King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:28 Mean?

Matthew 9:28 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 9:28 · KJV


Context

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.

29

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

30

And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' question 'Believe ye that I am able to do this?' tests and draws out their faith before healing. Faith must be expressed and owned personally, not merely assumed. Their answer 'Yea, Lord' affirms both belief in His ability and His lordship. By having them come 'into the house' before healing, Jesus creates an intentional, private moment for faith expression separate from the crowd.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus frequently asked questions before healing to elicit faith expressions (contrast the centurion's unsolicited faith). The private healing may have been to avoid fueling Messianic expectations that focused on earthly benefits rather than spiritual salvation. Testing faith strengthens it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How would you answer Jesus' question: Do you believe I am able?
  2. What does Jesus' question-asking teach about His desire for personal faith, not just crowd following?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἐλθόντι1 of 23

when he was come

G2064

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

δὲ2 of 23

And

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰς3 of 23

into

G1519

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

τὴν4 of 23
G3588

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

οἰκίαν5 of 23

the house

G3614

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

προσῆλθον6 of 23

came

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

αὐτῷ7 of 23

to him

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

οἱ8 of 23
G3588

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

τυφλοί9 of 23

the blind men

G5185

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

καὶ10 of 23

and

G2532

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

λέγουσιν11 of 23

They said

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

αὐτῷ12 of 23

to him

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

13 of 23
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς14 of 23

Jesus

G2424

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

Πιστεύετε15 of 23

Believe ye

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

ὅτι16 of 23

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δύναμαι17 of 23

I am able

G1410

to be able or possible

τοῦτο18 of 23

this

G5124

that thing

ποιῆσαι19 of 23

to do

G4160

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

λέγουσιν20 of 23

They said

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

αὐτῷ21 of 23

to him

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

Ναί22 of 23

Yea

G3483

yes

κύριε23 of 23

Lord

G2962

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


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 9:28 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 9:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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