What does Matthew 8:17 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 8:17 is a verse that speaks to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ and indicates that His actions were a fulfillment of prophecy from the Old Testament.

Literally, the verse suggests that Jesus took upon Himself the illnesses and diseases of those He healed.

Figuratively, this can be understood to mean that Jesus not only healed people's physical ailments but also bore the weight of their spiritual and emotional struggles.

The expression "took our infirmities" can be viewed as Jesus empathizing with human weakness and suffering, while "bare our sicknesses" implies an action of removing the burden of these ailments from those He healed.

The verse, thus, provides insight into both the compassionate nature of Christ's miracles and the theological significance of His actions as a fulfillment of prophetic scripture.

Historical Context

Matthew 8:17 references the prophet Isaiah, and the direct quote is from Isaiah 53:4.

Isaiah was a prophet in the 8th century BC, and his writings are considered foundational to Jewish and Christian beliefs about the coming of the Messiah.

The Gospel of Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish audience, which is why it frequently cites Hebrew Scriptures to present Jesus as the fulfilled Messiah of the Old Testament prophecies.

At the time the Gospel of Matthew was written, phrases from the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, were often used to make these linkages clear to Hellenestic Jews.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the verse has been interpreted in a variety of ways.

Some see it as a literal fulfillment of prophecy regarding the coming of a healing Messiah. Others understand it more allegorically, suggesting that Jesus bearing the infirmities and sicknesses of others is symbolic of His overall salvific role in taking on the sins of humanity.

There is also a Christological significance in the verse, emphasizing the divine nature of Jesus to not only heal physical ailments but also to transform human suffering.

Some theologians argue that Matthew's use of Isaiah is part of his broader agenda to reveal Jesus as the Suffering Servant, a theme that comes to full expression in the Passion narratives.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Matthew 8:17 encourages believers to bring their sufferings and struggles to Jesus, trusting that He has the power and compassion to heal and carry burdens.

It also serves as a model for how Christian practitioners are called to empathize with the suffering of others and to help alleviate their pains, both physical and spiritual.

Moreover, it can inspire healthcare professionals in their vocation to see their work as a continuation of Christ's healing ministry, as well as motivate individuals to support and care for those who are ill or burdened in their communities.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:4: "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted."
• 1 Peter 2:24: "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."

Language Study

The original Greek words used in Matthew 8:17 come with rich implications:

• "Took" (Greek: "elaben") can indicate assuming responsibility or control over something.
• "Infirmities" (Greek: "astheneias") refers to weaknesses or diseases, encompassing both physical and possibly mental ailments.
• "Bare" (Greek: "ebastasen") often means to carry or to take up a burden in a metaphorical sense, not just physically lifting something.

Analyzing these words underscores the comprehensive nature of what Jesus did; He didn't just heal people but took responsibility for their conditions in a profound act of solidarity and salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient mythologies often feature gods and heroes who perform healings. For instance, the Greek god Asclepius was renowned for his healing powers.

However, these myths typically do not depict a god or hero who suffers or bears the illnesses of others as part of their own narratives.

The concept of a deity suffering with humanity is particular to Christianity and sets it apart from other ancient religious traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

While modern science approaches healing from a very different perspective than the miraculous accounts in the Gospels, the idea of empathizing with the sick and providing compassionate care is consistent with the patient-centered approach in contemporary medicine.

Moreover, there is a recognized psychosomatic aspect to healing; believing that one is cared for and understood can positively impact recovery and well-being.

commentaries

• William Barclay notes that Matthew sees Jesus as the One who realized what was only a dream in the Old Testament, the hope of the suffering Servant who would bear the sorrows of many.
• The Pulpit Commentary interprets that Jesus' miracles of healing were signs not just of His power but of His willingness to bear humanity's punishments and to take upon Himself the consequences of sin.
• John Calvin suggests that Matthew purposely quotes Isaiah to prove to the Jews that Jesus was the promised Redeemer and that the benefit of Christ's redemption included the healing of diseases, thus providing evidence of His divine mission.