Matthew 15:35
And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλοις
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλοις
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
4 of 8
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, reclining or sitting was the posture of festive meals, not hurried eating. By commanding them to sit, Jesus signals this will be a leisurely, abundant meal, not rationed survival food. The wilderness location recalls Israel's manna (Exodus 16), but Jesus provides a fellowship meal, not merely sustenance. This foreshadows the Messianic banquet prophesied in Isaiah 25:6-9.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's requirement of order and structure in your life prepare you to receive His provision?
- What does obeying Christ's command before seeing results teach about the nature of faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground (καὶ παραγγείλας τῷ ὄχλῳ ἀναπεσεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν)—The verb παραγγέλλω (parangellō) means 'to command, to charge' with authority. The verb ἀναπίπτω (anapiptō, 'to recline, to sit down') suggests the posture of dining guests at a banquet, not desperate refugees scrambling for food. Jesus orchestrates order before provision—teaching that God provides through structure, not chaos. The ground (γῆ, gē) would have been desert dirt, yet Jesus transforms wilderness into banquet hall.
This command parallels the feeding of the 5,000 (14:19), showing Jesus's consistent methodology: organization precedes distribution. God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). The sitting posture demonstrates trust—they obeyed before seeing food, believing Jesus's word sufficed. Faith often requires acting on God's promise before seeing its fulfillment.