King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:36 Mean?

Matthew 9:36 in the King James Version says “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted , and were scattered abroad, ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. fainted: or, were tired and lay down

Matthew 9:36 · KJV


Context

34

But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

35

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

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. fainted: or, were tired and lay down

37

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

38

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' compassion for harassed and helpless people teach about His heart?
  2. How do contemporary Christians sometimes function as inadequate shepherds?
  3. What does it mean to be 'sheep without a shepherd' in modern spiritual context?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Ἰδὼν1 of 17

when he saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 17

But

G1161

but, and, etc

τοὺς3 of 17
G3588

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

ὄχλους4 of 17

the multitudes

G3793

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

ἐσπλαγχνίσθη5 of 17

he was moved with compassion

G4697

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

περὶ6 of 17

on

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

αὐτῶν7 of 17

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

ὅτι8 of 17

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἦσαν9 of 17
G2258

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

ἐκλελυμένοι10 of 17

they fainted

G1590

to relax (literally or figuratively)

καὶ11 of 17

and

G2532

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

ἐῤῥιμμένοι12 of 17

were scattered abroad

G4496

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

ὡσεὶ13 of 17

as

G5616

as if

πρόβατα14 of 17

sheep

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

μὴ15 of 17

no

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔχοντα16 of 17

having

G2192

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

ποιμένα17 of 17

shepherd

G4166

a shepherd (literally or figuratively)


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 9:36 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 9:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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