Devine Scripture

Matthew 8:5

What does Matthew 8:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 8:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 8:5 means

Upon entering Capernaum, a prominent city that served as His ministry base, Jesus is approached by a Roman centurion. The centurion, a military officer commanding about one hundred men, seeks Jesus' help. His act of coming to Jesus, a Jewish rabbi, for help concerning his servant indicates a remarkable humility and an existing awareness of Jesus' reputation and authority. It’s unusual for a Roman official to seek help from a Jew, indicating great respect.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when he was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when he was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when Jesus was come into Capernaum, a certain captain came to him with a request,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus having entered into Capernaum, there came to him a centurion calling upon him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he had entered into Capharnaum, there came to him a centurion, beseeching him,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And when he had entered into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, beseeching him,

Context

Following the healing of the leper and His arrival in Capernaum, this encounter introduces a Gentile seeking Jesus' aid. This immediately broadens the scope of Jesus’ ministry beyond Jewish individuals and sets up a pivotal demonstration of faith from an unexpected source, contrasting with expectations of the Jewish audience Matthew addresses.

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.

v.5This passage

v.6and saying, Lord, my servant lieth in the house sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 2:1

    And when he entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was noised that he was in the house.

  • Acts 27:43

    But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stayed them from their purpose; and commanded that they who could swim should cast themselves overboard, and get first to the land;

  • Acts 23:23

    And he called unto him two of the centurions, and said, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go as far as Cæsarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night:

  • Mark 15:39

    And when the centurion, who stood by over against him, saw that he so gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

  • Acts 23:17

    And Paul called unto him one of the centurions, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain; for he hath something to tell him.

  • Matthew 4:13

    and leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali:

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