King James Version

What Does Matthew 21:14 Mean?

Matthew 21:14 in the King James Version says “And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

Matthew 21:14 · KJV


Context

12

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

13

And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

14

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

15

And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,

16

And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them—David had banned the blind and lame from the temple (2 Sam 5:8 LXX tradition). Jesus, the greater David, welcomes and restores those the old order excluded. The Greek τυφλοὶ καὶ χωλοί (typhloi kai chōloi) were ceremonially marginalized, yet found mercy at Messiah's hands.

After cleansing the temple (v.12-13), Jesus fills it with true worship—not commercial exploitation but compassionate healing. Isaiah 35:5-6 prophesied Messiah's kingdom would open blind eyes and make the lame leap. Jesus fulfilled this in the very temple courts, validating His authority challenged in verse 23.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The temple's outer courts had become a commercialized marketplace ('den of thieves'). Moneychangers and sellers exploited pilgrims, particularly the poor and disabled. Jesus's healings demonstrated the kingdom's values: accessibility to God for the outcast, not religious profiteering.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are today's 'blind and lame'—those marginalized by religious systems—whom Jesus welcomes but churches exclude?
  2. How does Jesus's healing ministry in the cleansed temple challenge prosperity-focused Christianity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

And

G2532

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

προσῆλθον2 of 12

came

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

αὐτούς3 of 12

them

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

τυφλοὶ4 of 12

the blind

G5185

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

καὶ5 of 12

And

G2532

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

χωλοὶ6 of 12

the lame

G5560

"halt", i.e., limping

ἐν7 of 12

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ8 of 12
G3588

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

ἱερῷ9 of 12

the temple

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

καὶ10 of 12

And

G2532

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

ἐθεράπευσεν11 of 12

he healed

G2323

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

αὐτούς12 of 12

them

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 21:14 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 21:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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