King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:8 Mean?

Matthew 9:8 in the King James Version says “But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.”

Matthew 9:8 · KJV

Context

6

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

7

And he arose, and departed to his house.

8

But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

9

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

10

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The crowds' response—'they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men' (εθαυμασαν και εδοξασαν τον θεον τον δοντα εξουσιαν τοιαυτην τοις ανθρωποις)—reveals both insight and misunderstanding. They correctly recognize divine power (εξουσια/exousia, authority) and appropriately glorify God. However, their phrase 'such power unto men' (plural ανθρωποις) suggests they view Jesus as merely a specially empowered human rather than God incarnate. They see the miracle but miss the fuller revelation. 'Marvelled' (εθαυμασαν) indicates amazement, wonder, even fear. True miracles should provoke both worship and theological reflection. The crowd's partial understanding mirrors our own tendency to appreciate God's benefits while missing deeper revelations of His character.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish crowds witnessed itinerant teachers and occasional miracle workers, but Jesus' authority was unprecedented. Unlike rabbis who cited authorities or prophets who invoked God's name, Jesus spoke with inherent authority. The crowd's amazement was appropriate—this was unlike anything previously witnessed. Matthew, writing for Jewish Christians, emphasizes how Jesus' miracles fulfill messianic expectations while transcending mere prophetic wonder-working. The crowd's wonder without commitment foreshadows Israel's broader response: amazed but ultimately rejecting.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we move from amazement at God's works to genuine worship and obedience?
  2. What is the difference between recognizing God's power and recognizing Jesus' deity?
  3. Why do crowds often respond with wonder but fail to commit to following Jesus?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἰδόντες1 of 15

“saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῖς3 of 15

“which”

G3588

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

ὄχλοι4 of 15

“when the multitudes”

G3793

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

ἐθαύμασαν,5 of 15

“it they marvelled”

G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire

καὶ6 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

ἐδόξασαν7 of 15

“glorified”

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

τοῖς8 of 15

“which”

G3588

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

θεὸν9 of 15

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τοῖς10 of 15

“which”

G3588

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

δόντα11 of 15

“had given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἐξουσίαν12 of 15

“power”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

τοιαύτην13 of 15

“such”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

τοῖς14 of 15

“which”

G3588

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

ἀνθρώποις15 of 15

“unto men”

G444

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

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 9:8 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 9:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 7:16Matthew 15:31Acts 4:21Luke 23:47Luke 17:15Mark 2:12

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