Matthew 15 35

Matthew 15:35 kjv

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

Matthew 15:35 nkjv

So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

Matthew 15:35 niv

He told the crowd to sit down on the ground.

Matthew 15:35 esv

And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground,

Matthew 15:35 nlt

So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground.

Matthew 15 verses

Matthew 15 35 Meaning

Matthew 15:35 describes a direct command given by Jesus to the large gathering of people, instructing them to recline or be seated upon the ground. This simple yet profound instruction sets the scene for the miraculous provision that is about to occur, emphasizing order, humility, and expectant obedience on the part of the multitude, under Jesus' authority. It marks the preparatory phase before Jesus miraculously multiplies a few loaves and fish to feed thousands.

Matthew 15 35 Context

Matthew chapter 15 begins with Jesus confronting the Pharisees and scribes over their man-made traditions, emphasizing that outward rituals do not supersede God's commandments (v. 1-20). He then journeys to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where He praises the faith of a Canaanite woman (v. 21-28). Upon returning to the Decapolis region, likely a largely Gentile area, Jesus performs numerous miracles of healing, causing the crowds to marvel and glorify God (v. 29-31).

The immediate context (v. 32-34) reveals Jesus' profound compassion for the vast multitude who had been with Him for three days and had nothing to eat. He expresses concern that they might faint on the way home. The disciples, despite witnessing the feeding of the five thousand, again reveal their limited human perspective, questioning where sufficient food could be found in the wilderness. It is in this setting, driven by compassion and anticipating a miraculous provision, that Jesus gives the specific command in verse 35 to bring order and prepare the people. This second mass feeding miracle, distinct from the first in Matt 14, signifies Jesus' universal provision, extending beyond Jewish territories to all peoples.

Matthew 15 35 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A common coordinating conjunction, it connects this action directly to the preceding discussion of Jesus' compassion for the multitude and His intention to feed them. It maintains the flow of the narrative.
• he (αὐτὸς - autos): Refers to Jesus Christ. This specific pronoun highlights Jesus as the singular authority, the initiator and executor of the command. It underscores His active role and leadership among the crowd.
• commanded (ἐκέλευσεν - ekeleusen): The Greek word keleuō signifies a strong, authoritative directive, not a mere suggestion or request. It implies a firm order that expects immediate and unquestioning obedience. This demonstrates Jesus' divine authority, similar to His commands over nature, demons, and sickness.
• the multitude (τὸν ὄχλον - ton ochlon): Refers to the "crowd" or "mass of people." This term highlights the large number of individuals gathered, which in this instance is later specified as about four thousand men, besides women and children (Matt 15:38). The size of the crowd amplifies the scale of the forthcoming miracle and Jesus' ability to manage and provide for many.
• to sit down (ἀναπεσεῖν - anapesin): From the Greek verb anapiptō, meaning "to recline," "to lie down," or "to sit back at a meal." This is the posture of relaxation, rest, and preparation for dining. It implies an orderly and receptive disposition, facilitating easy distribution of food. It also conveys a sense of trust and expectation on the part of the crowd. This contrasts with a standing, perhaps restless, multitude.
• on the ground (ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν - epi tēn gēn): The Greek phrase epi tēn gēn means "upon the earth" or "on the soil." This specifies the humble, natural setting for the miraculous provision. There were no tables or chairs, just the natural terrain. This detail emphasizes simplicity, commonality among all present, and the directness of God's provision in the most basic of settings.

Words-group Analysis

• "He commanded the multitude": This phrase underlines Jesus' ultimate authority. He doesn't merely invite; He directs. This exercise of divine command brings immediate order and anticipation among the large, diverse group, preventing chaos and ensuring preparation for the divine act. It's a hallmark of His ministry, asserting His Lordship.
• "to sit down": This collective action signifies obedience, humility, and trust. By sitting, the multitude positions themselves to receive the coming blessing. It represents a posture of spiritual and physical receptivity, quieting their restlessness and preparing them for the distribution of sustenance. It creates an orderly environment necessary for such a large-scale feeding.
• "on the ground": This specific location emphasizes the humility and common humanity of those present. Rich or poor, healthy or sick, all were to sit on the earth, erasing social distinctions. It connects the provision directly to the created world and reinforces the raw, unadorned nature of the miracle, pointing back to humanity's dependence on God for basic needs met in the simplest of ways.

Matthew 15 35 Bonus section

• The orderly arrangement facilitated by Jesus' command might subtly evoke memories of Israel gathered at Mount Sinai, ready to receive God's word, or the future Messianic banquet where people will recline in fellowship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• This verse underscores a principle seen throughout scripture: God often asks for human participation (like the act of sitting down) in preparation for His supernatural intervention. This doesn't earn the miracle but positions individuals to receive it.
• The emphasis on "ground" could also subtly connect to the concept of the earth yielding its bounty (Lev 26:4) as a blessing from God, even if the provision here is miraculous multiplication rather than natural harvest.
• The dual accounts of feeding miracles (five thousand and four thousand) highlight Jesus' recurring method of organization, teaching discipleship lessons repeatedly to ensure they grasp the pattern of divine provision and their role in facilitating it.

Matthew 15 35 Commentary

Matthew 15:35, though brief, is a pivot point in the narrative of the feeding of the four thousand. It reveals Jesus as the authoritative yet compassionate provider who not only perceives need but also instigates a divine solution with order and intentionality. The command to "sit down" is not merely a logistical instruction to manage a crowd; it carries significant spiritual weight. It is an invitation to cease striving, to trust, and to wait expectantly for God's provision. This act of "sitting down on the ground" speaks to humility and a collective reliance on the one who commands. It sets a stage where human limitations (the disciples' lack of food) are superseded by divine abundance. The plain "ground" signifies a leveling ground where all are equal recipients of God's grace. This simple directive, observed obediently, prepares hearts and bodies to receive not just physical bread, but also the deeper truth of Jesus' ability to meet every human need. It showcases God's preference for order, peace, and quiet receptivity before a major act of grace, demonstrating His nature as one who brings cosmos out of chaos.