King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:29 Mean?

Matthew 9:29 in the King James Version says “Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 9:29 · KJV


Context

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.

31

But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' action—'Then touched he their eyes'—shows personal, compassionate engagement. His words 'According to your faith be it unto you' directly link the healing to their faith, establishing the principle that God responds to trust. Faith is the channel through which divine power flows. The measure of healing corresponded to the measure of faith—they believed for complete healing and received it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus often used physical touch in healing, communicating personal care and power transfer. His statement about faith doesn't mean all illness results from lack of faith, but here rewards expressed trust. The healing validated their confession and demonstrated the kingdom's power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the principle 'according to your faith' challenge you to grow in trusting God?
  2. What areas of your life need you to exercise bold faith for Jesus' touch?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
τότε1 of 12

Then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἥψατο2 of 12

touched he

G680

properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)

τῶν3 of 12
G3588

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

ὀφθαλμῶν4 of 12

eyes

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

αὐτῶν5 of 12

their

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

λέγων,6 of 12

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

Κατὰ7 of 12

According

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν8 of 12
G3588

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

πίστιν9 of 12

faith

G4102

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

ὑμῶν10 of 12

to your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

γενηθήτω11 of 12

be it

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ὑμῖν12 of 12

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you


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 9:29 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 9:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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