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Matthew 9

And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

And he arose, and departed to his house.

But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.

Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.

But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

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.

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

What does Matthew 9:29 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 9:29 is part of a narrative where Jesus heals two blind men.

After following Jesus into a house and requesting mercy, Jesus asks them if they believe he is able to do this.

Their affirmative belief prompts Jesus to touch their eyes and speak the words, "According to your faith be it unto you." This verse suggests that their healing was in some manner connected to the depth and sincerity of their faith.

Literally, Jesus touched their eyes, indicating a physical action of healing.

Yet, the deeper meaning emphasizes faith as a key element for the miracle to occur.

The phrase implies that the measure of their faith determined the measure of their healing.

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Historical Context

Matthew 9:29 occurred during Jesus's ministry on earth, specifically His early Galilean ministry.

The verse is part of a larger section where Jesus performs miracles, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion towards those in need.

The healing of the blind men would have been particularly significant in a historical context where physical ailments were often stigmatized and could exclude individuals from participation in religious and communal life.

In the Jewish culture of the time, miracles attributed to prophets were signs of divine endorsement.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse raises questions regarding the role of faith in experiencing healing and miracles.

From a Calvinist perspective, God's sovereignty means He has predetermined all events, and thus the healing was part of His divine plan.

In contrast, an Arminian view would emphasize human free will and the role of the blind men's faith in the realization of the healing.

Furthermore, in a broader Christian context, this verse is often cited to illustrate Jesus's teaching that faith is essential to divine intervention and the power of belief in the life of a believer.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Matthew 9:29 can inspire individuals to reflect on the quality of their faith and encourage them to trust more deeply in God's power to work in their circumstances.

It suggests an active role in one's spiritual journey, a need for genuine belief for transformation.

The verse can be used to cultivate a personal attitude of hope and expectancy for God's intervention based on the faith that one holds.

Cross-References

Mark 10:52 - “And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.

And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.”

Luke 8:48 - “And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.”
Matthew 8:10 - "When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel."

Language Study

"Touched" (Greek: ἥψατο, hēpsato) - This verb indicates physical contact and is often used in the context of healing in the New Testament.
"Faith" (Greek: πίστις, pistis) - In this context, pistis refers to belief or trust, predominantly in the power and authority of Jesus to heal.
"Be it unto you" (Greek: γενηθήτω ὑμῖν, genēthētō hymin) - This is an imperative form expressing a command or an allowance for something to occur.

Here, it indicates the granting of healing in correspondence to their faith.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as Greek and Roman, myths often depicted gods intervening in the lives of mortals based on their pleas or actions.

In contrast to these myths where capricious gods acted unpredictably, the healing miracles in Christian accounts often stress a compassionate response to faith.

Comparatively, in Judaism, the healing power of God was also connected to faith, seen in the narratives of Hebrew prophets like Elijah and Elisha whose miracles were performed through God's power.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of healing typically do not include miraculous intervention, but rather focus on physical, biological processes.

While science recognizes the psychological benefits of belief and faith (such as the placebo effect), it does not provide a mechanism for faith as a direct cause of physical healing.

However, the positive impact of a hopeful attitude and belief system on overall well-being is well-documented in psychological research.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and theologians have interpreted Matthew 9:29 in diverse ways.

Some like Matthew Henry, view it as a testament to Christ's willingness to honor the faith of those seeking healing.

Albert Barnes emphasizes the necessity of faith as a prerequisite for receiving God's blessings.

Meanwhile, the Pulpit Commentary reflects on the responsiveness of Jesus to sincere faith, and the way the miracle illustrates the power of genuine belief.

Each of these commentaries, while different in focus, underscores the inherent connection in this narrative between faith and divine action.

Matthew 9

Matthew 9

What does Matthew 9:29 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 9:29 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?