King James Version

What Does Matthew 11:5 Mean?

Matthew 11:5 in the King James Version says “The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, an...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”

Matthew 11:5 · KJV

Context

3

And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

4

Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:

5

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

6

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

7

And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus's response to John the Baptist's inquiry uses prophetic fulfillment as evidence: 'The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.' This catalogue directly echoes Isaiah 35:5-6 and 61:1, messianic prophecies John would immediately recognize. Jesus doesn't merely assert His identity—He points to objective evidence fulfilling specific Old Testament predictions. The order is significant: physical healings culminate in spiritual transformation ('poor have the gospel preached'). Reformed theology sees the miracles as signs authenticating the message; the ultimate work is gospel proclamation transforming hearts. The raising of the dead demonstrates Christ's power over humanity's last enemy. The inclusion of 'poor' emphasizes that salvation comes to those recognizing their spiritual bankruptcy (Matthew 5:3), not the self-righteous.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod Antipas for condemning his unlawful marriage to Herodias (Matthew 14:3-4), sent disciples asking 'Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?' (11:3). John's question likely arose from confusion: he expected Messiah to bring judgment (Matthew 3:10-12), yet Jesus's ministry emphasized mercy. From prison, unable to witness Jesus's ministry directly, John sought confirmation. Jesus's response directed John's disciples to report what they saw—eyewitness testimony of messianic credentials. The miracles Jesus referenced had occurred throughout His Galilean ministry (chapters 8-9). Isaiah's prophecies were universally recognized as messianic in Jewish interpretation, so Jesus's claim was unmistakable. The episode reveals the early church's honesty—they recorded even John the Baptist's momentary uncertainty, demonstrating the gospel accounts' credibility.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's method of pointing to evidence rather than demanding blind faith inform Christian apologetics today?
  2. What does John's question from prison teach about how circumstances can cloud our spiritual sight even for godly people?
  3. Why is the preaching of the gospel to the poor listed as climactic evidence alongside physical miracles?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
τυφλοὶ1 of 15

“The blind”

G5185

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

ἀναβλέπουσιν2 of 15

“receive their sight”

G308

to look up; by implication, to recover sight

καὶ3 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

χωλοὶ4 of 15

“the lame”

G5560

"halt", i.e., limping

περιπατοῦσιν5 of 15

“walk”

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

λεπροὶ6 of 15

“the lepers”

G3015

scaly, i.e., leprous (a leper)

καθαρίζονται7 of 15

“are cleansed”

G2511

to cleanse (literally or figuratively)

καὶ8 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

κωφοὶ9 of 15

“the deaf”

G2974

blunted, i.e., (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)

ἀκούουσιν10 of 15

“hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

νεκροὶ11 of 15

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἐγείρονται12 of 15

“are raised up”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

καὶ13 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

πτωχοὶ14 of 15

“the poor”

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

εὐαγγελίζονται·15 of 15

“have the gospel preached to them”

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 11:5 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 Matthew 11:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 35:4-6Isaiah 61:1-3Luke 4:18Isaiah 42:6-7Isaiah 29:18Luke 7:21-22

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