King James Version
Matthew 8
34 verses with commentary
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
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KJV Study Commentary
The transition from the Sermon on the Mount to healing miracles demonstrates that Jesus' words are authenticated by His works. The great multitudes following show both genuine interest and mixed motives—some seek teaching, others healing. This crowd represents the visible church containing both wheat and tares, with varied levels of commitment. Christ's compassionate response to human need reveals...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
VIII.
(1) We enter here on a series of events, following, in St. Matthew’s arrangement, on the great discourse. They are common to St. Mark and St. Luke, but are not narrated, as the following table will show, in the same order:—
**ST. MATTHEW.**
**ST. MARK.**
**ST. LUKE.**
(1.)The leper (Matthew 8:1-4).
(1.)Peter’s wife’s mother (Mark 1:29-31).
(1.)Peter’s wife’s mother (Luke 4:38-39).
(2.)The se...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them--**that is, But the point I now press is not so much the end of such, as the means of detecting them; and this, as already said, is their fruits. The hypocrisy of teachers now leads to a solemn warning against religious hypocrisy in general.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
Multitudes follow Christ.(1)
He heals a leper.(2-4)
A centurion's servant healed.(5-13)
Cure of Peter's wife's mother.(14-17)
The scribe's zealous proposal.(18-22)
Christ in a storm.(23-27)
He heals two possessed with devils.(28-34)
**Verse 1**
This verse refers to the close of the foregoing sermon. Those to whom Christ has made himse...
Read full commentary →And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
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KJV Study Commentary
The leper's approach 'worshipped him' shows recognition of Jesus' deity or at minimum His divine authority. His statement 'Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean' demonstrates faith in Jesus' power while submitting to His sovereignty. The leper understood his need (unclean), Jesus' ability (canst), but humbly deferred to Jesus' will (if thou wilt). This is the pattern of effective prayer—con...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **A leper.**—The discussion of leprosy, as to its nature, symptoms, and causes, would be at once long and difficult. The word, which is Greek and not Hebrew in its origin, has probably been used with varying extent of meaning, sometimes including elephantiasis, or even cancer. Even in its narrower meaning, as used by Hippocrates, leprosy was subdivided into three kinds: (1) the mealy, (2) the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord--**the reduplication of the title "Lord" denoting zeal in according it to Christ (see Mr 14:45). Yet our Lord claims and expects this of all His disciples, as when He washed their feet: "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am" (Joh 13:13).
**shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 2-4**
In these verses we have an account of Christ's cleansing a leper, who came and worshipped him, as one clothed with Divine power. This cleansing directs us, not only to apply to Christ, who has power over bodily diseases, for the cure of them, but it also teaches us in what manner to apply to him. When we cannot be sure of God's will, we may be sure of his wisdom and mercy. No gu...
Read full commentary →And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' physical touch—'Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him'—was revolutionary because touching a leper brought ceremonial defilement. Instead of Jesus becoming unclean, His touch cleansed the leper. The immediate healing ('immediately his leprosy was cleansed') demonstrates Jesus' absolute authority over disease and uncleanness. Jesus' 'I will; be thou clean' combines sovereign will with pow...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him.**—The act was itself a proof at once of the will and the power to heal. He did not fear becoming unclean by that contact, and was therefore not subject to the law that forbade the touch. And He met the one element of doubt in the sufferer’s mind by the words—yet more, perhaps, the tone or look that told of pity—“I will; be thou clean.” St. Mark adds...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22. Many will say to me in that day--**What day? It is emphatically unnamed. But it is the day to which He had just referred, when men shall "enter" or not enter "into the kingdom of heaven." (See a similar way of speaking of "that day" in 2Ti 1:12; 4:8).
**Lord, Lord--**The reiteration denotes surprise. "What, Lord? How is this? Are we to be disowned?"
**have we not prophesied--**or, "publi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 2-4**
In these verses we have an account of Christ's cleansing a leper, who came and worshipped him, as one clothed with Divine power. This cleansing directs us, not only to apply to Christ, who has power over bodily diseases, for the cure of them, but it also teaches us in what manner to apply to him. When we cannot be sure of God's will, we may be sure of his wisdom and mercy. No gu...
Read full commentary →And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' command to 'tell no man' seems puzzling but reflects His desire to avoid premature messianic expectations and political movements that would interfere with His mission to the cross. The instruction to 'shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded' demonstrates Christ's respect for Mosaic law and priestly authority while that system remained valid. This also provided o...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **See thou tell no** **man.**—St. Mark adds, with his usual vividness, “straitly charged,” or vehemently urged him, and “forthwith sent him away.” The reasons of the command are not given, but are not far to seek. (1.) The offering of the gift was an act of obedience to the Law (Leviticus 14:10; Leviticus 14:21-22), and was therefore the right thing for the man to do. In this way also our Lord...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. And then will I profess unto them--**or, openly proclaim--tearing off the mask.
**I never knew you--**What they claimed--intimacy with Christ--is just what He repudiates, and with a certain scornful dignity. "Our acquaintance was not broken off--there never was any."
**depart from me--**(Compare Mt 25:41). The connection here gives these words an awful significance. They claimed intimacy...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 2-4**
In these verses we have an account of Christ's cleansing a leper, who came and worshipped him, as one clothed with Divine power. This cleansing directs us, not only to apply to Christ, who has power over bodily diseases, for the cure of them, but it also teaches us in what manner to apply to him. When we cannot be sure of God's will, we may be sure of his wisdom and mercy. No gu...
Read full commentary →The Centurion's Faith
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
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KJV Study Commentary
The centurion's approach demonstrates remarkable faith from an unexpected source—a Roman officer occupying Israel. His words 'Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented' show concern for a servant (possibly slave) rare among Romans. His coming to Jesus despite being a Gentile and military commander shows humility and desperation overcoming pride and prejudice.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) In St. Luke the narrative follows immediately upon the Sermon on the Plain; in St. Matthew (the healing of the leper intervening), upon the Sermon on the Mount. The juxtaposition in both cases seems to imply a connection between the teaching and the act that had fixed itself on men’s minds. The act was, indeed, chiefly memorable for the teaching to which it led. A comparison of the two narrati...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**24. Therefore--**to bring this discourse to a close.
**whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them--**see Jas 1:22, which seems a plain allusion to these words; also Lu 11:28; Ro 2:13; 1Jo 3:7.
**I will liken him unto a wise man--**a shrewd, prudent, provident man.
**which built his house upon a rock--**the rock of true discipleship, or genuine subjection to Christ.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-13**
This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, yet he was a godly man. No man's calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. See how he states his servant's case. We should concern ourselves for the souls of our children and servants, who are spiritually sick, who feel not spiritual evils, who know not that which is spiritually good; and we ...
Read full commentary →And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
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KJV Study Commentary
The centurion's description of his servant's suffering ('grievously tormented') reveals both the severity of the paralysis and the centurion's compassionate concern for a mere servant. This concern was remarkable in Roman culture where slaves were often considered property without inherent dignity. The centurion's appeal to Jesus demonstrates faith crossing ethnic and religious boundaries—a Gentil...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **My** **servant.**—The Greek word might mean either “servant” or “boy.” The former meaning is the more common, and is fixed as the meaning here by St. Luke’s use of the word which means strictly “slave.” He is described as paralysed, but the words “grievously tormented” point to more acute suffering than is common in that form of disease, and imply either something like rheumatic fever, or te...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25. And the rain descended--**from above.
**and the floods came--**from below.
**and the winds blew--**sweeping across.
**and beat upon that house--**thus from every direction.
**and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock--**See 1Jo 2:17.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-13**
This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, yet he was a godly man. No man's calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. See how he states his servant's case. We should concern ourselves for the souls of our children and servants, who are spiritually sick, who feel not spiritual evils, who know not that which is spiritually good; and we ...
Read full commentary →And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' immediate willingness 'I will come and heal him' demonstrates His compassionate readiness to help and His freedom from ethnic exclusivism. Despite Jewish-Gentile barriers, Jesus doesn't hesitate to enter a Gentile home (which would incur ceremonial defilement). This prefigures the gospel's expansion to Gentiles and shows that Christ came to destroy the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **I will come and heal him.**—In St. Luke’s report the words are omitted, but they are implied in our Lord’s act in going with the elders of the synagogue. While He went, some one, it would seem, ran on in front to tell the centurion that his prayer was heard. Then, in his humility, he sends off some of his friends with the message, which St. Matthew records as if it had come from his own lips...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine--**in the attitude of discipleship.
**and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand--**denoting a loose foundation--that of an empty profession and mere external services.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-13**
This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, yet he was a godly man. No man's calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. See how he states his servant's case. We should concern ourselves for the souls of our children and servants, who are spiritually sick, who feel not spiritual evils, who know not that which is spiritually good; and we ...
Read full commentary →The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
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KJV Study Commentary
The centurion's response reveals extraordinary faith: 'Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof.' His humility contrasts with his military authority. His insight 'speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed' demonstrates understanding that Jesus' authority transcends physical presence. He recognizes Jesus' word carries divine power—command from a distance is sufficient.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Lord, I am not worthy.**—In St. Luke’s report, the friends deliver the message as beginning with “Trouble not thyself,” the word being a colloquial one, which starting from the idea of flaying, or mangling, passed into that of “worrying,” “vexing,” and the like. The sense of unworthiness implied at once the consciousness of his own sins, and the recognition of the surpassing holiness and maj...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house--**struck against that house;
**and it fell: and great was the fall of it--**terrible the ruin! How lively must this imagery have been to an audience accustomed to the fierceness of an Eastern tempest, and the suddenness and completeness with which it sweeps everything unsteady before it!
Effect of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-13**
This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, yet he was a godly man. No man's calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. See how he states his servant's case. We should concern ourselves for the souls of our children and servants, who are spiritually sick, who feel not spiritual evils, who know not that which is spiritually good; and we ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
The centurion's analogy comparing Christ's authority to his own military command structure reveals profound theological insight. Just as the centurion's word commands soldiers who obey without question, Christ's word commands creation with absolute authority. This demonstrates understanding that Jesus possesses divine authority over sickness, demons, and nature. The centurion grasped what many the...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **For I am a man under authority.**—He gives, not without a certain *naïveté,* the process of reasoning by which he had been led to this conviction. His own experience had taught that in every well organised system a delegated authority could, in its turn, be delegated to others. The personal presence of the centurion was not wanted where he could send his soldier or his slave to act on his or...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine--**rather, "His teaching," for the reference is to the manner of it quite as much as the matter, or rather more so.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-13**
This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, yet he was a godly man. No man's calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. See how he states his servant's case. We should concern ourselves for the souls of our children and servants, who are spiritually sick, who feel not spiritual evils, who know not that which is spiritually good; and we ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' response—'I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel'—is both commendation and rebuke. The Gentile centurion exhibited greater faith than Jesus' own people. This prepares for Jesus' statement (vv. 11-12) about Gentiles entering the kingdom while many Jews are excluded. Faith, not ethnicity or religious heritage, determines kingdom entrance. The centurion's faith combined humility, a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **He marvelled.**—The fact is stated in both records, and is not without significance in its bearing on the reality of our Lord’s human consciousness. Facts came to Him, in that true humanity, as to other men, unlooked-for, and as with a novelty that caused surprise.
**I have not found so great faith, no,** **not in Israel.**—The nature of the faith we have already seen. Israelites who sought...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29. For he taught them as one having authority--**The word "one," which our translators have here inserted, only weakens the statement.
**and not as the scribes--**The consciousness of divine authority, as Lawgiver, Expounder and Judge, so beamed through His teaching, that the scribes' teaching could not but appear drivelling in such a light.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-13**
This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, yet he was a godly man. No man's calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. See how he states his servant's case. We should concern ourselves for the souls of our children and servants, who are spiritually sick, who feel not spiritual evils, who know not that which is spiritually good; and we ...
Read full commentary →And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' statement that Gentiles from 'east and west' will sit with the patriarchs in the kingdom was shocking to Jewish listeners who assumed ethnic privilege guaranteed salvation. This prophesies the gospel going to all nations and Gentile inclusion in God's covenant people. The language of reclining at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob depicts the messianic banquet, the consummated kingdom. Fa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) St. Luke does not give the words that follow, and the omission is significant. Either he did not know of them, and then we must infer the entire independence of his record, or knowing them, he, writing for Gentiles, thought it best to omit words here which our Lord had afterwards repeated, and which he had therefore another opportunity of recording (Luke 13:28). Such verbal reproduction of wh...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-13**
This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, yet he was a godly man. No man's calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. See how he states his servant's case. We should concern ourselves for the souls of our children and servants, who are spiritually sick, who feel not spiritual evils, who know not that which is spiritually good; and we ...
Read full commentary →But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
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KJV Study Commentary
The sobering phrase 'the children of the kingdom shall be cast into outer darkness' refers to ethnic Israel who presumed covenant privilege guaranteed salvation despite unbelief. 'Outer darkness' with 'weeping and gnashing of teeth' describes hell's eternal conscious punishment—removal from God's presence and all goodness. This demonstrates that covenant privilege increases judgment when rejected,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **The children of the kingdom.**—The form of the phrase is a Hebraism, indicating, as in “the children of the bride-chamber,” those who belonged to the kingdom, *i.e.,* in this case, the Israelites, to whom the kingdom of heaven had, in the first instance, been promised, the natural heirs who had forfeited their inheritance.
**Into outer darkness.**—Strictly, *the outer darkness.* The words c...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 8 Mt 8:1-4. Healing of a Leper. ( = Mr 1:40-45; Lu 5:12-16).
The time of this miracle seems too definitely fixed here to admit of our placing it where it stands in Mark and Luke, in whose Gospels no such precise note of time is given.
1. When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-13**
This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, yet he was a godly man. No man's calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. See how he states his servant's case. We should concern ourselves for the souls of our children and servants, who are spiritually sick, who feel not spiritual evils, who know not that which is spiritually good; and we ...
Read full commentary →And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' word 'Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee' directly links the healing to faith. The phrase 'his servant was healed in the selfsame hour' demonstrates Jesus' power operates at a distance and instantaneously. The healing's timing confirmed Jesus' word and rewarded faith. This miracle illustrates justification by faith—healing came through trust in Jesus' word, not w...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **As thou hast believed.**—The words were, of course, sent as a message. Better, *As thou didst believe*—referring to his one great act of faith.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. And, behold, there came a leper--**"a man full of leprosy," says Lu 5:12. Much has been written on this disease of leprosy, but certain points remain still doubtful. All that needs be said here is that it was a cutaneous disease, of a loathsome, diffusive, and, there is reason to believe, when thoroughly pronounced, incurable character; that though in its distinctive features it is still foun...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-13**
This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, yet he was a godly man. No man's calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. See how he states his servant's case. We should concern ourselves for the souls of our children and servants, who are spiritually sick, who feel not spiritual evils, who know not that which is spiritually good; and we ...
Read full commentary →Jesus Heals Many
And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' healing of Peter's mother-in-law demonstrates His compassionate power extending to ordinary domestic situations. The detail that this was Peter's wife's mother confirms Peter was married, contradicting later celibacy requirements for clergy. Christ's touch brought immediate healing, and her immediate service demonstrates that genuine healing produces responsive gratitude and ministry. The s...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house.**—St. Mark (Mark 1:29) and St. Luke (Luke 4:38) relate more specifically that it was on the Sabbath, and that our Lord had previously taught in the synagogue and healed a demoniac. The sons of Zebedee and of Jona had all been present, and when the service was over they came to the house in which Peter apparently (though born in Bethsaida, John 1:4...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. And Jesus--**or "He," according to another reading,--"moved with compassion," says Mark (Mr 1:41); a precious addition.
**put forth his hand, and touched him--**Such a touch occasioned ceremonial defilement (Le 5:3); even as the leper's coming near enough for contact was against the Levitical regulations (Le 13:46). But as the man's faith told him there would be no case for such regulations...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-17**
Peter had a wife, yet was an apostle of Christ, who showed that he approved of the married state, by being thus kind to Peter's wife's relations. The church of Rome, which forbids ministers to marry, goes contrary to that apostle upon whom they rest so much. He had his wife's mother with him in his family, which is an example to be kind to our relations. In spiritual healing, ...
Read full commentary →And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
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KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'the fever left her' emphasizes the completeness and immediacy of Christ's healing power. Unlike natural recovery requiring convalescence, Jesus' touch produced instant restoration to full health and strength. Her immediate rising and serving demonstrates both the thoroughness of healing and grateful response to grace received. This illustrates the principle that those Christ heals are ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **She arose, and ministered unto them.**—The fact is stated as showing the completeness of the work of healing. The “great fever” had not left behind it its usual sequel of weakness and exhaustion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. And Jesus--**"straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away" (Mr 1:43), and
**saith unto him, See thou tell no man--**A hard condition this would seem to a grateful heart, whose natural language, in such a case, is "Come, hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul" (Psa 66:16). We shall presently see the reason for it.
**but go thy way, show thyself t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-17**
Peter had a wife, yet was an apostle of Christ, who showed that he approved of the married state, by being thus kind to Peter's wife's relations. The church of Rome, which forbids ministers to marry, goes contrary to that apostle upon whom they rest so much. He had his wife's mother with him in his family, which is an example to be kind to our relations. In spiritual healing, ...
Read full commentary →When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
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KJV Study Commentary
The statement 'he cast out the spirits with his word' emphasizes Jesus' verbal authority over demons—no rituals, formulas, or struggles, simply His commanding word. The phrase 'healed all that were sick' shows the comprehensive nature of His compassion—no disease was too difficult, no crowd too large. This demonstrates the kingdom's power breaking Satan's dominion over humanity.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **When the even was come.**—Or, as St. Luke has it, “While the sun was setting.” There were two reasons why the time should be thus specified. (1) It was natural that the sick should be brought in the cool of the evening, rather than in the scorching heat of the afternoon; and (2) it was the Sabbath, and the feeling which made the Pharisees question the lawfulness of a man’s carrying the bed ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-17**
Peter had a wife, yet was an apostle of Christ, who showed that he approved of the married state, by being thus kind to Peter's wife's relations. The church of Rome, which forbids ministers to marry, goes contrary to that apostle upon whom they rest so much. He had his wife's mother with him in his family, which is an example to be kind to our relations. In spiritual healing, ...
Read full commentary →That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
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KJV Study Commentary
Matthew quotes Isaiah 53:4 to explain Jesus' healing ministry as fulfillment of messianic prophecy. The phrase 'Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses' connects Christ's healing miracles to His substitutionary atonement. While the ultimate fulfillment is the cross bearing our sins, the healings demonstrated His identification with human suffering and power to deliver from all effect...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Himself took our infirmities.**—The citation is interesting as showing St. Matthew’s way of dealing with Messianic prophecies. We see in Isaiah 53 throughout a picture of our Lord’s spiritual work of redemption, and the words quoted are almost the cardinal text for the special view of the atonement, which sees in the sufferings of Christ the freely accepted penalty that was due for the tran...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-17**
Peter had a wife, yet was an apostle of Christ, who showed that he approved of the married state, by being thus kind to Peter's wife's relations. The church of Rome, which forbids ministers to marry, goes contrary to that apostle upon whom they rest so much. He had his wife's mother with him in his family, which is an example to be kind to our relations. In spiritual healing, ...
Read full commentary →The Cost of Discipleship
Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' command to 'depart unto the other side' demonstrates His control over His ministry timing and movements. Despite great multitudes and ongoing ministry opportunities, He chose strategic withdrawal. This shows that effective ministry requires rhythm of engagement and rest, public ministry and private prayer. Christ wasn't driven by crowd demands but by the Father's will. This models that fait...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **To depart unto the other side**—*i.e.,* the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Here, too, though less conspicuously than in the other Gospels, there is indicated the yearning for a time of rest and retirement.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-22**
One of the scribes was too hasty in promising; he proffers himself to be a close follower of Christ. He seems to be very resolute. Many resolutions for religion are produced by sudden conviction, and taken up without due consideration; these come to nothing. When this scribe offered to follow Christ, one would think he should have been encouraged; one scribe might do more cred...
Read full commentary →And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
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KJV Study Commentary
The scribe's address 'Master' (Greek 'didaskalos'—teacher) and enthusiastic promise 'I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest' appears exemplary but lacks understanding of discipleship's cost. His self-initiated approach contrasts with Jesus' calling of the Twelve. The scribe's profession may be sincere but immature, not counting the cost. Jesus' response reveals that true discipleship requires...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **A certain scribe came.**—The facts that follow are placed by St. Luke, as we have seen, in quite another stage of our Lord’s ministry. The fact that it was a scribe that came is striking, as showing that the impression made by our Lord’s teaching was not confined to the “common people” that “heard him gladly.” As Nicodemus had already come confessing that He was a “Teacher come from God,” s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-22**
One of the scribes was too hasty in promising; he proffers himself to be a close follower of Christ. He seems to be very resolute. Many resolutions for religion are produced by sudden conviction, and taken up without due consideration; these come to nothing. When this scribe offered to follow Christ, one would think he should have been encouraged; one scribe might do more cred...
Read full commentary →And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' stark statement 'the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head' reveals the voluntary poverty and homelessness He embraced in incarnation. The title 'Son of man' (from Daniel 7:13-14) ironically juxtaposes His divine identity and messianic authority with His present humiliation and rejection. This demonstrates Christ's condescen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **The foxes have holes.**—Our Lord’s answer seems to indicate that it was hardly more than the show. The scribe had not counted the cost, and, like the young ruler that had great possessions, needed to be taught. To follow the Son of Man was not to be the adherent of a new sect or party, or the servant of a king marching onward to an earthly throne, but to share in poverty, privation, homeles...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-22**
One of the scribes was too hasty in promising; he proffers himself to be a close follower of Christ. He seems to be very resolute. Many resolutions for religion are produced by sudden conviction, and taken up without due consideration; these come to nothing. When this scribe offered to follow Christ, one would think he should have been encouraged; one scribe might do more cred...
Read full commentary →And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
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KJV Study Commentary
The disciple's request to 'first go and bury my father' likely doesn't mean his father had just died (in which case he'd be at the burial, not following Jesus), but rather asking to delay discipleship until after his father's eventual death and burial—possibly years away. This request, though seemingly reasonable and honoring to parents, places family obligation above immediate response to Christ'...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **Suffer me first to go and bury my father.**—A curious tradition, preserved by Clement of Alexandria, says that the disciple who came with this request was Philip. Nothing in the Gospel history, however, suggests this. Philip had been called before, and had obeyed the call (John 1:43). All that we can say is that it may have been so, and that he may at this stage of his spiritual growth have...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-22**
One of the scribes was too hasty in promising; he proffers himself to be a close follower of Christ. He seems to be very resolute. Many resolutions for religion are produced by sudden conviction, and taken up without due consideration; these come to nothing. When this scribe offered to follow Christ, one would think he should have been encouraged; one scribe might do more cred...
Read full commentary →But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
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KJV Study Commentary
The command 'let the dead bury their dead' uses 'dead' in two senses: the spiritually dead (unbelievers) can care for the physically dead, but the disciple must prioritize spiritual life and kingdom work. This doesn't advocate irresponsibility but establishes hierarchy—Christ's call takes absolute priority over even legitimate earthly obligations. The call to 'follow me' is present, urgent, demand...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Let the dead bury their dead.**—The point of the half-epigrammatic, half-proverbial saying, lies in the contrast between the two meanings of the word “dead.” “Let those who have no spiritual life linger in the circle of outward routine duties, and sacrifice the highest spiritual possibilities of their nature to their fulfilment. Those who are really living will do the work to which their Ma...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-22**
One of the scribes was too hasty in promising; he proffers himself to be a close follower of Christ. He seems to be very resolute. Many resolutions for religion are produced by sudden conviction, and taken up without due consideration; these come to nothing. When this scribe offered to follow Christ, one would think he should have been encouraged; one scribe might do more cred...
Read full commentary →Jesus Calms the Storm
And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
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KJV Study Commentary
The detail that Jesus 'entered into a ship, and his disciples followed him' sets the scene for the storm miracle that follows. The disciples' physical following into the boat parallels their spiritual following as learners. This journey across Galilee becomes a teaching moment about faith and Christ's divine authority over nature. The pattern of Jesus leading and disciples following models the ess...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) The two narratives that follow are brought together in all three Gospels; but St. Mark and St. Luke place them, as we have seen, after the parables which St. Matthew gives in chapter 13
**Entered into a ship.**—The better MSS. give, as often elsewhere, “*the* ship,” or boat—*i.e.,* one which, belonging possibly to Peter or the sons of Zebedee, was always ready at their Master’s service. St. M...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-27**
It is a comfort to those who go down to the sea in ships, and are often in perils there, to reflect that they have a Saviour to trust in and pray to, who knows what it is to be on the water, and to be in storms there. Those who are passing with Christ over the ocean of this world, must expect storms. His human nature, like to ours in every thing but sin, was wearied, and he sl...
Read full commentary →And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.</strong> This dramatic scene reveals both Christ's true humanity and divine authority over creation. The Greek word <em>seismos</em> (σεισμός, "tempest") literally means earthquake or violent shaking—the same word used for earthquakes. This wasn't ordinary weather but ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **There arose a great tempest.**—Storms such as that here described are of common occurrence in all inland seas. The wind sweeps through the narrow mountain valleys, and the sea, which a few minutes before was smooth as glass, is at once rough with the white crests of the foaming waves. The ship was on the point of sinking, as the waves dashed over it while it was in the trough between them. ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-27**
It is a comfort to those who go down to the sea in ships, and are often in perils there, to reflect that they have a Saviour to trust in and pray to, who knows what it is to be on the water, and to be in storms there. Those who are passing with Christ over the ocean of this world, must expect storms. His human nature, like to ours in every thing but sin, was wearied, and he sl...
Read full commentary →And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
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KJV Study Commentary
The disciples' cry 'Lord, save us: we perish' reveals both faith (addressing Jesus as Lord and believing He could save) and fear (thinking they would perish despite His presence). This mixed response characterizes much Christian experience—genuine faith coexisting with inadequate trust. Their awakening Jesus implies they expected Him to do something, yet their panic showed they hadn't fully graspe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **Lord, save us: we perish.**—As given by St. Mark the words indicate even more of the impatience of panic: “Master, carest Thou not that we perish?” They began to think that He was indifferent to their safety, and believing, it may be, that He Himself had a charmed life, they were half angry at that indifference.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-27**
It is a comfort to those who go down to the sea in ships, and are often in perils there, to reflect that they have a Saviour to trust in and pray to, who knows what it is to be on the water, and to be in storms there. Those who are passing with Christ over the ocean of this world, must expect storms. His human nature, like to ours in every thing but sin, was wearied, and he sl...
Read full commentary →And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' rebuke 'Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?' comes before the miracle, challenging the disciples' faith deficit despite His presence. The phrase 'Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea' shows Jesus' creative authority—He commands nature like the Creator. The result: 'there was a great calm'—not gradual, but immediate and complete. This demonstrates His deity, for 'who can co...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?**—St. Luke puts the question more strongly: “Where is your faith?” as though it had all drifted away under the pressure of their fears. Yet the word “of little faith” was singularly appropriate. They had not altogether lost their trust in Him, but they had not learnt the lesson of the centurion’s faith, and were only at ease when they heard His voic...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-27**
It is a comfort to those who go down to the sea in ships, and are often in perils there, to reflect that they have a Saviour to trust in and pray to, who knows what it is to be on the water, and to be in storms there. Those who are passing with Christ over the ocean of this world, must expect storms. His human nature, like to ours in every thing but sin, was wearied, and he sl...
Read full commentary →But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
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KJV Study Commentary
The disciples' wonder 'What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!' reveals their growing understanding of Jesus' identity. They use 'what manner' (Greek: potapos) meaning 'from what country/source'—they recognize something supernatural. Their question echoes Psalm 89:9 ('thou rulest the raging of the sea') and Psalm 107:29 ('he maketh the storm a calm'), Old Testament te...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **The men marvelled.**—This use of so vague a term as “men,” as applied to the disciples, is so exceptional as to suggest the thought that there were others in the boat with them. The marvel was not without a “great fear” (Mark 4:41). The Presence among them was mightier even than they had thought, and the elements, which seemed far more removed from human control than leprosy or fever, were ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-27**
It is a comfort to those who go down to the sea in ships, and are often in perils there, to reflect that they have a Saviour to trust in and pray to, who knows what it is to be on the water, and to be in storms there. Those who are passing with Christ over the ocean of this world, must expect storms. His human nature, like to ours in every thing but sin, was wearied, and he sl...
Read full commentary →Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men
And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
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KJV Study Commentary
The mention of 'two possessed with devils' in the country of the Gergesenes introduces the dramatic exorcism that follows. Matthew mentions two demoniacs while Mark and Luke focus on one (perhaps the more prominent). Their dwelling among tombs and exceeding fierceness demonstrates the dehumanizing effects of demonic possession—isolation from community, dwelling with death, and violence. This illus...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **The country of the Gergesenes.**—The exact determination of the locality presents many difficulties. In all the three Gospels we find various readings, of which the best supported are Gadarenes in St. Matthew, and Gerasenes in St. Mark and St. Luke. “Gergesenes” is, however, found in some MSS. of high authority, and the variations are obviously of very early date. The main facts as to the t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-34**
The devils have nothing to do with Christ as a Saviour; they neither have, nor hope for any benefit from him. Oh the depth of this mystery of Divine love; that fallen man has so much to do with Christ, when fallen angels have nothing to do with him! He 2:16. Surely here was torment, to be forced to own the excellence that is in Christ, and yet they had no part in him. The devi...
Read full commentary →And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
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KJV Study Commentary
The demons' recognition of Jesus as 'Son of God' demonstrates that spiritual beings (unlike many humans) clearly recognize Christ's divine identity. Their question 'art thou come hither to torment us before the time?' reveals they know their ultimate doom is certain, only its timing uncertain. This shows that mere knowledge of Christ's identity doesn't constitute saving faith—demons believe and tr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **They cried out, saying . . .**—St. Mark adds that the demoniac, seeing Jesus from afar, ran and did homage (“worshipped” in the English version) to Him, and (with St. Luke) gives the fuller form of his cry, “What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the Most High God?” It is remarkable that this is the only instance in which that name is addressed to our Lord, though it is used of Him...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-34**
The devils have nothing to do with Christ as a Saviour; they neither have, nor hope for any benefit from him. Oh the depth of this mystery of Divine love; that fallen man has so much to do with Christ, when fallen angels have nothing to do with him! He 2:16. Surely here was torment, to be forced to own the excellence that is in Christ, and yet they had no part in him. The devi...
Read full commentary →And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
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KJV Study Commentary
The presence of 'a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding' confirms this is Gentile territory, as Jews considered swine unclean and wouldn't raise them. The detail sets up the demons' request to enter the pigs, demonstrating both Christ's absolute authority over demons and the destructive nature of demonic power. That demons prefer embodiment in unclean animals to disembodiment shows...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **An herd of many swine.**—We are surprised at first to find swine kept in a country where their flesh could not be an article of food. But though the Jews did not eat pork, Roman soldiers did, and the swine may have been kept to supply the wants of the legion with which the man was familiar. The pun of Augustus as to Herod’s swine and son (see Note on Matthew 2:16) seems to imply that the ki...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19. And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-34**
The devils have nothing to do with Christ as a Saviour; they neither have, nor hope for any benefit from him. Oh the depth of this mystery of Divine love; that fallen man has so much to do with Christ, when fallen angels have nothing to do with him! He 2:16. Surely here was torment, to be forced to own the excellence that is in Christ, and yet they had no part in him. The devi...
Read full commentary →So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
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KJV Study Commentary
The demons' petition to 'send us away into the herd of swine' reveals they could not act without Christ's permission, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over the spirit realm. That they must ask permission shows even in their rebellion, demons remain under God's control, able to do only what He permits for His purposes. Their request also reveals the destructive bent of demonic nature—unable t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **So the devils besought him.**—As St. Mark gives the words, “that He should not send them out of the country,” or district, in which they were; as in St. Luke’s report, “that He would not command them to go out into the deep,” *i.e.,* the abyss, the “bottomless pit” of Revelation 9:1-2; Revelation 9:11. The words of the man are as those of the demons with whom he identifies himself. He shrin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head--**Few as there were of the scribes who attached themselves to Jesus, it would appear, from his calling Him Teacher, that this one was a "disciple" in that looser sense of the word in which it is applied to the crowds who flocked after Him, with more or less ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-34**
The devils have nothing to do with Christ as a Saviour; they neither have, nor hope for any benefit from him. Oh the depth of this mystery of Divine love; that fallen man has so much to do with Christ, when fallen angels have nothing to do with him! He 2:16. Surely here was torment, to be forced to own the excellence that is in Christ, and yet they had no part in him. The devi...
Read full commentary →And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' permission 'Go' demonstrates His sovereign authority to command even demons, while the pigs' violent death reveals demonic destructiveness. The entire herd rushing into the sea and perishing shows that Satan's nature is theft, killing, and destruction. This dramatic sign authenticated the exorcism's reality to observers and illustrated the deadly power from which the demoniacs were delivere...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **He said unto them, Go.**—Men have asked sometimes, in scorn, why the word was spoken; why permission was given for a destructive work which seemed alike needless and fruitless. The so-called rationalistic explanation, that the demoniacs drove the swine down the cliff in a last paroxysm of frenzy, is no solution of the difficulty, for, even if that hypothesis were on other grounds tenable, i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-34**
The devils have nothing to do with Christ as a Saviour; they neither have, nor hope for any benefit from him. Oh the depth of this mystery of Divine love; that fallen man has so much to do with Christ, when fallen angels have nothing to do with him! He 2:16. Surely here was torment, to be forced to own the excellence that is in Christ, and yet they had no part in him. The devi...
Read full commentary →And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.
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KJV Study Commentary
The swine herders' witness 'told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils' demonstrates they recognized the connection between the exorcism and the pigs' destruction. Their thorough reporting to the city spread the news widely, creating opportunity for mass evangelism. Yet the response would be tragic—the people valued their livestock more than the Deliverer in their midst...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-34**
The devils have nothing to do with Christ as a Saviour; they neither have, nor hope for any benefit from him. Oh the depth of this mystery of Divine love; that fallen man has so much to do with Christ, when fallen angels have nothing to do with him! He 2:16. Surely here was torment, to be forced to own the excellence that is in Christ, and yet they had no part in him. The devi...
Read full commentary →And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The City's Rejection of Jesus:</strong> This verse describes the Gadarenes' shocking response after Jesus liberated two demon-possessed men by casting demons into a herd of swine (Matthew 8:28-32). The Greek phrase "the whole city" (<em>pasa hē polis</em>, πᾶσα ἡ πόλις) emphasizes communal action—this wasn't a few individuals but corporate rejection. They "came out to meet" (<em>exēlthen e...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34) **The whole city**—*i.e.,* the population of Gadara or Gerasa (more probably the former), according to the reading which we adopt in Matthew 8:28. St. Mark and St. Luke add, that they found the demoniac “clothed, and in his right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus,” in the clinging gratitude of faith. The narrative half suggests the thought that the garment which he now wore as the outward si...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-34**
The devils have nothing to do with Christ as a Saviour; they neither have, nor hope for any benefit from him. Oh the depth of this mystery of Divine love; that fallen man has so much to do with Christ, when fallen angels have nothing to do with him! He 2:16. Surely here was torment, to be forced to own the excellence that is in Christ, and yet they had no part in him. The devi...
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