King James Version

What Does Matthew 13:58 Mean?

Matthew 13:58 in the King James Version says “And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Matthew 13:58 · KJV


Context

56

And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?

57

And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

58

And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he did not many mighty works there (καὶ οὐκ ἐποίησεν ἐκεῖ δυνάμεις πολλάς)—Mark 6:5 intensifies this: 'He could do no mighty work there' (οὐκ ἐδύνατο...ποιῆσαι οὐδεμίαν δύναμιν), except healing a few sick. This doesn't limit Christ's power but shows His refusal to perform miracles where they would be spurned. The δυνάμεις (dynameis, 'mighty works, miracles') testified to His messianic identity (Matthew 11:20-24), but without receptive faith, miracles produce only greater judgment (Luke 10:13-15).

Because of their unbelief (διὰ τὴν ἀπιστίαν αὐτῶν)—The noun ἀπιστία (apistia) means 'faithlessness, refusal to believe' despite adequate evidence. This wasn't mere ignorance but willful rejection. Miracles don't create faith; they confirm faith and accredit messengers (John 10:37-38). Where unbelief reigns, Christ often withdraws demonstration of power—not because He cannot act, but because He will not cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). Unbelief limits not God's power but our reception of His blessing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This episode marks a pivotal shift in Jesus's ministry. After Nazareth's rejection (ca. AD 28-29), Jesus intensified focus on the Twelve (Matthew 10) and began teaching more privately. The pattern of Jewish rejection and Gentile reception becomes increasingly prominent. Nazareth's unbelief despite Jesus's upbringing among them demonstrated the depth of human depravity and the necessity of divine grace for faith (John 6:44).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does persistent unbelief in your life limit your experience of Christ's transforming power?
  2. Why doesn't God overwhelm human unbelief with undeniable miracles if He desires all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

And

G2532

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

οὐκ2 of 10

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐποίησεν3 of 10

he did

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἐκεῖ4 of 10

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither

δυνάμεις5 of 10

mighty works

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

πολλὰς6 of 10

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

διὰ7 of 10

because

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὴν8 of 10
G3588

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

ἀπιστίαν9 of 10

unbelief

G570

faithlessness, i.e., (negatively) disbelief (lack of christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience)

αὐτῶν10 of 10

of their

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


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 13:58 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 13:58 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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