King James Version

What Does Matthew 8:6 Mean?

Matthew 8:6 in the King James Version says “And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.”

Matthew 8:6 · KJV

Context

4

And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

5

And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

6

And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

7

And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

8

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The centurion's description of his servant's suffering ('grievously tormented') reveals both the severity of the paralysis and the centurion's compassionate concern for a mere servant. This concern was remarkable in Roman culture where slaves were often considered property without inherent dignity. The centurion's appeal to Jesus demonstrates faith crossing ethnic and religious boundaries—a Gentile approaching a Jewish teacher with confident expectation of help.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Centurions commanded 100 Roman soldiers and were known for discipline and capability. That this centurion built the local synagogue (Luke 7:5) suggests unusual sympathy toward Judaism. His concern for a servant's suffering was exceptional in Roman society where slaves had minimal rights.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the centurion's concern for his servant teach about the gospel breaking down social hierarchies?
  2. How does this Gentile centurion's faith contrast with the unbelief Jesus often encountered among ethnic Israel?

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

λέγων,2 of 13

“saying”

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

Κύριε3 of 13

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ὁ4 of 13
G3588

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

παῖς5 of 13

“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

μου6 of 13

“my”

G3450

of me

βέβληται7 of 13

“lieth”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

ἐν8 of 13

“at”

G1722

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

τῇ9 of 13
G3588

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

οἰκίᾳ10 of 13

“home”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

παραλυτικός,11 of 13

“sick of the palsy”

G3885

as if dissolved, i.e., "paralytic"

δεινῶς12 of 13

“grievously”

G1171

terribly, i.e., excessively

βασανιζόμενος13 of 13

“tormented”

G928

to torture

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 8:6 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 8:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 4:24Colossians 4:1Acts 9:33Colossians 3:111 Timothy 6:2Philemon 1:16

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