented the miraculous nature of the event.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Preparation**: Jesus, even in the midst of a miraculous event, operates with intentionality and order, demonstrating that God is not a God of confusion but of peace and structure ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "God is Not a God of Confusion")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Anticipation of Provision**: By obeying the command to sit, the multitude expresses a form of trust and expectation, a readiness to receive the blessing that Jesus is about to bestow. Their obedience becomes a prerequisite for experiencing His miraculous supply. Lastly, the simple, direct command underscores **Christ's Authority**: Jesus' word is sufficient to bring order to a vast, unorganized crowd, eliciting immediate and unquestioning obedience, thereby affirming His inherent power and leadership over both people and circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **commanded (Greek, _keleúō'_):** This verb signifies a strong, authoritative directive, not merely a suggestion or request. It implies an instruction from one in a position of power and authority, demanding obedience. In this context, it highlights Jesus' sovereign control over the multitude and the unfolding events.
* **multitude (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This term refers to a large, often unorganized, and sometimes unruly crowd or throng of people. The fact that Jesus can bring such a vast and potentially chaotic group into immediate, orderly submission with a single command underscores His unique authority and the profound respect (or awe) He commanded.
* **ground (Greek, _gē'_):** While simply meaning "earth" or "soil," its use here emphasizes the humble and natural setting for this divine encounter. It grounds the miracle in a tangible, accessible reality, highlighting that God's provision is for all, regardless of their social standing or the grandeur of their surroundings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he commanded":** This phrase immediately establishes Jesus as the active agent and the one in control. The verb "commanded" (keleúō) conveys a sense of authority and decisive action, indicating that this was not a suggestion but an imperative from a position of power. It sets the tone for the orderly unfolding of the miracle.
* **"the multitude":** This refers to the vast, unorganized crowd that had been following Jesus. The term "multitude" (óchlos) often implies a large, undifferentiated mass of people. Jesus' ability to command such a large and diverse group and receive immediate obedience speaks volumes about His influence and the people's recognition of His unique status.
* **"to sit down on the ground":** This instruction is both practical and symbolic. Practically, it prepares the crowd for the distribution of food, ensuring order and efficiency. Symbolically, sitting down implies a posture of humility, readiness, and expectation. It signifies a willingness to receive and a submission to Jesus' authority, transforming a chaotic throng into an orderly assembly poised for divine blessing. The "ground" emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of God's provision.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Command** is central, as Jesus' simple word brings order to a potentially chaotic situation, demonstrating His inherent authority and power. This command also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, signaling to the attentive reader that a significant event, specifically a miraculous provision, is about to occur. The act of sitting down can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing humility, readiness to receive, and the establishment of a communal, almost familial, atmosphere for a shared meal, reminiscent of a shepherd leading his flock to rest. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Contrast** between the vast, unorganized "multitude" and the immediate, orderly response to Jesus' single command, highlighting the transformative power of His presence and word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:35, though brief, is rich with theological implications, connecting the immediate act of preparing for a meal to profound truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It underscores God's meticulous care and desire for order, even in the midst of miraculous intervention. Jesus, as the compassionate shepherd, not only provides for physical needs but does so in a way that cultivates trust and demonstrates His absolute authority. This act of "sitting down" becomes a theological posture of faith, inviting the multitude, and by extension, all believers, to cease their striving, rest in God's presence, and anticipate His abundant provision. It speaks to the truth that God often requires our obedience and readiness before He unleashes His blessings.

* [Matthew 14:19](/matthew/14-19 "Matthew 14:19 - Jesus Commands the Multitude to Sit Down")
* [Mark 6:39-40](/mark/6-39-40 "Mark 6:39-40 - Orderly Groups for Feeding")
* [Luke 9:14](/luke/9-14 "Luke 9:14 - Sitting in Fifties")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:35 invites us to consider our own posture before God. Just as the multitude sat down in anticipation, we are called to cultivate a spirit of trust and readiness, believing in God's ability to provide for our needs, even when circumstances seem impossible or our resources meager. This verse reminds us that divine provision often follows human obedience and an orderly readiness to receive. In our personal lives, this might mean pausing our anxieties and "sitting down" in faith, allowing God to take control. In ministry, Jesus' example highlights the importance of order, intentionality, and preparation. While God works powerfully, He often does so through organized and thoughtful means, ensuring that His blessings are distributed effectively and equitably. Furthermore, this verse, as part of a larger miracle, reiterates Jesus' holistic compassion—He cares for the whole person, addressing both physical hunger and spiritual well-being. This encourages us to follow His example, ministering to the practical and spiritual needs of those around us, always with a heart of compassion and a commitment to order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you struggling to "sit down" and trust in God's provision, rather than striving in your own strength?**
* **How can cultivating a posture of humility and readiness, like the multitude, open you up to receiving God's blessings more fully?**
* **What practical steps can you take to bring more order and intentionality into your service or ministry, following Jesus' example?**
* **How does Jesus' holistic care for the multitude's physical and spiritual needs challenge your own approach to compassion and ministry?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus command the multitude to sit down on the ground before feeding them?**

Answer: Jesus commanded the multitude to sit down for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it was a practical measure to bring order to a large, potentially chaotic crowd, making the distribution of food efficient and manageable. Secondly, it was culturally significant; sitting was the customary posture for sharing a meal, signaling to the people that a meal was imminent and preparing them to receive. Theologically, this act of sitting down also symbolized a posture of humility, readiness, and trust in Jesus' authority and forthcoming provision. It demonstrated that God operates with order and intentionality, even in miraculous events. This pattern is consistent with the earlier feeding of the five thousand, as seen in [Matthew 14:19](/matthew/14-19 "Matthew 14:19 - Jesus Commands the Multitude to Sit Down").

**What is the significance of "on the ground" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "on the ground" (Greek: *gē*) emphasizes the humble and natural setting of the miracle. It signifies that God's provision is not limited to grand temples or formal settings but is accessible to all, even in a desolate place. It underscores the simplicity and immediacy of the divine encounter. Furthermore, it highlights the communal aspect of the meal, as everyone, regardless of status, would sit together on the same ground to receive from Jesus. This act of sharing a meal on the ground foreshadows the inclusive nature of God's kingdom.

**How does this event relate to the first feeding of the five thousand?**

Answer: This event, the feeding of the four thousand, shares many parallels with the earlier feeding of the five thousand found in [Matthew 14](/matthew/14 "Matthew 14 - The Feeding of the Five Thousand and Walking on Water"). Both demonstrate Jesus' compassion for the hungry crowds, His miraculous power to multiply food, and His orderly approach (commanding the people to sit down). However, there are also subtle differences, such as the number of people, the amount of initial food, and the number of baskets of leftovers. The repetition of such a miracle serves to reinforce Jesus' identity as the divine provider, the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), and to deepen the disciples' (and readers') understanding of His power and compassion, despite their initial forgetfulness or apprehension.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:35, with its simple command for the multitude to sit down, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of God's provision and order. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is not merely providing a temporary meal but is orchestrating a divine feast that points to the spiritual sustenance He offers. His command to "sit down" is an invitation to rest in His finished work, to cease striving, and to receive the abundant life He provides. He is the one who brings order out of the chaos of human sin and brokenness, inviting all to partake in the spiritual banquet of salvation. This act anticipates the heavenly banquet, the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where all who believe will recline with Him, fully satisfied. Just as He provided bread for the hungry multitude, Jesus ultimately offers Himself as the "living bread which came down from heaven" ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Living Bread")), ensuring that those who come to Him will "never hunger" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). His authority to command the multitude to sit down on the ground signifies His sovereign reign over all creation and His ability to meet every need, both physical and spiritual, for all who trust in Him, leading them to green pastures and still waters ([Psalm 23:2](/psalm/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - The Lord is My Shepherd")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 6:39

And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.

Mark 6:40

And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

John 6:10

And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

Luke 9:14

For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

Luke 9:16

Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

Matthew 14:19

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to [his] disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Matthew 14:21

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