Topical Encyclopedia The term "Four Thousand" in the Bible is most notably associated with the miraculous feeding of the multitude by Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. This event is distinct from the feeding of the five thousand, another miracle performed by Jesus. The feeding of the four thousand is a significant demonstration of Jesus' compassion and divine provision.Biblical Account The account of the feeding of the four thousand is found in Matthew 15:32-39 and Mark 8:1-10. In these passages, Jesus is moved with compassion for the crowd that had been with Him for three days and had nothing to eat. He expresses concern that if He sends them away hungry, they might faint on the way home. The disciples question how they could possibly feed such a large crowd in a desolate place. In response, Jesus asks the disciples how many loaves they have, and they reply, "Seven, and a few small fish" (Matthew 15:34). Jesus instructs the crowd to sit down on the ground. He then takes the seven loaves and the fish, gives thanks, breaks them, and gives them to the disciples to distribute to the people. The crowd, numbering about four thousand men, besides women and children, eats and is satisfied. Afterward, the disciples collect seven basketfuls of leftover pieces. Theological Significance The feeding of the four thousand, like the feeding of the five thousand, underscores Jesus' authority over creation and His ability to provide abundantly for human needs. It also highlights His compassion for the physical and spiritual well-being of the people. The miracle serves as a sign of the coming Kingdom of God, where there will be no lack or want. The number four thousand, while not as symbolically significant as other numbers in the Bible, still represents a large multitude and emphasizes the magnitude of the miracle. The fact that there were leftovers after everyone was satisfied points to the superabundance of God's provision. Comparison with the Feeding of the Five Thousand While similar, the feeding of the four thousand and the feeding of the five thousand have distinct differences. The feeding of the five thousand is recorded in all four Gospels, whereas the feeding of the four thousand is only in Matthew and Mark. The number of loaves and fish, the number of people fed, and the number of baskets of leftovers differ between the two events. These differences highlight the unique aspects of each miracle and the varied contexts in which Jesus ministered. Historical and Cultural Context The feeding of the four thousand likely took place in the region of the Decapolis, a predominantly Gentile area. This context suggests that Jesus' ministry extended beyond the Jewish population, foreshadowing the inclusion of the Gentiles in the New Covenant. The miracle demonstrates that Jesus' compassion and provision are available to all people, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. Symbolism and Interpretation In biblical numerology, the number four often symbolizes universality or completeness, as seen in the four corners of the earth or the four winds. While the number four thousand does not carry a specific symbolic meaning, the event's context and outcome reflect the universal reach of Jesus' ministry and the completeness of His provision. The seven baskets of leftovers may symbolize spiritual perfection or completion, as the number seven often represents in Scripture. This detail reinforces the idea that Jesus' provision is not only sufficient but also perfect and complete. Conclusion The feeding of the four thousand is a powerful testament to Jesus' divine authority, compassion, and the inclusive nature of His ministry. It serves as a reminder of God's abundant provision and the fulfillment of spiritual and physical needs through Christ. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Four ThousandFOUR THOUSAND See FOUR. Greek 5070. tetrakischilioi -- four thousand ... four thousand. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: tetrakischilioi Phonetic Spelling: (tet-rak-is-khil'-ee-oy) Short Definition: four thousand Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5070.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 6240. asar -- ten... in combination), ie -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth -- (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-)teen(-th), + eleven(-th), + sixscore thousand, + twelve(-th ... /hebrew/6240.htm - 6k Library The Four Thousand The Feeding of the Four Thousand - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from ... The Four Thousand Fed. The Deaf Stammerer Healed and Four Thousand Fed. Of the Hundred and Forty-four Thousand Sealed, who were virgins ... Concerning the Seven Loaves. The Narrative of the Feeding of the ... The Song of the Hundred and Forty and Four Thousand. How Christians are the Spiritual Israel. The 144,000 Sealed in the Apocalypse are Converts to Christ from ... On the Words of the Gospel, Mark viii. 5, Etc. , Where the Miracle ... Resources Why did God give us four Gospels? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the four horsemen of the apocalypse? | GotQuestions.org What are the four Servant Songs in Isaiah? | GotQuestions.org Four: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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