Devine Scripture

Matthew 17:14

What does Matthew 17:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 17:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 17:14 means

When Jesus and the three disciples descended from the mountain and rejoined the larger group, a desperate man immediately approached Him, kneeling in supplication. His posture expresses profound humility and urgent need, signaling a recognition of Jesus' authority and power. This encounter quickly shifts the scene from the intimate, divine revelation on the mountain to the pressing realities of human suffering and spiritual warfare amongst the multitudes.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a man, kneeling to him, and saying,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a man, kneeling to him, and saying,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when they came to the people, a man went down on his knees to him, saying,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And when they came unto the multitude, there came to him a man, kneeling down to him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he was come to the multitude, there came to him a man falling down on his knees before him saying: Lord, have pity on my son, for he is a lunatic, and suffereth much: for he falleth often into the fire, and often into the water.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when they came to the crowd, a man came to him, falling on his knees before him, and saying,

Context

This verse marks a sharp transition from the serene, revelatory mountaintop experience and subsequent theological discussion to the chaotic demands of public ministry. It immediately follows the disciples' understanding of the Elijah prophecy. The dramatic change in environment and the immediate presentation of a desperate case highlight the relentless need for Jesus' intervention in the broken world.

v.13Then understood the disciples that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

v.14This passage

v.15Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is epileptic, and suffereth grievously; for oft-times he falleth into the fire, and oft-times into the water.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 17:14

    And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a man, kneeling to him, and saying,

  • Acts 10:25

    And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

  • Mark 10:17

    And as he was going forth into the way, there ran one to him, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

  • Mark 9:14

    And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great multitude about them, and scribes questioning with them.

  • Luke 9:37

    And it came to pass, on the next day, when they were come down from the mountain, a great multitude met him.

  • Mark 1:40

    And there cometh to him a leper, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

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