Question 1

What does Matthew 15:38 mean?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 15:38 states that four thousand men ate, not counting the women and children present. This verse highlights the large number of people who were fed during this event, emphasizing that the total crowd was even bigger than the number given. In this part of Matthew, Jesus has just performed a miracle by feeding a huge crowd with a small amount of food. The verse is a summary statement, making it clear that the figure of four thousand refers only to the men, while many more women and children were also there. This detail helps the reader grasp the scale of the miracle and the size of the crowd Jesus cared for.

Question 2

The Greek behind Matthew 15:38

Accepted Answer

ἄνδρες (andres, G435): This word means "men," specifically adult males. By using this term, the verse distinguishes the counted group from women (γυναῖκες, gynaikes) and children (παιδία, paidia), showing that the total number fed was much larger than four thousand. χωρὶς (chōris, G5565): This word is often translated as "beside" or "apart from." Here, it clarifies that the count of four thousand does not include women and children, underlining that the crowd was significantly larger.

Question 3

Why Matthew 15:38 matters

Accepted Answer

Matthew 15:38 clears up a common misunderstanding that only four thousand people were present; in fact, the total number was much higher when including women and children. The verse emphasizes the scale of Jesus’ miracle, showing that his provision reached far more people than the number first suggests. This detail connects to the broader narrative, as it mirrors a similar miracle (the feeding of the five thousand) and highlights Jesus’ compassion and ability to meet the needs of large crowds.

Matthew 15:38 (KJV)