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.

MATTHEW 9:36KJV
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Matthew 9:36 (KJV)

What does Matthew 9:36 mean?

Matthew 9:36 describes how Jesus, seeing large crowds of people, felt deep compassion for them because they were weary and helpless, like sheep without anyone to guide or care for them. The verse highlights Jesus’ emotional response to the people’s spiritual and physical need.

In this scene, Jesus is traveling through towns and villages, teaching and healing. When he notices the crowds, he recognizes their struggles and lack of direction, comparing them to sheep without a shepherd—a common image for people in need of guidance and protection. The verse sets up the following passage, where Jesus speaks about the need for workers to help care for these people.

The Greek behind Matthew 9:36

  • The word for "compassion" is σπλαγχνίζομαι (splagchnizomai), which means to feel deep, gut-level pity or empathy. This is a strong word, showing that Jesus’ reaction was not distant or mild, but heartfelt and intense.
  • The phrase "fainted" comes from ἐκλελυμένοι (eklelymenoi), which often means to be weary, exhausted, or worn out. This suggests the people were not just tired, but truly worn down by life’s burdens.
  • "Scattered abroad" is from ἐρριμμένοι (errimmenoi), which means to be thrown down or cast aside. This adds to the picture of people who are not just lost, but also neglected or vulnerable.
  • The comparison "as sheep having no shepherd" uses πρόβατα (probata, sheep) and ποιμήν (poimēn, shepherd), a familiar image in the Bible for people needing care, leadership, and protection.

Why Matthew 9:36 matters

  • Matthew 9:36 clears up the idea that Jesus was only interested in teaching or performing miracles; it shows his deep emotional concern for people’s well-being.
  • The verse emphasizes the spiritual emptiness and vulnerability of the crowds, helping readers understand why Jesus later calls for more workers to help them.
  • This moment connects to the wider theme in Matthew of Jesus as the compassionate shepherd, fulfilling Old Testament hopes for a leader who truly cares for God’s people.

Where else these words appear

“fainted” Greek G1590 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 15:32 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.
  • Mark 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
  • Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

“abroad” Greek G4496 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 15:30 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:
  • Luke 4:35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.
  • Acts 27:19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

“compassion” Greek G4697 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
  • Matthew 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
  • Mark 9:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

“shepherd” Greek G4166 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
  • Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
  • John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.