When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

LUKE 7:9KJV
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Luke 7:9 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:9 mean?

Luke 7:9 describes how Jesus was amazed by the centurion’s faith and told the crowd following Him that He had not found such great faith even among the people of Israel. Jesus highlights the extraordinary trust the centurion showed, which stood out even compared to those who were expected to have faith.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a group of people after hearing about a Roman centurion’s belief that Jesus could heal his servant from a distance. The centurion, a non-Jew, trusted Jesus’ authority so much that he believed a word from Jesus would be enough. Jesus’ reaction shows that genuine faith can be found in unexpected places and among unexpected people.

The Greek behind Luke 7:9

  • The word "marvelled" (ἐθαύμασεν, ethaumasen) means to be amazed or astonished. This is one of the few times in the Gospels where Jesus is described as being amazed, which underscores how unusual and impressive the centurion’s faith was.
  • The word "faith" (πίστιν, pistin) refers to trust or confidence, especially in God. Here, it emphasizes the centurion’s remarkable trust in Jesus’ power and authority, without needing physical proof.
  • The phrase "so great" (τοσαύτην, tosautēn) intensifies the statement, showing that the level of faith Jesus saw was exceptional, not just ordinary.

Why Luke 7:9 matters

  • Luke 7:9 challenges the assumption that faith is only found among religious insiders; Jesus finds greater faith in a Roman centurion than among His own people.
  • The verse highlights that Jesus responds to genuine trust, regardless of a person’s background or status, which is a key theme in Luke’s Gospel.
  • This moment sets up the healing miracle that follows and invites readers to consider what real faith looks like, especially when it comes from unexpected sources.

Where else these words appear

“about” Greek G4762 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
  • Luke 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
  • John 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

“great” Greek G5118 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • John 21:11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
  • Hebrews 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

“marvelled” Greek G2296 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • Luke 1:63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
  • John 7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

“Israel” Greek G2474 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
  • Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.