King James Version

What Does Matthew 15:38 Mean?

Matthew 15:38 in the King James Version says “And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.”

Matthew 15:38 · KJV

Context

36

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

37

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.

38

And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.

39

And he sent away the multitude, and took ship , and came into the coasts of Magdala.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children (οἱ δὲ ἐσθίοντες ἦσαν τετρακισχίλιοι ἄνδρες χωρὶς γυναικῶν καὶ παιδίων)—The enumeration follows ancient Near Eastern custom of counting ἄνδρες (men, adult males) separately. The phrase χωρὶς γυναικῶν καὶ παιδίων ('besides women and children') indicates the total crowd was likely 10,000-15,000. Four thousand men alone makes this a massive gathering. The number four symbolizes the earth (four corners, four winds)—suggesting gospel provision extends to all the earth, not just Israel.

The participial ἐσθίοντες ('the ones eating') emphasizes actual participation—everyone ate, none merely watched. God's provision requires reception—the bread must be taken and eaten. Faith isn't passive observation but active participation in God's gifts. This foreshadows the Lord's Supper where Christ's provision (His body and blood) must be personally received by faith to nourish the soul.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This predominantly Gentile crowd (Decapolis region, Mark 7:31) receiving Jesus's provision parallels the Syrophoenician woman receiving healing (Matthew 15:21-28). Together these events show the gospel breaking ethnic barriers—Gentiles receiving Israel's Messiah. This transition from Jewish exclusivity to universal availability anticipates the Great Commission (28:19-20). Paul later theologizes this pattern: salvation came 'to the Jew first, and also to the Greek' (Romans 1:16).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inclusion of women and children in divine provision challenge cultures that devalue these groups?
  2. In what ways must you move from observing Christ's provision to personally receiving and consuming it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
οἱ1 of 10
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 10

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐσθίοντες3 of 10

“they that did eat”

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

ἦσαν4 of 10

“were”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

τετρακισχίλιοι5 of 10

“four thousand”

G5070

four times a thousand

ἄνδρες6 of 10

“men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

χωρὶς7 of 10

“beside”

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

γυναικῶν8 of 10

“women”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

καὶ9 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

παιδίων10 of 10

“children”

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

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 15:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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