Matthew 15 32

Matthew 15:32 kjv

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 nkjv

Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way."

Matthew 15:32 niv

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way."

Matthew 15:32 esv

Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way."

Matthew 15:32 nlt

Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, "I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don't want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way."

Matthew 15 verses

Matthew 15 32 Meaning

This verse portrays Jesus' deep empathy for the vast crowd who had remained with Him for three days, lacking food. It reveals His compassion, moving Him to action not just by their physical need, but by the potential danger and suffering they faced if dismissed hungry. It is a preface to Jesus' second major miracle of feeding a large multitude, highlighting His practical care for human well-being and foreshadowing His divine ability to provide for His followers.

Matthew 15 32 Context

Matthew chapter 15 records a pivotal period in Jesus' ministry. It begins with a confrontation with Pharisees and scribes regarding tradition versus God's commandment, where Jesus declares that defilement comes from within, not from external observances. Following this, Jesus withdraws to the region of Tyre and Sidon, heals the daughter of a Canaanite woman, and then returns to the Decapolis region, a Gentile area. In this mixed Jewish-Gentile territory, great multitudes bring their sick to Him, and He heals them all. This specific verse (15:32) sets the stage for the feeding of the four thousand. It comes after extensive teaching and healing, underscoring Jesus' concern for both the spiritual and physical well-being of the people, many of whom were likely Gentiles or Jews open to Jesus outside traditional Judaism.

Matthew 15 32 Word analysis

• Then Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “I have compassion on the multitude
  • Then: Introduces a shift from continuous healing and teaching to a new, urgent action.
  • Jesus called His disciples to Himself: Demonstrates His leadership and direct communication. He consults His inner circle before acting. This also sets up the disciples' opportunity to witness and participate in the coming miracle, as well as test their understanding of Jesus' power (having seen the earlier feeding).
  • "I have compassion": Greek: σπλαγχνίζομαι (splagchnizomai). This is a strong Greek verb, literally meaning to "be moved in the intestines" or "in one's bowels." It signifies a deep, visceral, heartfelt pity and empathy, not just sympathy. It's a fundamental attribute of God in the Old Testament (e.g., Ex 34:6) and Jesus throughout the Gospels (Mat 9:36; 14:14; 20:34). It portrays His emotional identification with suffering.
  • "on the multitude": Greek: ὄχλος (ochlos). Refers to a large, undifferentiated crowd, often implying a somewhat disorderly or non-elite group. In this context, it emphasizes the sheer number of people (later counted as 4,000 men plus women and children) who were attentive to Him. The compassionate concern is for all, without distinction.
• because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat.
  • "because they have now continued with Me three days": This highlights the devotion and perseverance of the crowd, who remained with Jesus, presumably forsaking other needs and comforts, for an extended period to hear His teaching and experience His healing. "Three days" indicates a significant period of time away from home and resources. This implicitly suggests their spiritual hunger leading to physical hunger.
  • "and have nothing to eat": States the severe practical problem. After three days, any provisions they brought would have been exhausted. This is a common and pressing human need that Jesus addresses. It underscores the urgency of His subsequent action.
• And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.”
  • "And I do not want to send them away hungry": Reveals Jesus' deliberate intention to care for their physical well-being. He actively seeks to prevent their suffering, contrasting with many leaders who might prioritize their own comfort or simply dismiss the crowd. It demonstrates His sense of responsibility as their "shepherd."
  • "lest they faint on the way": Greek: ἐκλύω (eklyō). Means to be faint, grow weak, exhausted, or collapse. This is the practical consequence of prolonged hunger, especially on a journey. Jesus perceives and articulates the potential danger and suffering, reinforcing His compassionate foresight. He doesn't merely recognize hunger; He understands its full implications for their safety and health on their return journeys, which would likely be significant distances.

Matthew 15 32 Bonus section

This verse subtly re-emphasizes the abundance of God's grace and provision, especially when juxtaposed with the Pharisees' nitpicking legalism earlier in the chapter. While the religious leaders focused on external defilement (e.g., unwashed hands), Jesus focuses on preventing internal collapse (fainting from hunger). This serves as an implicit polemic against a religion devoid of practical compassion for human need. Furthermore, this second large-scale feeding miracle, often thought to be in a predominantly Gentile region (Decapolis), underscores that Jesus' compassionate provision extends beyond Israel, embracing all who gather around Him, showing His inclusive mission. The detail of "three days" can also carry symbolic weight, echoing prophetic periods and emphasizing the endurance of faith before a divine intervention.

Matthew 15 32 Commentary

Matthew 15:32 stands as a profound illustration of Jesus' empathetic heart and proactive compassion. Beyond His powerful teachings and miraculous healings, this verse unveils His deep concern for the most basic human needs—sustenance and safety. His "compassion" (splagchnizomai) is not mere sympathy, but a gut-wrenching identification with the hunger and potential peril of the multitude, who had followed Him for three days, forsaking personal comfort. This highlights His role as the Good Shepherd who cares holistically for His flock, contrasting with human leaders who often neglect the physical needs of their people. The passage emphasizes that true spiritual leadership embraces practical care, setting the stage for yet another demonstration of divine provision, confirming His omnipotence even in the face of human lack. This action reinforces that God is intimately aware of and deeply cares for His creation's well-being, both spiritually and physically.