Matthew 8 8

Matthew 8:8 kjv

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Matthew 8:8 nkjv

The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.

Matthew 8:8 niv

The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Matthew 8:8 esv

But the centurion replied, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Matthew 8:8 nlt

But the officer said, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.

Matthew 8 verses

Matthew 8 8 Meaning

Matthew 8:8 records the centurion’s remarkable declaration of profound humility and extraordinary faith in Jesus’ unique authority. He deemed himself unworthy to have Jesus enter his home, yet understood that a mere spoken word from Jesus held sufficient power to heal his servant from a distance. This confession highlights the centurion’s insight into the divine, boundless nature of Christ's power, which does not necessitate physical proximity or conventional means to operate. It is an expression of unwavering trust in the efficacy and omnipotence of Jesus' word.

Matthew 8 8 Context

This encounter occurs in Capernaum, shortly after Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) and demonstrates His authority by healing a leper (Mt 8:1-4). Jesus enters Capernaum, His base of operations, and is met by a Roman centurion who approaches Him directly concerning his severely ill servant. Historically, centurions were highly respected Roman officers, commanding about 100 men. For a centurion to approach a Jewish rabbi seeking healing for a servant, and especially to express such humility and understanding of spiritual authority, was highly unusual. Jewish customs of the time strictly advised against entering a Gentile’s house due to ritual impurity, a custom the centurion likely knew and respectfully considered, as indicated by his declaration of unworthiness. This backdrop accentuates the centurion's unique character and profound insight into Jesus' power, especially contrasting with the prevailing expectations of Jewish exclusivity and the common belief that a healer needed to be physically present or perform specific rituals.

Matthew 8 8 Word analysis

• The centurion answered and said,: The Greek word for "centurion" is ἑκατοντάρχης (hekantontárchēs), denoting a Roman military officer of significant rank. His action of "answering" implies that Jesus had indicated willingness to come (as seen in Mt 8:7: "I will come and heal him"), which prompted this profound declaration. This interaction sets the stage for an extraordinary display of faith from an unexpected source – a Gentile representing the occupying power.
• “Lord,”: The Greek word is Κύριε (Kýrie), meaning "Lord" or "master." While it could be a respectful address, in this context, coupled with the centurion’s subsequent words, it suggests an acknowledgement of Jesus' supreme authority and divine power, beyond mere human reverence.
• “I am not worthy”: The Greek phrase is οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανός (ouk eimì hikanós). "Worthy" (ἱκανός - hikanós) means sufficient, adequate, fit, or capable. The centurion considers himself utterly unfit to receive such a holy person, particularly considering his Gentile status and likely awareness of Jewish purity laws which would forbid Jesus (a Jew) from entering his home without becoming ceremonially defiled. This statement reveals deep humility and a respectful understanding of the perceived barrier between his status and Jesus' sanctity.
• “to have you come under my roof,”: The Greek phrase is ὑπὸ τὴν στέγην μου (hypò tēn stégēn mou). "Under my roof" specifically refers to his house. This detail emphasizes the cultural barrier between Jews and Gentiles concerning ritual purity. The centurion shows not only humility but also respect for Jewish customs and, by extension, for Jesus’ (assumed) adherence to them. He acknowledges that Jesus entering his home might cause defilement, which makes his solution even more striking.
• “but only say the word,”: The Greek is ἀλλὰ μόνον εἰπὲ λόγῳ (allà mónon eipè lógō). "Only" (μόνον - mónon) highlights the sufficiency and singular power of Jesus’ command. "Say" (εἰπὲ - eipè) is an imperative, a command itself. "The word" (λόγῳ - lógō, in the dative case) emphasizes that it is through His word, or command, that power is released. This mirrors the Old Testament concept of God creating by His spoken word (e.g., "Let there be light"). The centurion recognized that Jesus operated with this same kind of divine authority.
• “and my servant will be healed.”: The Greek phrase is καὶ ἰαθήσεται ὁ παῖς μου (kaì iathēsetai ho paîs mou). "Will be healed" (ἰαθήσεται - iathēsetai) is a strong future indicative verb, showing the centurion’s absolute confidence in the certain outcome of Jesus’ spoken word. "Servant" (παῖς - paîs) can also mean 'son' or 'boy,' but here it's generally understood as a household servant, though still precious to him. This part demonstrates the direct link in the centurion's mind between Jesus' word and an instantaneous, certain, and complete healing, without any need for physical action or presence.

Words-group analysis

• “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof,”: This phrase beautifully encapsulates profound humility coupled with an astute awareness of socio-religious boundaries. The centurion, a person of authority, subjugates himself and demonstrates a spiritual insight that surpasses many religious leaders of the day. He understands that while physically hosting Jesus is beyond his merit, it is not necessary for Jesus to extend His power.
• “but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.”: This declaration is the apex of the centurion's faith. It showcases a radical understanding of divine authority and efficacy, believing in the immediate, effective power of Christ’s disembodied command. It directly parallels how God spoke creation into being, and how prophets performed wonders through God’s spoken word. For the centurion, Jesus possesses this very same omnipotent power; His spoken word is as good as His physical presence or touch. This faith bypassed common expectations and ritualistic necessities, resting solely on the inherent power of Jesus' divine authority.

Matthew 8 8 Bonus section

• The centurion's understanding of authority likely stemmed from his military background. He recognized that just as he, a commander, could issue orders from a distance that his subordinates would execute without his physical presence, so too Jesus could command disease to leave or health to return without needing to be present. This analogy resonated with Jesus.
• This narrative subtly challenges both Jewish legalistic purity concerns (as a Gentile's home was impure) and Roman imperial pride (as a centurion humbly appeals to a Jew). The centurion, despite his Roman position, embodies a superior spiritual insight than many Israelites of that time.
• The centurion's faith exemplifies a "faith that does not demand proof," akin to believing without seeing (Jn 20:29). He did not require a demonstration; his conviction was in the very nature and authority of Jesus.

Matthew 8 8 Commentary

Matthew 8:8 stands as a pivotal moment, showcasing a model of exceptional faith found in an unexpected Gentile. The centurion’s words reveal not only a humble heart but also a profound understanding of the boundless nature of Jesus’ authority. He grasps that Jesus' power transcends physical limitations, operating effectively through His mere word, much like a military commander’s command. This stands in stark contrast to the common Jewish belief requiring proximity or physical action for healing, and highlights the centurion’s recognition of Jesus' inherent divine authority, independent of external circumstances. This event foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel, where faith, regardless of ethnicity or social standing, receives divine favor and miraculous intervention.