King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:22 Mean?

Matthew 9:22 in the King James Version says “But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Matthew 9:22 · KJV


Context

20

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

21

For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

22

But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

23

And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

24

He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' response 'Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole' publicly affirms the woman He could have left anonymous. The term 'Daughter' shows tender acceptance, replacing her shame with belonging. 'Thy faith hath made thee whole' credits her trust, though Jesus' power effected the healing. The phrase 'from that hour' emphasizes instantaneous, complete restoration—both physical healing and social restoration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus could have let her leave anonymously, but He publicly restored her dignity. His declaration that her faith healed her protected her from accusations of magic or superstition. 'Made whole' (Greek: sōzō) means both physical healing and spiritual salvation—she received both.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' public affirmation challenge you to acknowledge God's work in your life?
  2. What does Jesus calling her 'Daughter' teach about your identity in Him?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
1 of 23
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 23

But

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς3 of 23

Jesus

G2424

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

ἐπιστραφεὶς4 of 23

turned him about

G1994

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

καὶ5 of 23

And

G2532

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

ἰδὼν6 of 23

when he saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

αὐτὴν7 of 23

her

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

εἶπεν8 of 23

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Θάρσει9 of 23

be of good comfort

G2293

to have courage

θύγατερ·10 of 23

Daughter

G2364

a female child, or (by hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant)

11 of 23
G3588

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

πίστις12 of 23

faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

σου13 of 23

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

ἐσώθη14 of 23

hath made

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

σε15 of 23

thee

G4571

thee

καὶ16 of 23

And

G2532

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

ἐσώθη17 of 23

hath made

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

18 of 23
G3588

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

γυνὴ19 of 23

the woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἀπὸ20 of 23

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς21 of 23
G3588

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

ὥρας22 of 23

hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἐκείνης23 of 23

that

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 9:22 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 9:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study