Matthew 9:36

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 9:36 offers a profound and pivotal insight into the heart of Jesus Christ, revealing the deep wellspring of His ministry: a visceral compassion for the vast multitudes. Observing their spiritual and physical exhaustion, their aimless wandering, and their profound lack of true leadership, Jesus perceived them not as a mere crowd, but as vulnerable, scattered sheep without a guiding shepherd, a realization that immediately propelled Him to action and prayer for more laborers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point within Matthew's Gospel. It follows a series of powerful demonstrations of Jesus' authority and power, including the healing of a paralytic, the raising of Jairus's daughter, and the healing of a woman with a hemorrhage, as well as the calling of Matthew, a tax collector, to discipleship ([Matthew 9:9](/matthew/9-9 "Matthew 9:9 - The Calling of Matthew")). These preceding narratives establish Jesus' identity as one with divine authority over sickness, death, and even social conventions. Matthew 9:36 then shifts the focus from Jesus' individual miracles to His overarching motivation for ministry—His compassion for the collective human condition—and directly sets the stage for His subsequent call for more laborers in the "harvest" ([Matthew 9:37-38](/matthew/9-37-38 "Matthew 9:37-38 - The Harvest is Plentiful")). It underscores that His actions were not random acts of power but flowed from a deep empathy for humanity's spiritual plight.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Galilee was a region teeming with people, many of whom were poor, uneducated, and marginalized. They lived under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire, often exploited by both foreign powers and local elites. Spiritually, they were largely neglected by the established religious authorities of the day, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees, who often focused on ritual purity and legalistic interpretations of the Law rather than on pastoral care for the common people. The metaphor of "sheep having no shepherd" would have resonated deeply with a people familiar with pastoral life and conscious of their vulnerability. Historically, Israel had often been described as a flock, and its leaders (kings, priests, prophets) as shepherds, often failing in their duty ([Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1-10 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel")). Jesus' observation thus highlights a profound crisis of leadership and care in His contemporary society.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 9:36 encapsulates several pervasive themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Jesus' Profound Compassion**, which is not merely an emotion but an active, driving force behind His ministry. This compassion reveals His divine nature and His identification with human suffering. Another key theme is the **Condition of Humanity**, depicted as "fainted, and scattered abroad," symbolizing spiritual weariness, aimlessness, and vulnerability without proper guidance. This imagery underscores the universal human need for redemption and direction. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Lack of True Spiritual Leadership** among the religious elite of the time, who, unlike Jesus, failed to genuinely care for the "flock" of Israel. This sets up Jesus as the ultimate, true Shepherd, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). Finally, the verse implicitly introduces the **Urgency of the Kingdom Mission**, as Jesus' compassion immediately leads to His call for disciples to join Him in the "harvest" of souls, recognizing the immense spiritual need and the limited number of those equipped to meet it ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moved with compassion (Greek, _splanchnízomai'_):** This powerful verb, derived from _splagchnon_ (intestines, bowels), literally means "to have the bowels yearn." It signifies a deep, visceral, gut-wrenching feeling of empathy and pity. It is not a superficial emotion but an intense, active sympathy that compels one to merciful action. This word is used frequently in the Gospels to describe Jesus' profound reactions to human suffering, indicating a divine empathy that transcends mere pity and leads directly to intervention and healing.
* **Fainted (Greek, _eklýō'_):** From _ek_ (out) and _lýō_ (to loose, to relax), this word means "to relax," "to faint," or "to be worn out." It portrays the multitudes as utterly exhausted, physically and spiritually depleted, as if their strength had been completely drained. This condition suggests a people burdened by their circumstances, lacking hope, and weary from their struggles, both external and internal.
* **Shepherd (Greek, _poimḗn'_):** This term refers to one who cares for sheep, leading, feeding, protecting, and guiding them. In biblical thought, it is a profound metaphor for leadership, especially spiritual leadership. The absence of a "shepherd" for the "sheep" (the people) indicates a profound lack of proper guidance, protection, and provision, leaving them vulnerable to danger, error, and exploitation. It highlights the failure of the religious leaders of the day to fulfill their God-given role.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when he saw the multitudes,"**: This opening clause establishes the scene and Jesus' active observation. He doesn't merely pass by; He intentionally "saw" (G1492, _eídō_), implying a perceptive and discerning gaze that went beyond the surface appearance of a crowd to their underlying condition. The "multitudes" (G3793, _óchlos_) represent the common people, often overlooked or dismissed by the religious elite.
* **"he was moved with compassion on them,"**: This is the emotional core of the verse. Jesus' perception of the crowds immediately evoked a deep, visceral response of "compassion" (G4697, _splanchnízomai_). This was not a detached pity but a profound empathy that stirred Him to His very core, signifying His divine love and identification with human suffering. This compassion is the driving force behind His subsequent actions.
* **"because they fainted, and were scattered abroad,"**: This clause explains the reason for Jesus' compassion. The people were "fainted" (G1590, _eklýō_), meaning they were exhausted, harassed, and utterly worn out, both physically and spiritually. They were also "scattered abroad" (G4496, _rhíptō_), implying they were thrown about, dispersed, and without direction or cohesion, like a flock that has lost its way. This imagery paints a picture of vulnerability and disarray.
* **"as sheep having no shepherd."**: This powerful simile provides the ultimate diagnosis of their condition. The people were like "sheep" (G4263, _próbaton_), inherently dependent and vulnerable, without a "shepherd" (G4166, _poimḗn_) to guide, protect, and feed them. This highlights the failure of the existing religious leadership and underscores the profound spiritual and existential need of the people, who were left exposed to dangers and aimless wandering.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 9:36 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stated in the phrase "as sheep having no shepherd." This comparison is deeply resonant within a biblical context, where sheep symbolize vulnerability, dependence, and the people of God, while shepherds represent leadership, care, and divine guidance. By portraying the multitudes as "sheep having no shepherd," Matthew powerfully communicates their helpless, undirected, and exploited state, implicitly contrasting their plight with Jesus' role as the true, compassionate Shepherd. Another device at play is **Pathos**, as the description of the multitudes "fainted, and were scattered abroad" evokes a strong sense of pity and sorrow in the reader, mirroring Jesus' own emotional response. This emotional appeal draws the audience into the scene, fostering empathy for the suffering and neglected masses. The use of vivid imagery, such as "fainted" and "scattered," further enhances this pathos, painting a clear and distressing picture of their condition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 9:36 is profoundly theological, revealing the very heart of God in the person of Jesus Christ. It underscores that God's primary disposition toward humanity, especially those who are suffering and lost, is one of deep, active compassion. This is not a detached observation but a visceral, empathetic identification with human brokenness and spiritual disarray. The imagery of "sheep having no shepherd" connects directly to a long-standing prophetic tradition in the Old Testament, where God frequently indicts the unfaithful leaders of Israel for failing to care for His flock, and promises that He Himself will come forthrightly raise up a true shepherd. Jesus' response to the multitudes thus fulfills these ancient prophecies, positioning Him as the divine Shepherd who genuinely cares for His people, unlike the self-serving leaders of His day. His compassion is the wellspring of His redemptive mission, demonstrating that salvation flows from a heart moved by human need.

* [Ezekiel 34:5-6](/ezekiel/34-5-6 "Ezekiel 34:5-6 - The Scattered Flock")
* [Mark 6:34](/mark/6-34 "Mark 6:34 - Jesus' Compassion on the Crowds")
* [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:36 is a powerful invitation for believers today to cultivate the compassionate heart of Christ and to view the world through His eyes. In a world often characterized by spiritual aimlessness, emotional exhaustion, and a profound lack of true, selfless leadership, this verse calls us to see beyond the surface and recognize the deep spiritual hunger and brokenness in those around us. Just as Jesus was moved to His core by the plight of the multitudes, we are challenged to allow our hearts to be stirred by the suffering, confusion, and spiritual lostness of our neighbors, communities, and the world at large. This compassion should not remain a passive emotion but must compel us to action, just as it did for Jesus. It reminds us that authentic ministry and effective evangelism flow from a genuine love for people, recognizing their inherent value and their desperate need for the Good Shepherd. This verse serves as a foundational call to participate in God's mission, prompting us to pray for and become laborers in the vast spiritual harvest, extending the same care and guidance that Jesus exemplified.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' compassion in this verse challenge my own perception of people, especially those who seem lost or difficult?**
* **What specific "fainting" or "scattered" conditions do I observe in my community or the world today, and how might my heart be moved by them?**
* **In what ways can I, personally or as part of a faith community, embody the "shepherd" role for those who are without spiritual guidance?**
* **How does this verse inspire me to pray for or become involved in the "harvest" that Jesus speaks of in the following verses?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that the multitudes "fainted, and were scattered abroad"?**

Answer: The Greek words used here describe a state of profound exhaustion and disarray. "Fainted" (G1590, _eklýō_) implies being utterly worn out, harassed, or distressed, as if their strength had been drained. This suggests not just physical fatigue but also spiritual and emotional weariness from the burdens of life, the demands of the Law without grace, and the lack of genuine care. "Scattered abroad" (G4496, _rhíptō_) means to be thrown about, dispersed, or without direction. Like sheep without a shepherd, they were vulnerable, aimless, and exposed to dangers, lacking proper guidance, protection, and provision from their religious leaders. This imagery powerfully conveys their desperate and vulnerable condition.

**Why is the metaphor "as sheep having no shepherd" so significant?**

Answer: The metaphor of "sheep having no shepherd" is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and carries immense theological weight. In ancient Israel, sheep were common livestock, known for their dependence and vulnerability without a shepherd. The leaders of Israel—kings, priests, and prophets—were often referred to as shepherds, responsible for guiding, protecting, and feeding God's "flock" ([Psalm 23:1](/psalm/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")). However, prophets like Ezekiel often condemned these leaders for failing in their duty, allowing the sheep to scatter and be devoured ([Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1-10 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel")). By describing the multitudes this way, Jesus highlights the profound failure of the religious authorities of His day to provide true spiritual care and guidance. It also implicitly sets Him apart as the one who *would* be the true and good Shepherd, fulfilling God's promise to care for His people Himself ([John 10:11-16](/john/10-11-16 "John 10:11-16 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:36 is a profound declaration of Christ's identity and mission, revealing Him as the ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the compassionate Shepherd of Israel. The poignant image of "sheep having no shepherd" directly echoes prophetic laments over Israel's scattered and neglected state due to unfaithful leaders, a theme prevalent in books like [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel") and [Zechariah 13:7](/zechariah/13-7 "Zechariah 13:7 - Strike the Shepherd"). Jesus, moved with a divine, visceral compassion (_splanchnízomai_), steps into this vacuum of leadership, embodying God's promised intervention to gather and care for His flock. He is not merely a good leader, but the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")) and who knows His own by name ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus Knows His Sheep")). His compassion in Matthew 9:36 directly leads to His call for laborers and the sending out of the twelve, initiating the gathering of the lost sheep of Israel ([Matthew 10:6](/matthew/10-6 "Matthew 10:6 - Mission to the Lost Sheep of Israel")). Ultimately, Jesus' empathetic identification with humanity's lostness culminates in His sacrificial death and resurrection, through which He becomes the "great Shepherd of the sheep" who brings peace and eternal life ([Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The Great Shepherd of the Sheep")) and the "Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" to whom we have now returned ([1 Peter 2:25](/1_peter/2-25 "1 Peter 2:25 - Return to the Shepherd of Your Souls")). Thus, Matthew 9:36 is not just a description of Jesus' feeling, but a foundational statement about His redemptive purpose to seek and save the lost.

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 6:34

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.