King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:22 Mean?

Matthew 12:22 in the King James Version says “Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and du...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.”

Matthew 12:22 · KJV

Context

20

A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

21

And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

22

Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

23

And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

24

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. Beelzebub: Gr. Beelzebul

Read Matthew 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.' Matthew introduces another dramatic healing: man with triple affliction—demon-possessed, blind, and mute. The comprehensiveness of disability demonstrates both demonic power to destroy and Christ's power to restore completely. Jesus 'healed him' (ἐθεράπευσεν αὐτόν/etherapeusen auton), restoring speech and sight simultaneously. The miracle's completeness—'both spake and saw'—eliminated natural explanation. Reformed theology sees such miracles as signs authenticating Jesus's divine identity and messianic credentials (John 20:30-31). They also demonstrate gospel power: Satan blinds spiritually, mutes gospel proclamation, and imprisons in darkness—but Christ liberates completely. The miracle provoked two responses: crowds wondered if Jesus was Messiah (v.23), Pharisees accused Him of satanic power (v.24). Identical evidence, opposite conclusions—pattern demonstrating spiritual perception depends on heart condition, not evidence quantity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Demon possession occurred frequently in Gospel accounts—spirits causing physical and mental afflictions. Modern skepticism often dismisses this as primitive understanding of medical/psychiatric conditions, but Scripture distinguishes natural illness from demonic affliction (Matthew 4:24, Mark 1:32-34). This particular case combined demonic, physical (blindness), and neurological (muteness) elements. The comprehensive healing demonstrated supernatural power. Linking blindness/muteness to demonic activity wasn't universal Jewish belief but appears in some accounts. The miracle occurred after Pharisees' Beelzebub accusation (12:24), prompting extended teaching on blasphemy against Holy Spirit (12:25-37). First-century world recognized supernatural realm more readily than modern secularism. Early church continued exorcisms (Acts 16:16-18, 19:11-16), though not as prominently as in Jesus's ministry—perhaps because cross/resurrection broke Satan's power (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14-15). Modern church often swings between extremes: either attributing everything to demons or denying spiritual warfare entirely. Biblical balance recognizes real demonic activity while avoiding obsessive focus on it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this comprehensive healing demonstrate the gospel's complete transformation—not partial improvement but total restoration?
  2. What does the varied response to identical miracle teach about why clear evidence doesn't automatically produce faith?
  3. How should Christians understand and approach demonic activity today—avoiding both denial and unhealthy obsession?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Τότε1 of 19

“Then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

προσηνέχθη2 of 19

“was brought”

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

αὐτόν,3 of 19

“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

δαιμονιζόμενος4 of 19

“one possessed with a devil”

G1139

to be exercised by a daemon

τυφλὸν5 of 19

“blind”

G5185

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

καὶ6 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

κωφὸν7 of 19

“dumb”

G2974

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

καὶ8 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

ἐθεράπευσεν9 of 19

“he healed”

G2323

to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)

αὐτόν,10 of 19

“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

ὥστε11 of 19

“insomuch that”

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

τὸν12 of 19
G3588

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

τυφλὸν13 of 19

“blind”

G5185

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

καὶ14 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

κωφὸν15 of 19

“dumb”

G2974

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

καὶ16 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

λαλεῖν17 of 19

“spake”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

καὶ18 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

βλέπειν19 of 19

“saw”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

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 12:22 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 12:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 11:14-15Isaiah 29:18Mark 7:35-37Isaiah 35:5-6Acts 26:18Mark 3:11

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