King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:23 Mean?

Matthew 12:23 in the King James Version says “And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 12:23 · KJV

Context

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

25

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?' The crowd's response to Jesus's healing was amazement (ἐξίσταντο/existanto, astonished, beside themselves) and messianic speculation. The question 'Is not this the son of David?' (Μήτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱὸς Δαυίδ/Mēti houtos estin ho huios Dauid) expects negative answer grammatically but expresses genuine wondering: Could this possibly be Messiah? 'Son of David' was recognized messianic title—Messiah would descend from David's line (2 Samuel 7:12-16, Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5). The miracle provoked messianic consideration. Reformed theology observes that miracles served this purpose: authenticated Jesus's claims, provided evidence for faith, demonstrated fulfillment of prophecy. However, miracles alone didn't guarantee faith—the same evidence that prompted crowds to consider Jesus as Messiah provoked Pharisees to attribute His power to Satan (v.24). The crowd's question was tentative, uncertain—they wondered but didn't commit. Genuine faith requires more than intellectual consideration; it demands heart commitment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Davidic descent was crucial messianic credential. Messiah must come from David's line—this was non-negotiable in Jewish expectation. Matthew's Gospel begins establishing Jesus's Davidic lineage (Matthew 1:1-17). Throughout His ministry, people used 'Son of David' title for Jesus (Matthew 9:27, 15:22, 20:30-31, 21:9, 15). The title carried political overtones—David was Israel's greatest king, so Son of David would restore kingdom glory. Jesus accepted the title but redefined the kingdom: spiritual not political, universal not nationalistic, eternal not temporal. The crowd's wondering reflects widespread messianic speculation in first-century Judaism. Under Roman occupation, Jews intensely anticipated Messiah's coming. Numerous messianic claimants arose (Acts 5:36-37, Josephus records others), all ultimately failing. Jesus was different: His miracles, teaching, character, and resurrection set Him apart. But recognition required spiritual sight (Matthew 16:16-17). The crowd wondered; disciples eventually believed; Pharisees willfully rejected.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to move from wondering about Jesus to genuinely trusting Him—what's the difference between consideration and commitment?
  2. How do miracles and evidence function in faith—are they sufficient to produce belief, or is something more needed?
  3. Why did identical evidence produce messianic wondering in crowds but murderous opposition in Pharisees?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξίσταντο2 of 13

“were amazed”

G1839

to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane

πάντες3 of 13

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ4 of 13
G3588

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

ὄχλοι5 of 13

“the people”

G3793

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

καὶ6 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἔλεγον7 of 13

“said”

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

Μήτι8 of 13

“not”

G3385

whether at all

οὗτός9 of 13

“this”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν10 of 13

“Is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὁ11 of 13
G3588

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

υἱὸς12 of 13

“the son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Δαβίδ13 of 13

“of David”

G1138

david, the israelite king

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 12:23 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 12:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 9:27John 4:29Matthew 22:42-43John 7:40-42Matthew 9:33Matthew 21:9

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