King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:35 Mean?

Matthew 9:35 in the King James Version says “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom,... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 9:35 · KJV


Context

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.

36

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted , and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. fainted: or, were tired and lay down

37

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Matthew summarizes Jesus' comprehensive ministry: 'teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people' (διδασκων εν ταις συναγωγαις αυτων και κηρυσσων το ευαγγελιον της βασιλειας και θεραπευων πασαν νοσον και πασαν μαλακιαν). Three components: teaching (διδασκων, systematic instruction), preaching (κηρυσσων, proclamation/heralding), and healing (θεραπευων, medical care). Jesus addresses both spiritual and physical needs. 'Gospel of the kingdom' identifies the message: God's reign breaking into history through Jesus. 'Every sickness and every disease' emphasizes comprehensive healing—no condition beyond Jesus' power. This holistic ministry models mission: proclamation plus demonstration, word plus deed, spiritual truth plus practical compassion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish synagogues were community centers for worship, teaching, and legal administration. Jesus used existing religious structures to reach Israel. His teaching authority amazed listeners (7:28-29) because He spoke with inherent authority rather than citing rabbis. Healing every disease demonstrated messianic credentials (Isaiah 35:5-6, 61:1-2). First-century Palestine had no public healthcare; the sick depended on family or begging. Jesus' healing ministry addressed desperate physical needs while authenticating His spiritual message. Early church continued this pattern of word and deed ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' combination of teaching, preaching, and healing model holistic mission?
  2. What is the relationship between proclaiming the gospel and demonstrating its power through compassionate action?
  3. How can contemporary churches balance word-focused and deed-focused ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
καὶ1 of 31

And

G2532

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

περιῆγεν2 of 31

went about

G4013

to take around (as a companion); reflexively, to walk around

3 of 31
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 31

Jesus

G2424

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

τὰς5 of 31
G3588

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

πόλεις6 of 31

the cities

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

πᾶσαν7 of 31

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ8 of 31

And

G2532

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

τὰς9 of 31
G3588

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

κώμας10 of 31

villages

G2968

a hamlet (as if laid down)

διδάσκων11 of 31

teaching

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

ἐν12 of 31

among

G1722

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

ταῖς13 of 31
G3588

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

συναγωγαῖς14 of 31

synagogues

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

αὐτῶν15 of 31

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

καὶ16 of 31

And

G2532

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

κηρύσσων17 of 31

preaching

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

τὸ18 of 31
G3588

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

εὐαγγέλιον19 of 31

the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τῆς20 of 31
G3588

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

βασιλείας21 of 31

of the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

καὶ22 of 31

And

G2532

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

θεραπεύων23 of 31

healing

G2323

to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)

πᾶσαν24 of 31

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

νόσον25 of 31

sickness

G3554

a malady (rarely figuratively, of moral disability)

καὶ26 of 31

And

G2532

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

πᾶσαν27 of 31

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

μαλακίαν28 of 31

disease

G3119

softness, i.e., enervation (debility)

ἐν29 of 31

among

G1722

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

τῷ30 of 31
G3588

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

λαῷ31 of 31

the people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)


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 9:35 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 9:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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