King James Version

What Does Matthew 8:13 Mean?

Matthew 8:13 in the King James Version says “And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was h...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.”

Matthew 8:13 · King James Version


Context

11

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

12

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

13

And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

14

And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

15

And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Jesus' word 'Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee' directly links the healing to faith. The phrase 'his servant was healed in the selfsame hour' demonstrates Jesus' power operates at a distance and instantaneously. The healing's timing confirmed Jesus' word and rewarded faith. This miracle illustrates justification by faith—healing came through trust in Jesus' word, not works or worthiness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The distance between Jesus and the servant (possibly several miles) emphasized that His authority wasn't limited by physical proximity. The instantaneous nature ('selfsame hour') proved this was divine power, not natural recovery or coincidence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage strengthen your faith to trust Jesus' word without seeing immediate results?
  2. What does 'as thou hast believed, so be it done' teach about the role of faith?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 21

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὁ3 of 21
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 21

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

τῷ5 of 21
G3588

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

ἑκατοντάρχῳ,6 of 21

“unto the centurion”

G1543

the captain of one hundred men

Ὕπαγε7 of 21

“Go thy way”

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

καὶ8 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

ὡς9 of 21

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐπίστευσας10 of 21

“thou hast believed”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

γενηθήτω11 of 21

“so be it done”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

σοι12 of 21

“unto thee”

G4671

to thee

καὶ13 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

ἰάθη14 of 21

“was healed”

G2390

to cure (literally or figuratively)

ὁ15 of 21
G3588

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

παῖς16 of 21

“servant”

G3816

a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a

αὐτοῦ17 of 21

“his”

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

ἐν18 of 21

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ19 of 21
G3588

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

ὥρᾳ20 of 21

“hour”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἐκείνῃ21 of 21

“the selfsame”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed


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 8:13 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 8:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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