Matthew 15:32

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
Then
but, and, etc
#3
Ἰησοῦς
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#4
προσκαλεσάμενος
G4341
called
to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite
#5
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
μαθητὰς
G3101
disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#7
αὐτοὺς
G846
them
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
#8
εἶπεν
G2036
unto him and said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#9
Σπλαγχνίζομαι
G4697
I have compassion
to have the bowels yearn, i.e., (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity
#10
ἐπὶ
G1909
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#11
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
ὄχλον
G3793
the multitude
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
#13
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#14
ἤδη
G2235
now
even now
#15
ἡμέρας
G2250
days
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
#16
τρεῖς
G5140
three
"three"
#17
προσμένουσίν
G4357
they continue
to stay further, i.e., remain in a place, with a person; figuratively, to adhere to, persevere in
#18
μοι
G3427
with me
to me
#19
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#21
ἔχουσιν
G2192
have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#22
τί
G5101
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#23
φάγωσιν·
G5315
to eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#24
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#25
ἀπολῦσαι
G630
away
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
#26
αὐτοὺς
G846
them
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
#27
νήστεις
G3523
fasting
not eating, i.e., abstinent from food (religiously)
#28
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#29
θέλω
G2309
I will
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#30
μήποτε
G3379
lest
not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)
#31
ἐκλυθῶσιν
G1590
they faint
to relax (literally or figuratively)
#32
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#33
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#34
ὁδῷ
G3598
the way
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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