King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:33 Mean?

Matthew 9:33 in the King James Version says “And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 9:33 · KJV


Context

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.

35

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Two contrasting responses emerge. The crowds marvel: 'It was never so seen in Israel' (Ουδεποτε εφανη ουτως εν τω Ισραηλ). They recognize unprecedented divine activity—Israel's history, despite prophetic miracles, had seen nothing comparable to Jesus' sustained miraculous power. However, the Pharisees accuse: 'He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils' (εν τω αρχοντι των δαιμονιων εκβαλλει τα δαιμονια). Unable to deny the miracles, they attribute Jesus' power to Beelzebub (Satan). This blasphemous accusation, later developed in 12:24-32, represents the unforgivable sin—attributing the Holy Spirit's work to Satan. The contrast reveals hardened hearts resisting clear evidence. Same miracle, opposite conclusions: humble crowds amazed, proud leaders blaspheming.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish expectation held that the messianic age would bring unprecedented miracles. Isaiah 35:5-6 prophesied the mute singing and lame leaping. The crowds' recognition that 'it was never so seen' acknowledged messianic fulfillment. However, religious leaders faced crisis: accepting Jesus meant surrendering authority and acknowledging their system's obsolescence. Attributing miracles to Satan became desperate strategy to maintain credibility while denying Jesus. This conflict would escalate to crucifixion. Early church fathers saw this as warning against hardened hearts resisting divine revelation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can the same evidence lead to opposite conclusions about Jesus?
  2. What role does pride play in religious leaders' rejection of clear evidence?
  3. How do we guard against hardening our hearts when confronted with God's truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

And

G2532

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

ἐκβληθέντος2 of 19

was cast out

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ3 of 19
G3588

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

δαιμονίου4 of 19

when the devil

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

ἐλάλησεν5 of 19

spake

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

6 of 19
G3588

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

κωφός,7 of 19

the dumb

G2974

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

καὶ8 of 19

And

G2532

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

ἐθαύμασαν9 of 19

marvelled

G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire

οἱ10 of 19
G3588

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

ὄχλοι11 of 19

the multitudes

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

λέγοντες12 of 19

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

ὅτι13 of 19
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Οὐδέποτε14 of 19

It was never

G3763

not even at any time, i.e., never at all

ἐφάνη15 of 19

seen

G5316

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

οὕτως16 of 19

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἐν17 of 19

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ18 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰσραήλ19 of 19

Israel

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)


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 9:33 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 9:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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