When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus didn't just see a crowd; he "went forth" to meet them, indicating he actively moved toward them out of deep empathy. This compassion wasn't just a fleeting feeling but a powerful impulse that immediately led him to address their physical suffering by healing the sick.
When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus had just learned of John the Baptist's death and sought a private place with his disciples for rest, but a large crowd followed him on foot. Upon landing, Jesus saw this multitude and, moved by deep compassion for their physical and spiritual needs, began to heal their sick. This act of mercy directly precedes his feeding of the five thousand, highlighting his care for both body and soul.
Ever felt a pang of sadness for someone hurting, but weren't sure what to do? Jesus' compassion was different – it propelled Him to act.
The Greek word for compassion here, 'splagchnizomai,' isn't just a fleeting feeling. It describes a deep, gut-level empathy, a visceral reaction to suffering. When Jesus 'saw a great multitude,' He didn't just note their presence; He was profoundly moved by their condition.
This wasn't passive sympathy. The text immediately follows by saying, 'and he healed their sick.' Jesus' compassion led directly to tangible acts of mercy. He didn't just wish them well; He met their needs.
Why did Jesus feel such deep compassion for this crowd? The answer is both simple and profound, revealing His true heart.
The Gospel writers, particularly Mark, clarify the source of Jesus' compassion: 'they were as sheep having no shepherd.' This image speaks volumes about their spiritual state.
They were lost, vulnerable, and lacking guidance. The religious leaders of the day were failing them, acting more like exploiters than protectors. Jesus, however, saw their need not just for physical healing, but for spiritual leadership. He recognized that true compassion addresses the whole person – body and soul.
Understand the original words
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splagchnizomai · Greek Verb
Used to describe a profound, visceral stirring of the emotions, typically attributed to Jesus. It denotes an active, outward-moving pity that leads directly to gracious action or relief for those suffering.
therapeuō · Greek Verb
To make whole or restore to health. Biblically, this encompasses the restoration of the physical body, but also symbolically points toward the deeper restoration and shalom that Jesus brings to humanity through his messianic ministry.
arrōstos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Refers to those suffering from physical illness or weakness. In the Gospel accounts, the sick are frequent recipients of Jesus' mercy, highlighting his authority over the effects of the Fall and demonstrating his identity as the Healer promised in prophecy.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist Imprisoned
John the Baptist, a key forerunner of Jesus, is imprisoned by Herod Antipas. This event likely prompts Jesus to withdraw from Herod's territory to avoid similar conflict.
c. AD 29
John the Baptist Beheaded
John the Baptist is executed on Herod Antipas's orders. Jesus hears this news and withdraws to a solitary place by boat, likely seeking a time of reflection and to protect his disciples from immediate danger.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus Withdraws to Solitude
Following the news of John's death, Jesus takes his disciples by boat to a remote area. He intends this for rest and private instruction, but the crowds discover his location and follow him by land.
c. AD 29
Jesus Teaches and Heals
Upon seeing the large crowd, Jesus is moved with compassion. He begins to teach them about the Kingdom of God and heals many who are sick, demonstrating his divine authority and mercy.
c. AD 29
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
As evening approaches, Jesus miraculously multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed over five thousand men, plus women and children, showcasing God's abundant provision.
This passage describes Jesus having compassion on the crowds because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, mirroring the deep empathy shown in Matthew 14:14.
Mark 6:34This parallel account specifically states Jesus' compassion arose because the crowds were like sheep without a shepherd, providing a key insight into the motivation behind the healing in Matthew 14:14.
Luke 9:11This account also highlights Jesus speaking to the people about the kingdom of God and healing those in need, showing that the compassion in Matthew 14:14 led to both physical and spiritual nourishment.
Isaiah 35:5-6This prophecy foretells a time when the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf will hear, pointing to Jesus' healing ministry, of which Matthew 14:14 is a direct demonstration.
Psalm 23:1The comparison of the people to sheep without a shepherd in Mark 6:34, which explains Jesus' compassion in Matthew 14:14, directly echoes the imagery of God as the ultimate Shepherd who cares for His flock.
calvinMatthew 14:13-21: "When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities."
- When Jesus heard this, he departed thence to a ship to a desert place apart; and when the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot out of the cities. 14. And Jesus, when leaving (the ship,) saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion towards them, and healed of such of them as were diseased. 15. A…
barnesMatthew 14:14: "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick."
Was moved with compassion - That is, pitied them. Mark 6:34 says he was moved with compassion because they were as sheep having no shepherd. A shepherd is one who takes care of a flock. It was his duty to feed it; to defend it from wolves and other wild beasts; to take care of the young and feeble; to lead it by green pastures and still waters, Psalm 23:1-6. In…
Jesus didn't just see a crowd; he "went forth" to meet them, indicating he actively moved toward them out of deep empathy. This compassion wasn't just a fleeting feeling but a powerful impulse that immediately led him to address their physical suffering by healing the sick.
Jesus had just learned of John the Baptist's death and sought a private place with his disciples for rest, but a large crowd followed him on foot. Upon landing, Jesus saw this multitude and, moved by deep compassion for their physical and spiritual needs, began to heal their sick. This act of mercy directly precedes his feeding of the five thousand, highlighting his care for both body and soul.
Jesus had just learned of John the Baptist's death and sought a private place with his disciples for rest, but a large crowd followed him on foot. Upon landing, Jesus saw this multitude and, moved by deep compassion for their physical and spiritual needs, began to heal their sick. This act of mercy directly precedes his feeding of the five thousand, highlighting his care for both body and soul.
"When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick." — Jesus didn't just see a crowd; he "went forth" to meet them, indicating he actively moved toward them out of deep empathy. This compassion wasn't just a fleeting feeling but a powerful impulse that i…
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Last reviewed October 2026