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.
Original Language Analysis
Ἰδὼν
when he saw
G1492
Ἰδὼν
when he saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλους
the multitudes
G3793
ὄχλους
the multitudes
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
4 of 17
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἐσπλαγχνίσθη
he was moved with compassion
G4697
ἐσπλαγχνίσθη
he was moved with compassion
Strong's:
G4697
Word #:
5 of 17
to have the bowels yearn, i.e., (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity
περὶ
on
G4012
περὶ
on
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 17
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
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐῤῥιμμένοι
were scattered abroad
G4496
ἐῤῥιμμένοι
were scattered abroad
Strong's:
G4496
Word #:
12 of 17
to fling (properly, with a quick toss, thus differing from g0906, which denotes a deliberate hurl; and from ????? (see in g1614), which indicates an e
πρόβατα
sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
14 of 17
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
μὴ
no
G3361
μὴ
no
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
15 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Numbers 27:17Which 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.Mark 6:34And 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.Jeremiah 50:6My 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 14:14And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.Zechariah 10:2For 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.Matthew 15:24But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.Matthew 15:32Then 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.2 Chronicles 18:16Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.Hebrews 5:2Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.Matthew 10:6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Historical Context
Shepherding metaphor was central to Israelite understanding of leadership. God is Shepherd (Psalm 23), as is the Messiah (Ezekiel 34:23). Jewish leaders—priests, scribes, Pharisees—were supposed to shepherd Israel but had become oppressive rather than caring. Heavy legal burdens, emphasis on external conformity, and neglect of mercy left the people spiritually exhausted. Jesus' description echoes Ezekiel 34, where God condemns false shepherds and promises to shepherd His people Himself. Jesus fulfills this promise as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' compassion for harassed and helpless people teach about His heart?
- How do contemporary Christians sometimes function as inadequate shepherds?
- What does it mean to be 'sheep without a shepherd' in modern spiritual context?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' response to the crowds: 'he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd' (εσπλαγχνισθη περι αυτων οτι ησαν εσκυλμενοι και ερριμμενοι ωσει προβατα μη εχοντα ποιμενα). 'Moved with compassion' (εσπλαγχνισθη) describes gut-level, visceral emotional response—feeling in the depths of one's being. Jesus sees beyond individual needs to systemic spiritual crisis. 'Fainted' (εσκυλμενοι) means harassed, troubled, weary. 'Scattered abroad' (ερριμμενοι) means thrown down, helpless. The sheep metaphor evokes Old Testament imagery of Israel as God's flock and leaders as shepherds who often failed their trust (Ezekiel 34, Zechariah 10:2). Jesus sees Israel's spiritual leaders have failed—the sheep are harassed, helpless, without true guidance. His compassion leads to mission: providing the shepherding Israel desperately needs.