King James Version
What Does Matthew 9:32 Mean?
“As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.”
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(32) **A dumb man possessed with a devil.**—This narrative also is given by St. Matthew only. Referring to the Note in the *Excursus* on Matthew 8:28 for the general question as to “possession,” it may be noted here that the phenomena presented in this case were those of catalepsy, or of insanity showing itself in obstinate and sullen silence. The dumbness was a spiritual disease, not the result of congenital malformation. The work of healing restored the man to sanity rather than removed a bodily imperfection. Comp. the analogous phenomena in Matthew 12:22, Luke 11:14. The latter agrees so closely with this that but for the fact of St. Matthew’s connecting our Lord’s answer to the accusation of the Pharisees with the second of these miracles, we might have supposed the two identical.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge