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

MATTHEW 15:35KJV
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Matthew 15:35 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:35 mean?

Matthew 15:35 describes Jesus telling the large crowd to sit down on the ground. This sets the stage for what he is about to do next, preparing the people for a significant moment.

In this scene, Jesus is surrounded by a multitude of people who have been with him for some time, listening to his teaching and witnessing his actions. By instructing everyone to sit, Jesus is organizing the crowd and focusing their attention, signaling that something important is about to happen—specifically, the miracle of feeding the multitude with a small amount of food.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:35

  • The word for "multitude" is ὄχλος (ochlos), which often refers to a large group or crowd, highlighting just how many people were present with Jesus.
  • The word for "ground" is γῆ (gē), meaning earth or soil, emphasizing that the people were not seated in comfort but directly on the bare earth, underlining the humble and practical nature of the setting.

Why Matthew 15:35 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that Jesus was intentional and orderly in his actions, not performing miracles in a chaotic or unplanned way.
  • The detail of sitting on the ground connects this event to earlier stories where God provides for people in the wilderness, hinting at a deeper theme of divine provision.
  • Understanding this setup makes the following miracle more striking, as it shows the crowd’s anticipation and readiness for what Jesus was about to do.

Where else these words appear

“down” Greek G377 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 6:40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
  • John 6:10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

“commanded” Greek G2753 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 8:18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.
  • Acts 4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
  • Acts 23:3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?