Matthew 8 6

Matthew 8:6 kjv

And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

Matthew 8:6 nkjv

saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented."

Matthew 8:6 niv

"Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly."

Matthew 8:6 esv

"Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly."

Matthew 8:6 nlt

"Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain."

Matthew 8 verses

Matthew 8 6 Meaning

Matthew 8:6 depicts a Roman centurion approaching Jesus with a humble and urgent plea for his suffering servant. The centurion describes his servant as being "paralyzed at home" and "suffering greatly" or "terribly tormented." This verse sets the scene for one of Jesus' most remarkable healings, showcasing His compassionate authority and highlighting profound faith found outside the typical religious boundaries of the time. The description of intense suffering underscores the dire need and prompts immediate divine intervention.

Matthew 8 6 Context

Matthew 8:6 is part of a series of Jesus' miraculous healings that immediately follow the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7). Having established His teaching authority, Jesus now demonstrates His power and compassion through actions. The chapter opens with Jesus cleansing a leper (Mt 8:1-4), illustrating His authority over ceremonial uncleanness and physical disease. Directly after this, Jesus enters Capernaum and encounters a Roman centurion. This interaction (Mt 8:5-13) is remarkable because it features a Gentile approaching Jesus for help, a figure traditionally outside the covenant promises of Israel, yet displaying extraordinary faith. The centurion's humble and desperate plea for his servant contrasts sharply with any potential expectations of nationalistic Messiah-followers, showcasing Jesus' universal compassion and the inclusivity of His kingdom. Historically, centurions were officers in the Roman army, typically commanding around 100 soldiers, representing the occupying power. Their concern for a servant, especially one of Gentile origin, was not always common, highlighting this centurion's unusual and commendable character.

Matthew 8 6 Word analysis

• and saying (καὶ λέγων, kai legōn): This participial phrase connects the centurion's approach (from v. 5) directly to his words, emphasizing the immediate communication of his urgent need upon meeting Jesus. It signals the beginning of his direct appeal.
• Lord (Κύριε, Kyrie): This address from a Roman centurion to Jesus is highly significant. Kyrios can simply mean "sir" or a respectful address, but in this context, and especially in the Greek Septuagint and New Testament, it often refers to God, indicating divine authority or sovereignty. The centurion, a pagan, recognizing a deep authority in Jesus foreshadows his remarkable understanding of Jesus' power.
• my servant (ὁ παῖς μου, ho pais mou): The Greek word pais is versatile, meaning "child," "boy," or "servant/slave." Given the Roman context, it's widely understood as a household servant, possibly a young one, reflecting his status in the centurion's home. The personal pronoun "my" (μου) indicates a deep bond or significant concern for this particular individual, beyond a mere asset, suggesting compassion rare for a master, especially a Roman officer.
• is lying paralyzed (βέβληται ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ παραλυτικός, beblētai en tē oikia paralytikos):
  • is lying (βέβληται, beblētai): This is a perfect passive form of ballo, meaning "to throw, cast." Here, it means "to be thrown down," implying being prostrated or laid low, indicating complete incapacitation. The perfect tense emphasizes a settled, ongoing condition.
  • at home (ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ, en tē oikia): Specifies the servant's location, emphasizing the personal, domestic crisis. Jesus did not need to be physically present at the house to heal.
  • paralyzed (παραλυτικός, paralytikos): This noun (or adjective used as a noun) describes a condition of severe motor impairment or paralysis, rendering the person helpless. It's a common affliction described in the Gospels that Jesus often healed.
• suffering greatly (δεινῶς βασανιζόμενος, deinōs basanizomenos):
  • greatly (δεινῶς, deinōs): An adverb meaning "terribly," "dreadfully," "grievously." It intensifies the suffering, indicating extreme pain or affliction beyond mere inability to move.
  • suffering (βασανιζόμενος, basanizomenos): A present passive participle from basanizo. Originally referring to testing metals on a touchstone, it evolved to mean "to torment," "to torture," "to be in anguish or severe pain." The present tense indicates continuous, agonizing suffering. This word paints a vivid picture of the servant's dire condition, not just paralysis, but active, severe agony.

Matthew 8 6 Bonus section

The detailed description of the servant's suffering, "terribly tormented," suggests a condition more acute than simple paralysis, perhaps indicative of intense pain accompanying a specific type of paralysis (e.g., spastic paralysis or the effects of polio). This nuanced description contrasts with other Gospel accounts of paralytics who might simply be immobile without specific mention of such severe pain. This concern for a servant, expressed so fervently by a Roman centurion, stands out as extraordinary during this period, where slaves or servants were often seen as property. It implicitly challenges the prevalent societal norms, showcasing a heart attuned to compassion and human dignity, which aligns with the Kingdom values Jesus espouses. The fact that the centurion comes directly to Jesus, rather than relying on pagan remedies or gods, speaks volumes about Jesus' burgeoning reputation and the Spirit's drawing work, even in a Gentile's heart.

Matthew 8 6 Commentary

Matthew 8:6 reveals the heart of a Roman centurion who approaches Jesus, not for himself, but for a beloved servant who is in dire straits. The choice of the term "Lord" (Kyrie) by this Roman Gentile, even if initially meant as respectful address, hints at a deeper understanding of Jesus' authority that will unfold in subsequent verses. His profound concern for his pais—whether a personal aide, a cherished young house-servant, or a slave—is striking, transcending the typical social hierarchies and expectations of Roman society regarding servants. The servant's condition is painted in stark terms: "paralyzed" (παραλυτικός) implies complete physical helplessness, while "suffering greatly" (δεινῶς βασανιζόμενος) points to extreme agony, potentially from spasticity, pressure sores, or other complications. This intense description highlights the severity of the affliction and the centurion's deep compassion and urgent plea. It showcases Jesus' power over all forms of suffering and disease, even from a distance, and demonstrates His immediate responsiveness to genuine faith and desperate need, regardless of the petitioner's background.