King James Version

What Does Matthew 15:31 Mean?

Matthew 15:31 in the King James Version says “Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Matthew 15:31 · KJV


Context

29

And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.

30

And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:

31

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

32

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

33

And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak (ὥστε τὸν ὄχλον θαυμάσαι βλέποντας κωφοὺς λαλοῦντας)—The consecutive ὥστε ('so that, insomuch that') introduces the result: θαυμάζω (thaumazō, 'to marvel, to wonder'). Seeing κωφούς λαλοῦντας ('mute ones speaking') violated natural order—fulfilled Isaiah 35:6. The maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see (κυλλοὺς ὑγιεῖς, χωλοὺς περιπατοῦντας καὶ τυφλοὺς βλέποντας)—each healing directly answers Isaiah's messianic prophecies. The catalog proves Jesus is the promised Messiah.

And they glorified the God of Israel (καὶ ἐδόξασαν τὸν θεὸν Ἰσραήλ)—The phrase 'God of Israel' suggests Gentile speakers (this is Decapolis, Mark 7:31). They recognized Israel's covenant God at work. Where Jesus heals, God receives glory—the purpose of all miracles. Their response contrasts with Jewish leaders' hardness (12:24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 35:5-6 prophesied these specific miracles as signs of God's coming salvation. First-century Judaism recognized these as messianic credentials. The Decapolis was a league of ten Greco-Roman cities east of Galilee/Samaria—predominantly Gentile territory. Jesus's ministry there fulfilled prophecies that Gentiles would see God's light (Isaiah 42:6-7).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Jesus's miracles prove He is the Messiah rather than merely a compassionate healer?
  2. When did you last glorify God publicly for His works, as these Gentiles did?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὥστε1 of 19

Insomuch that

G5620

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

τοὺς2 of 19
G3588

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

ὄχλους3 of 19

the multitude

G3793

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

θαυμάσαι4 of 19

wondered

G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire

βλέποντας·5 of 19

to see

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

κωφοὺς6 of 19

the dumb

G2974

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

λαλοῦντας7 of 19

to speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

κυλλοὺς8 of 19

the maimed

G2948

rocking about, i.e., crippled (maimed, in feet or hands)

ὑγιεῖς9 of 19

to be whole

G5199

healthy, i.e., well (in body); figuratively, true (in doctrine)

χωλοὺς10 of 19

the lame

G5560

"halt", i.e., limping

περιπατοῦντας11 of 19

to 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)

καὶ12 of 19

and

G2532

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

τυφλοὺς13 of 19

the blind

G5185

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

βλέποντας·14 of 19

to see

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

καὶ15 of 19

and

G2532

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

ἐδόξασαν16 of 19

they glorified

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

τὸν17 of 19
G3588

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

θεὸν18 of 19

the God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Ἰσραήλ19 of 19

of Israel

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (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 15:31 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 15:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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