Devine Scripture

Matthew 8:3

What does Matthew 8:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 8:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 8:3 means

Jesus responds to the leper's request with a compassionate and authoritative declaration, "I will; be thou made clean." Significantly, He reaches out and touches the man, an act that defied Old Testament ceremonial law regarding leprosy but which Jesus performs without becoming defiled. Instead, His touch transmits healing power, and the man is instantly cleansed. This demonstrates Jesus’ power to override and transcend ceremonial restrictions and His willingness to touch those considered untouchable.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he stretched forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou made clean. And straightway his leprosy was cleansed.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he stretched forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou made clean. And straightway his leprosy was cleansed.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he put his hand on him, saying, It is my pleasure; be clean. And straight away he was made clean.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having stretched forth the hand, Jesus touched him, saying, `I will, be thou cleansed,' and immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus stretching forth his hand, touched him, saying: I will, be thou made clean. And forthwith his leprosy was cleansed.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, I will; be cleansed. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Context

Picking up from the previous verse, this miracle showcases Jesus not only as a teacher but as one who actively intervenes in human suffering. His willingness to touch the leper underscores His compassion and asserts His divine authority over the law, preparing the reader for a series of powerful healings that follow in the chapter.

v.2And behold, there came to him a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

v.3This passage

v.4And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Cross references

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

  • John 11:43

    And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

  • Luke 5:13

    And he stretched forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou made clean. And straightway the leprosy departed from him.

  • Mark 7:34

    and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

  • Mark 4:39

    And he awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

  • Luke 7:14

    And he came nigh and touched the bier: and the bearers stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

  • John 5:21

    For as the Father raiseth the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 8

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 8.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 8:3.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary