Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

MATTHEW 15:31KJV
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Matthew 15:31 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:31 mean?

Matthew 15:31 describes how the crowds were amazed when they saw people who could not speak now talking, those who were injured or disabled now healed, those who could not walk now walking, and those who were blind now seeing; as a result, they praised the God of Israel. The verse highlights the public reaction to Jesus’ miracles, showing both wonder and a recognition of God’s power at work.

In this scene, Jesus is surrounded by a large group of people in a region near the Sea of Galilee. He has just healed many who were suffering from various physical problems. The people witnessing these events are not just surprised—they are deeply moved and respond by giving honor to the God of Israel, recognizing that something extraordinary and divine is happening through Jesus.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:31

  • "Wondered" (ἐθαύμασαν, ethaumasan): This word means to be amazed or astonished. The Greek here carries a sense of deep, almost overwhelming surprise, not just casual interest.
  • "Glorified" (ἐδόξασαν, edoxasan): This word means to give honor or praise. The crowd’s reaction is not just emotional but leads them to actively praise God, showing a connection between witnessing miracles and worship.
  • "Maimed" (κυλλούς, kullous) and "whole" (ὑγιεῖς, hygieis): The word for "maimed" refers to people with missing or deformed limbs, while "whole" means restored to full health. The contrast emphasizes the completeness of the healings.

Why Matthew 15:31 matters

  • Matthew 15:31 clears up any idea that Jesus’ miracles were private or unnoticed; the crowd’s amazement and praise show these were public, undeniable events.
  • The verse emphasizes that the response to Jesus’ works was not just personal benefit but a communal recognition of God’s glory, tying Jesus’ actions directly to the worship of the God of Israel.
  • This moment connects to the wider theme in Matthew of Jesus fulfilling the hopes of Israel and revealing God’s compassion to all, including those often left out or suffering.