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.

But {G1161} when he saw {G1492} the multitudes {G3793}, he was moved with compassion {G4697} on {G4012} them {G846}, because {G3754} they fainted {G2258}{G1590}, and {G2532} were scattered abroad {G4496}, as {G5616} sheep {G4263} having {G2192} no {G3361} shepherd {G4166}.

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd.

Matthew 9:36 offers a profound glimpse into the heart of Jesus Christ, revealing the driving force behind His ministry: deep compassion for humanity.

Context

This verse immediately follows a series of miraculous healings and teachings by Jesus in Galilee, culminating in the calling of Matthew as a disciple (Matthew 9:9). As Jesus traveled through cities and villages, He encountered vast crowds. This verse serves as a pivotal moment, explaining Jesus' motivation and setting the stage for His subsequent call for more laborers in the "harvest" in Matthew 9:37-38.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Profound Compassion: The central theme is Jesus' empathy. He didn't just observe the crowds; He was "moved with compassion." This goes beyond mere pity; it's a deep, visceral feeling that propelled Him to action.
  • The Condition of the Multitudes: The people are described as "fainted, and were scattered abroad." This paints a picture of exhaustion, spiritual weariness, and disorganization. They were vulnerable, lacking direction and proper care.
  • Lack of Spiritual Leadership: The powerful metaphor "as sheep having no shepherd" highlights the failure of the established religious authorities of the day to genuinely care for and guide the people. They were like a flock without a protector or guide, prone to wandering and danger (see also Ezekiel 34:5).
  • The Urgency of Mission: Jesus' compassion is not passive; it leads directly to the recognition of a great need for spiritual leadership and the sending out of His disciples to preach and heal (Matthew 10:1).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "moved with compassion" is splagchnizomai (σπλαγχνίζομαι). It literally means to be moved in one's intestines or bowels, signifying a deep, gut-wrenching feeling of empathy. It's a powerful term used frequently to describe Jesus' reactions to suffering, indicating a profound and active sympathy that leads to merciful action (e.g., Mark 1:41).

The term "fainted" (KJV) or "harassed and helpless" (NIV) comes from the Greek skullo (σκύλλω), meaning to tear, vex, or trouble, suggesting they were worn out and distressed by their circumstances and lack of proper guidance.

Reflection and Application

Matthew 9:36 reminds us that true spiritual leadership is rooted in compassion. Jesus didn't see problems; He saw people in need, much like a good shepherd cares for his flock (John 10:11). For us today, this verse challenges believers to:

  • See People Through Jesus' Eyes: To look beyond surface appearances and recognize the spiritual and emotional needs of those around us who may feel lost, weary, or without direction.
  • Cultivate Compassion: To allow our hearts to be moved by the suffering and spiritual hunger in the world, fostering genuine empathy that leads to action.
  • Respond to the Need for Laborers: To understand that the "harvest truly is plenteous" (Matthew 9:37) and to consider our role in sharing the hope of the Gospel and serving those who are spiritually scattered.

This verse is a call to active, empathetic ministry, mirroring the very heart of Christ.

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.

  • Mark 6:34

    And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

  • Numbers 27:17

    Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

  • Jeremiah 50:6

    My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away [on] the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.

  • Matthew 14:14

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

  • Ezekiel 34:3

    Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: [but] ye feed not the flock.

  • Ezekiel 34:6

    My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek [after them].

  • Zechariah 10:2

    For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because [there was] no shepherd.

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