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.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 34
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 34
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Σπλαγχνίζομαι
I have compassion
G4697
Σπλαγχνίζομαι
I have compassion
Strong's:
G4697
Word #:
9 of 34
to have the bowels yearn, i.e., (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 34
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλον
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλον
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
12 of 34
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
13 of 34
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡμέρας
days
G2250
ἡμέρας
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
15 of 34
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
προσμένουσίν
they continue
G4357
προσμένουσίν
they continue
Strong's:
G4357
Word #:
17 of 34
to stay further, i.e., remain in a place, with a person; figuratively, to adhere to, persevere in
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔχουσιν
have
G2192
ἔχουσιν
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
21 of 34
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τί
G5101
τί
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
22 of 34
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπολῦσαι
away
G630
ἀπολῦσαι
away
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
25 of 34
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
26 of 34
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
νήστεις
fasting
G3523
νήστεις
fasting
Strong's:
G3523
Word #:
27 of 34
not eating, i.e., abstinent from food (religiously)
θέλω
I will
G2309
θέλω
I will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
29 of 34
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
Cross References
Matthew 9:36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.Acts 27:33And 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.
Historical Context
This is the feeding of the 4,000 (distinct from the 5,000 in 14:13-21). The three-day timeframe shows extended teaching/healing, suggesting people brought provisions initially but exhausted them. The predominantly Gentile crowd's persistence contrasts with Jewish rejection, illustrating that God's salvation extends beyond ethnic Israel. The desert location emphasizes dependence on God's provision.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus's compassion for physical needs teach about incarnational ministry versus solely 'spiritual' ministry?
- Have you ever been so hungry for Jesus's teaching that you neglected physical needs?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude (Ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς προσκαλεσάμενος τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ εἶπεν, Σπλαγχνίζομαι ἐπὶ τὸν ὄχλον)—The verb σπλαγχνίζομαι (splanchnizomai, 'to be moved with compassion') comes from σπλάγχνα (viscera, inward parts), indicating deep emotional response. Jesus felt compassion in His innermost being—not mere pity but gut-level mercy. This divine compassion preceded His provision, showing God's gifts flow from His character.
Because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat (ὅτι ἤδη ἡμέραι τρεῖς προσμένουσίν μοι καὶ οὐκ ἔχουσιν τί φάγωσιν)—They had remained (προσμένω, prosmenō, 'to remain with, to continue with') three days. Their hunger proved their hunger for Jesus surpassed physical appetite. I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way—Jesus's concern for their physical welfare shows His incarnate care. He ministers to whole persons, not merely souls.