King James Version

What Does Matthew 8:9 Mean?

Matthew 8:9 in the King James Version says “For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come,... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Matthew 8:9 · KJV


Context

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.

9

For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

10

When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The centurion's analogy comparing Christ's authority to his own military command structure reveals profound theological insight. Just as the centurion's word commands soldiers who obey without question, Christ's word commands creation with absolute authority. This demonstrates understanding that Jesus possesses divine authority over sickness, demons, and nature. The centurion grasped what many theologians miss—Christ's word alone is efficacious, requiring no physical presence or elaborate ritual.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman military structure operated on absolute chain of command. A centurion's word carried full authority of Roman power behind it. The centurion recognized Jesus possessed infinitely greater authority—divine sovereignty over creation itself. His faith recognized Jesus' word as performative, accomplishing what it declares.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the centurion's understanding of Jesus' authority teach about the power and efficacy of Christ's word?
  2. How should recognition of Christ's absolute authority over all creation transform your trust in His promises?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

and

G2532

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

γὰρ2 of 30

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐγὼ3 of 30

I

G1473

i, me

ἄνθρωπός4 of 30

a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

εἰμι5 of 30

am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ὑπ'6 of 30

under

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ἐξουσίαν7 of 30

authority

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ἔχων8 of 30

having

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ὑπ'9 of 30

under

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ἐμαυτὸν10 of 30

me

G1683

of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>

στρατιώτας11 of 30

soldiers

G4757

a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)

καὶ12 of 30

and

G2532

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

λέγω13 of 30

I say

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

τούτῳ,14 of 30

to this

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

πορεύεται,15 of 30

he goeth

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

καὶ16 of 30

and

G2532

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

πορεύεται,17 of 30

he goeth

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

καὶ18 of 30

and

G2532

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

ἄλλῳ.19 of 30

to another

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἔρχεται,20 of 30

Come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ21 of 30

and

G2532

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

ἔρχεται,22 of 30

Come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ23 of 30

and

G2532

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

τῷ24 of 30
G3588

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

δούλῳ25 of 30

servant

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

μου,26 of 30

to my

G3450

of me

ποιεῖ27 of 30

Do

G4160

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

τοῦτο,28 of 30

this

G5124

that thing

καὶ29 of 30

and

G2532

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

ποιεῖ30 of 30

Do

G4160

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


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 8:9 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 8:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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