Matthew 9:36
New International Version
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

New Living Translation
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

English Standard Version
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Berean Standard Bible
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Berean Literal Bible
And having seen the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were wearied and cast away, as sheep not having a shepherd.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

New American Standard Bible
Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd.

NASB 1995
Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.

NASB 1977
And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.

Legacy Standard Bible
And seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.

Amplified Bible
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion and pity for them, because they were dispirited and distressed, like sheep without a shepherd.

Christian Standard Bible
When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd.

American Standard Version
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd.

Contemporary English Version
When he saw the crowds, he felt sorry for them. They were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

English Revised Version
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When he saw the crowds, he felt sorry for them. They were troubled and helpless like sheep without a shepherd.

Good News Translation
As he saw the crowds, his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were worried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

International Standard Version
When he saw the crowds, he was deeply moved with compassion for them, because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Majority Standard Bible
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

NET Bible
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were bewildered and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

New Heart English Bible
But when he saw the crowds, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
And when He saw the crowds He was touched with pity for them, because they were distressed and were fainting on the ground like sheep which have no shepherd.

World English Bible
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And having seen the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, that they were faint and cast aside, as sheep not having a shepherd;

Berean Literal Bible
And having seen the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were wearied and cast away, as sheep not having a shepherd.

Young's Literal Translation
And having seen the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, that they were faint and cast aside, as sheep not having a shepherd,

Smith's Literal Translation
And having seen the crowds, he felt compassion for them, for they were relaxed and dispersed, as sheep not having a shepherd.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them: because they were distressed, and lying like sheep that have no shepherd.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then, seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them, because they were distressed and were reclining, like sheep without a shepherd.

New American Bible
At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.

New Revised Standard Version
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When Jesus saw the multitudes, he had compassion on them, because they were tired out and scattered, like sheep which have no shepherd.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when Yeshua saw the crowds, he felt pity for them, for they were weary and wandering, like sheep without a shepherd.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were troubled and scattered as sheep that had no shepherd.

Godbey New Testament
And seeing the multitudes, He was moved in compassion in their behalf, because they were fleeced and deserted, as sheep having no shepherd.

Haweis New Testament
And beholding the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were fainting, and lying here and there, as sheep that had no shepherd.

Mace New Testament
but when he saw how the multitude were fatigued and dispers'd like so many sheep without their Pastors, he was moved with compassion, and said to his disciples,

Weymouth New Testament
And when He saw the crowds He was touched with pity for them, because they were distressed and were fainting on the ground like sheep which have no shepherd.

Worrell New Testament
And, seeing the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, as sheep having no shepherd.

Worsley New Testament
And when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion towards them; because they were dispersed and scattered like sheep that have no shepherd:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Lord of the Harvest
35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. 36When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.…

Cross References
Mark 6:34
When Jesus stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things.

Ezekiel 34:5-6
They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild beasts. / My flock went astray on all the mountains and every high hill. They were scattered over the face of all the earth, with no one to search for them or seek them out.’

John 10:11-16
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...

Numbers 27:17
who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”

1 Peter 2:25
For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Zechariah 10:2
For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd.

Isaiah 53:6
We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

Jeremiah 23:1-4
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. / Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD. / Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. ...

Luke 19:41-42
As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it / and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes.

Psalm 23:1-4
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. ...

Matthew 14:14
When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.

Luke 15:4-7
“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ ...

Micah 5:4
He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.

John 11:33-35
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. / “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. / Jesus wept.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

when.

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 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 6:34
And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

fainted, etc.

Matthew 10:6
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Matthew 15:24
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Numbers 27:17
Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

Jump to Previous
Abroad Cast Compassion Crowds Distressed Faint Fainted Fainting Felt Ground Harassed Moved Multitudes Pity Scattered Sheep Shepherd Touched Troubled Wandering
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Abroad Cast Compassion Crowds Distressed Faint Fainted Fainting Felt Ground Harassed Moved Multitudes Pity Scattered Sheep Shepherd Touched Troubled Wandering
Matthew 9
1. Jesus heals a paralytic
9. calls Matthew from the receipt of custom;
10. eats with tax collectors and sinners;
14. defends his disciples for not fasting;
20. cures the sick woman;
23. raises Jairus' daughter from death;
27. gives sight to two blind men;
32. heals a mute man possessed of a demon;
36. and has compassion on the multitude.














When He saw the crowds
This phrase sets the scene for Jesus' interaction with the people. The Greek word for "saw" is "εἶδεν" (eiden), which implies not just a physical seeing but a deeper perception and understanding. Jesus' ability to see beyond the surface reflects His divine insight into the human condition. The "crowds" represent the masses of people who followed Jesus, seeking healing and teaching. Historically, these crowds were often composed of the marginalized and oppressed, those who were overlooked by the religious elite of the time.

He was moved with compassion
The Greek word for "compassion" is "σπλαγχνίζομαι" (splanchnizomai), which literally refers to being moved in one's inward parts or bowels, considered the seat of emotions in ancient times. This word indicates a deep, visceral response, showing that Jesus' compassion was not superficial but profound and heartfelt. In a conservative Christian perspective, this compassion is a reflection of God's love and mercy, demonstrating that Jesus, as God incarnate, is deeply concerned with the suffering and needs of humanity.

for them
This phrase personalizes Jesus' compassion, directing it specifically towards the people. It emphasizes the individual care and attention Jesus gives to each person. In the broader scriptural context, this reflects the personal nature of God's love, as seen throughout the Bible, where God knows and cares for each person individually.

because they were harassed and helpless
The Greek words "ἐσκυλμένοι" (eskulmenoi) and "ἐρριμμένοι" (errimmenoi) are used here. "Harassed" (eskulmenoi) can also mean troubled or distressed, suggesting that the people were burdened by life's challenges and the oppressive religious and social systems of the time. "Helpless" (errimmenoi) implies being thrown down or cast aside, indicating a lack of guidance and support. This description paints a picture of a people in desperate need of care and direction, highlighting the failure of the religious leaders to shepherd their flock properly.

like sheep without a shepherd
This simile draws on the rich biblical imagery of sheep and shepherds, common in both the Old and New Testaments. Sheep are often seen as vulnerable and in need of guidance, and a shepherd is one who provides protection, guidance, and care. The absence of a shepherd suggests a lack of leadership and care, pointing to the spiritual neglect by the religious leaders of Israel. In a conservative Christian view, Jesus is the Good Shepherd, fulfilling the prophetic promises of the Old Testament, such as in Ezekiel 34, where God promises to shepherd His people Himself. This imagery underscores Jesus' role as the divine shepherd who comes to lead, protect, and care for His flock.

(36) He was moved with compassion.--The words that follow are so vivid and emphatic that we may well believe them to have had their starting-point in our Lord's own expression of His feelings. We find Him using the identical words in Matthew 15:32, and Mark 8:2 : "I have compassion on the multitude."

They fainted.--The English represents the received printed text of the Greek Testament at the beginning of the seventeenth century. There is, however, an immense preponderance of authority in favour of another reading, which gives the passive participle of the verb translated "trouble" in Mark 5:35, Luke 7:6, and meaning literally "flayed," and thence figuratively "tormented, worried, vexed." They were not merely as sheep that have grown weary and faint, hungry, looking up and yet not fed, but were as those that have been harassed by the wolf--the prey of thieves and robbers. (Comp. John 10:8-12.) . . .

Verse 36. - But when he saw the multitudes. The substance of this verse is found in Mark 6:34 on the return of the apostles, equivalent to our Matthew 14:13, seq. (cf. supra). According to the context, the multitudes here spoken of are those of the various cities and villages through which he had passed. He was moved with compassion on (for, Revised Version) them (ἐσπλαγχνίσθη περὶ αὐτῶν). After the vivid Hebrew metaphor (Genesis 43:30), which the LXX. seldom ventured to translate literally, but which is common in the New Testament writings. Because they fainted. So the Received Text (ἐκλελυμένοι, cf. Matthew 15:32), but the Revised Version, with manuscripts, "were distressed" (ἐσκυλμένοι). Σκύλλω, which in the classics is equivalent, to

(1) "flay,"

(2) "mangle," is found only in the sense of

(3) "trouble or harass," in the New Testament (Mark 5:35 [parallel passage: Luke 8:49]; Luke 7:6). And were scattered abroad; Revised Version simply, and scattered. (For the thought, cf. Ezekiel 34:5; also Numbers 27:17; 2 Chronicles 18:16; and its parallel passage, 1 Kings 22:17.) The two participles express different aspects of their now normal and continuous state (η΅σαν ἐσκυλμένοι καὶ ἐριμμένοι). Yet the Authorized Version margin, "and lay down," is probably nearer the meaning of ἐριμμένοι here than the Authorized Version and Revised Version; cf. 1 Macc. 11:4 (" They showed him the temple of Dagon burnt... and the bodies cast out" ); Jeremiah 14:16 (" The people... shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem... and they shall have none to bury them" ), whine the thought is hardly "scattered," but "cast out and lying prostrate." So here the people are pictured as sheep harassed and prostrated by fatigue, etc.; cf. Vulgate, vexati et jacentes. As sheep having no shepherd; not having a shepherd (Revised Version); cf. the Old Testament passages just referred to.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

He saw
Ἰδὼν (Idōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

crowds,
ὄχλους (ochlous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3793: From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.

He was moved with compassion
ἐσπλαγχνίσθη (esplanchnisthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4697: To feel compassion, have pity on, be moved.

for
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

them,
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

they were
ἦσαν (ēsan)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

harassed
ἐσκυλμένοι (eskylmenoi)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4660: To flay, trouble, annoy, vex. Apparently a primary verb; to flay, i.e. to harass.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

helpless,
ἐρριμμένοι (errimmenoi)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4496: A primary verb; to fling (see in ekteino), which indicates an extended projection); by qualification, to deposit; by extension, to disperse.

like
ὡσεὶ (hōsei)
Adverb
Strong's 5616: As if, as it were, like; with numbers: about. From hos and ei; as if.

sheep
πρόβατα (probata)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4263: A sheep. Probably neuter of a presumed derivative of probaino; something that walks forward, i.e., a sheep.

without
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

a shepherd.
ποιμένα (poimena)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4166: A shepherd; hence met: of the feeder, protector, and ruler of a flock of men. Of uncertain affinity; a shepherd.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes he (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 9:35
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