King James Version

What Does Matthew 15:32 Mean?

Matthew 15:32 in the King James Version says “Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me no... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 15:32 · KJV


Context

30

And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:

31

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

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.

33

And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?

34

And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus's compassion for physical needs teach about incarnational ministry versus solely 'spiritual' ministry?
  2. Have you ever been so hungry for Jesus's teaching that you neglected physical needs?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
1 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 34

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς3 of 34

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

προσκαλεσάμενος4 of 34

called

G4341

to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite

τοὺς5 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητὰς6 of 34

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτοὺς7 of 34

them

G846

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

εἶπεν8 of 34

unto him and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Σπλαγχνίζομαι9 of 34

I have compassion

G4697

to have the bowels yearn, i.e., (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity

ἐπὶ10 of 34

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸν11 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄχλον12 of 34

the multitude

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ὅτι13 of 34

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἤδη14 of 34

now

G2235

even now

ἡμέρας15 of 34

days

G2250

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

τρεῖς16 of 34

three

G5140

"three"

προσμένουσίν17 of 34

they continue

G4357

to stay further, i.e., remain in a place, with a person; figuratively, to adhere to, persevere in

μοι18 of 34

with me

G3427

to me

καὶ19 of 34

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐ20 of 34

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχουσιν21 of 34

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τί22 of 34
G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

φάγωσιν·23 of 34

to eat

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

καὶ24 of 34

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπολῦσαι25 of 34

away

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

αὐτοὺς26 of 34

them

G846

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

νήστεις27 of 34

fasting

G3523

not eating, i.e., abstinent from food (religiously)

οὐ28 of 34

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

θέλω29 of 34

I will

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

μήποτε30 of 34

lest

G3379

not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)

ἐκλυθῶσιν31 of 34

they faint

G1590

to relax (literally or figuratively)

ἐν32 of 34

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ33 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδῷ34 of 34

the way

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 15:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 15:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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