Devine Scripture

Matthew 15:35

What does Matthew 15:35 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 15:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 15:35 means

Before performing the miracle, Jesus takes charge and commands the sprawling multitude, numbering in the thousands, to sit down on the ground. This orderly arrangement was practical, ensuring that everyone could be served efficiently, but also symbolic. It demonstrates Jesus's authority and organization, bringing order to a chaotic situation and preparing the people to receive His divine provision in an organized and reverent manner.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then he gave an order to the people to be seated on the earth,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he commanded the multitudes to sit down upon the ground,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he commanded the crowds to lie down on the ground;

Context

Immediately preceding the miracle of feeding the four thousand, this verse describes Jesus's command for the multitude to sit down. This act of organization is a characteristic prelude to His miraculous provisions, ensuring order and preparing the people to receive sustenance. This detail also emphasizes the sheer size of the crowd that Jesus is about to feed.

v.34And Jesus said unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few small fishes.

v.35This passage

v.36and he took the seven loaves and the fishes; and he gave thanks and brake, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 6:10

    Jesus said, Make the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

  • Matthew 14:19

    And he commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.

  • Luke 9:14

    For they were about five thousand men. And he said unto his disciples, Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each.

  • Mark 6:39

    And he commanded them that all should sit down by companies upon the green grass.

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