Devine Scripture

Matthew 8:9

What does Matthew 8:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 8:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 8:9 means

The centurion explains his reasoning for believing Jesus could heal at a distance by drawing an analogy from his own military experience. As a man under authority, he understands the power of a spoken command; his soldiers and servants obey without question. He concludes that Jesus, possessing even greater authority, could likewise issue a command and have effects brought to pass, even from afar, recognizing Jesus' spiritual power as supreme.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For I also am a man under authority, having under myself soldiers: and I say to this one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For I also am a man under authority, having under myself soldiers: and I say to this one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because I myself am a man under authority, having under me fighting men; and I say to this one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for I also am a man under authority, having under myself soldiers, and I say to this one, Go, and he goeth, and to another, Be coming, and he cometh, and to my servant, Do this, and he doth <FI>it<Fi> .'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For I also am a man subject to authority, having under me soldiers; and I say to this, Go, and he goeth, and to another Come, and he cometh, and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I also am a man under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say to this [one], Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my bondman, Do this, and he does it.

Context

This verse provides the reasoning behind the centurion's extraordinary faith, building directly on his declaration in the previous verse. His military analogy concretely demonstrates his understanding of delegated authority, which will lead to Jesus' commendation of his faith and a broader teaching on the Kingdom of Heaven's inclusivity, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles.

v.8And the centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.

v.9This passage

v.10And 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.

Cross references

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

  • Ezekiel 14:17

    Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off from it man and beast;

  • 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.

  • Psalms 119:91

    They abide this day according to thine ordinances; For all things are thy servants.

  • Luke 4:39

    And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she rose up and ministered unto them.

  • Psalms 148:8

    Fire and hail, snow and vapor; Stormy wind, fulfilling his word;

  • Colossians 3:22

    Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord:

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 8:9.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary