King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:26 Mean?

Matthew 9:26 in the King James Version says “And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. the fame: or, this fame — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. the fame: or, this fame

Matthew 9:26 · KJV


Context

24

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

25

But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

26

And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. the fame: or, this fame

27

And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.

28

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The aftermath: 'the fame hereof went abroad into all that land' (εξηλθεν η φημη αυτη εις ολην την γην εκεινην). Despite Jesus' regular commands for silence about miracles (9:30), news spreads uncontrollably. Raising the dead was unprecedented, undeniable evidence of divine authority. 'Fame' (φημη) means report or reputation, spreading Jesus' renown throughout the region. This creates complex consequences: crowds seeking healing but missing Jesus' message, religious opposition intensifying, and growing danger. Jesus doesn't seek fame but can't avoid it when exercising divine power. The spreading report fulfills messianic expectation (Isaiah 35:5-6, 61:1) while complicating Jesus' mission. Fame becomes burden when it attracts wrong motives and prevents teaching ministry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

News traveled quickly in ancient Palestine through personal networks and trade routes. A resurrection miracle would have been extraordinary news, discussed throughout Galilee. Matthew's phrase 'all that land' likely refers to Galilee broadly. Jesus' growing fame both fulfilled messianic prophecy and created problems. Crowds sought physical healing rather than spiritual teaching. Religious leaders felt threatened. Romans watched for potential revolutionary movements. Early Christians faced similar challenge: miracles authenticated the gospel but could distract from the message.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we respond when God works powerfully but crowds miss the message?
  2. What is the relationship between miraculous power and faithful witness to the gospel?
  3. How can we testify to God's work without creating unhelpful sensationalism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

And

G2532

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

ἐξῆλθεν2 of 10

went abroad

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

3 of 10
G3588

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

φήμη4 of 10

the fame

G5345

a saying, i.e., rumor ("fame")

αὕτη5 of 10

hereof

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

εἰς6 of 10

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ὅλην7 of 10

all

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὴν8 of 10
G3588

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

γῆν9 of 10

land

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ἐκείνην10 of 10

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 9:26 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 9:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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