King James Version

What Does Luke 7:9 Mean?

Luke 7:9 in the King James Version says “When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Luke 7:9 · KJV


Context

7

Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

8

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

9

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

10

And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

11

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith: 'I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.' The Greek 'thaumazō' (θαυμάζω, marvel/wonder) indicates Jesus' astonishment—He found greater faith in a Gentile Roman soldier than among God's covenant people. The centurion's faith understood Jesus' authority—just as he commanded soldiers and they obeyed, Jesus commands and nature/disease obey. This faith recognized Jesus' divine authority without needing physical presence. Gentile faith often surpassed Jewish faith, foreshadowing gospel expansion to all nations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman centurions commanded 80-100 soldiers, occupying positions of significant authority. Most Jews despised Romans as pagan occupiers. That a centurion sought Jesus' help and that Jewish elders advocated for him (Luke 7:3-5) suggests this man was exceptional—he built their synagogue and loved their nation. His humility (considering himself unworthy for Jesus to enter his home) and his understanding of authority amazed Jesus. This incident foreshadowed Gentile inclusion in God's kingdom—faith, not ethnicity, determines kingdom membership. Peter later baptized the centurion Cornelius (Acts 10), beginning official Gentile evangelism.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the centurion's greater faith teach about understanding Jesus' authority versus relying on ethnic or religious privilege?
  2. How does Jesus' amazement at Gentile faith foreshadow the gospel's expansion beyond Israel to all nations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἀκούσας1 of 23

heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

δὲ2 of 23

When

G1161

but, and, etc

ταῦτα3 of 23

these things

G5023

these things

4 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς5 of 23

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐθαύμασεν6 of 23

he marvelled

G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire

αὐτῷ7 of 23

at him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ8 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

στραφεὶς9 of 23

turned him about

G4762

to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)

τῷ10 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀκολουθοῦντι11 of 23

that followed

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

αὐτῷ12 of 23

at him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὄχλῳ13 of 23

unto the people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

εἶπεν14 of 23

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Λέγω15 of 23

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν16 of 23

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

οὐδὲ17 of 23

no not

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

ἐν18 of 23

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ19 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰσραὴλ20 of 23

Israel

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

τοσαύτην21 of 23

so great

G5118

apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)

πίστιν22 of 23

faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

εὗρον23 of 23

I have not found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 7:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 7:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study