King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:32 Mean?

Matthew 9:32 in the King James Version says “As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.”

Matthew 9:32 · KJV

Context

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.

32

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

33

And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

34

But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A unique case arrives: 'they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil' (προσηνεγκαν αυτω ανθρωπον κωφον δαιμονιζομενον). The combination of muteness (κωφον, unable to speak) and demon possession connects the physical symptom to spiritual cause. Unlike other healings where Jesus addresses disease directly, here He casts out the demon, resulting in speech restoration. This indicates the muteness stemmed from demonic oppression rather than natural causes. The passive 'they brought' shows the community's role in bringing the afflicted to Jesus—the man couldn't ask for himself. This models intercessory compassion: bringing those who cannot come themselves. Demon possession manifests in various ways—violence (8:28), seizures (17:15), muteness (9:32), blindness (12:22)—showing Satan's multi-faceted assault on human flourishing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures recognized demon possession as real spiritual affliction. Unlike modern naturalistic explanations reducing all such cases to mental illness, Scripture distinguishes between disease and demon possession while acknowledging both. Jewish exorcism practices involved elaborate rituals, incantations, and formulas. Jesus' simple command contrasted with these methods, demonstrating inherent authority. Muteness made the afflicted socially isolated and economically marginalized, unable to speak, testify, or advocate for himself. Demon oppression always dehumanizes and isolates.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians understand demon possession while avoiding both denial and sensationalism?
  2. What does this miracle teach about bringing others to Jesus when they cannot come themselves?
  3. How does Jesus' authority over demons demonstrate His power and compassion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
αὐτῷ1 of 9

“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

δὲ2 of 9

“As”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐξερχομένων3 of 9

“they went out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἰδού,4 of 9

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

προσήνεγκαν5 of 9

“they brought”

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

αὐτῷ6 of 9

“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

ἄνθρωπον7 of 9

“man”

G444

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

κωφὸν8 of 9

“a dumb”

G2974

blunted, i.e., (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)

δαιμονιζόμενον9 of 9

“possessed with a devil”

G1139

to be exercised by a daemon

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 9:32 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 9:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 4:24Matthew 12:22-24Luke 11:14Mark 9:17-27

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