Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "multitudes" often refers to large groups of people gathered together, typically in the context of Jesus' ministry, the Israelites, or other significant events in the biblical narrative. The presence of multitudes is a recurring theme throughout both the Old and New Testaments, symbolizing the reach and impact of God's work among His people.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, multitudes are frequently associated with the nation of Israel. For instance, during the Exodus, the Israelites are described as a great multitude leaving Egypt under Moses' leadership. This event is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, demonstrating God's deliverance and faithfulness to His covenant people. In Exodus 12:37, it is recorded, "The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children." The term is also used in prophetic literature to describe the nations and peoples who will witness God's ultimate plan for redemption. In Isaiah 60:5, the prophet speaks of a future time when "the wealth of the nations will come to you," indicating a gathering of multitudes from various nations to witness God's glory. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the term "multitudes" is most commonly associated with the ministry of Jesus Christ. The Gospels frequently mention the large crowds that followed Jesus, drawn by His teachings, miracles, and the hope of the coming Kingdom of God. These multitudes are often depicted as being in need of spiritual guidance and healing, which Jesus compassionately provides. One of the most notable instances is the feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus miraculously multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed a great multitude. Matthew 14:21 states, "About five thousand men were fed, besides women and children." This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus' divine power but also His compassion for the physical and spiritual needs of the people. The Sermon on the Mount is another significant event where multitudes gathered to hear Jesus' teachings. In Matthew 5:1, it is written, "When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them." Here, the multitudes are recipients of the Beatitudes and other foundational teachings of the Christian faith. Theological Significance The presence of multitudes in the biblical narrative underscores the inclusive nature of God's message and the universal call to salvation. Jesus' interactions with the multitudes highlight His role as the Good Shepherd, who seeks to gather and care for His flock. In John 10:16, Jesus declares, "I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd." Furthermore, the multitudes serve as a reminder of the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). The gathering of multitudes from diverse backgrounds foreshadows the eschatological vision in Revelation, where a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne of God, worshiping Him (Revelation 7:9). Conclusion The concept of multitudes in the Bible reflects the expansive reach of God's love and the transformative power of the Gospel. Whether in the context of Israel's history or the ministry of Jesus, multitudes signify the gathering of people to witness and partake in God's redemptive work throughout history. Greek 3793. ochlos -- a crowd, multitude, the common people ... a crowd, multitude, the common people NASB Word Usage crowd (87), crowds (47), gathering (1), many (1), mob (1), multitude (3), multitudes (1), number of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3793.htm - 8k 4128. plethos -- a great number Strong's Hebrew 1337. Bath-rabbim -- "daughter of multitudes," a name for Heshbon ...... "daughter of multitudes," a name for Heshbon or its gate. Transliteration: Bath-rabbim Phonetic Spelling: (bath rab-beem') Short Definition: Bath-rabbim. ... /hebrew/1337.htm - 6k 1995. hamon -- a sound, murmur, roar, crowd, abundance Library The Multitudes and the Disciples Contrasted. Concerning the Multitudes who were Healed. Comparison of the ... On Hearing These Argumentations, the Multitudes who were Present ... June 26. "When He Saw the Multitudes He was Moved" (Matt. Ix. 36). On Hearing These Statements, the Multitudes Assembled were Greatly ... Psalm 110 Part 1 Christ Exalted, and Multitudes Converted; Or, the ... Feeding the Multitudes. Miracles and Multitudes Again. Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee. And when Jesus Finished These Sayings, the Multitudes were ... Thesaurus Multitudes (72 Occurrences)...Multitudes (72 Occurrences). Matthew 4:25 Great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond the Jordan followed him. ... /m/multitudes.htm - 26k Followed (201 Occurrences) Large (235 Occurrences) Boat (52 Occurrences) Disciples (277 Occurrences) Loaves (54 Occurrences) Lonely (14 Occurrences) Thanks (151 Occurrences) Marveled (31 Occurrences) Mute (29 Occurrences) Resources What were the miracles of Jesus? What miracles did Jesus perform? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the valley of decision (Joel 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org What is the day of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org Multitudes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Multitudes (72 Occurrences)Matthew 4:25 Matthew 5:1 Matthew 7:28 Matthew 8:1 Matthew 8:18 Matthew 9:8 Matthew 9:33 Matthew 9:36 Matthew 11:7 Matthew 12:15 Matthew 12:23 Matthew 12:46 Matthew 13:2 Matthew 13:34 Matthew 13:36 Matthew 14:13 Matthew 14:15 Matthew 14:19 Matthew 14:22 Matthew 14:23 Matthew 15:30 Matthew 15:31 Matthew 15:35 Matthew 15:36 Matthew 15:39 Matthew 19:2 Matthew 21:9 Matthew 21:11 Matthew 21:46 Matthew 22:33 Matthew 23:1 Matthew 24:11 Matthew 26:55 Matthew 27:20 Mark 6:33 Mark 10:1 Luke 3:7 Luke 3:10 Luke 4:42 Luke 5:3 Luke 5:15 Luke 7:24 Luke 8:42 Luke 8:45 Luke 9:11 Luke 9:18 Luke 11:14 Luke 11:29 Luke 12:54 Luke 13:24 Luke 14:25 Luke 23:4 Luke 23:48 John 7:12 Acts 5:14 Acts 5:16 Acts 8:6 Acts 13:45 Acts 14:11 Acts 14:13 Acts 14:18 Acts 14:19 Acts 17:13 Hebrews 12:22 Revelation 17:15 2 Chronicles 15:9 Nehemiah 9:6 Job 36:28 Proverbs 1:21 Isaiah 5:13 Ezekiel 32:20 Joel 3:14 Subtopics Related Terms |