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.

MATTHEW 8:10KJV
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Matthew 8:10 (KJV)

What does Matthew 8:10 mean?

Matthew 8:10 describes Jesus being amazed by the faith of a Roman centurion and telling those with him that he has not found such great faith even among the people of Israel. Jesus highlights the centurion’s trust in him as something extraordinary and rare.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to a Roman officer who believes Jesus can heal his servant simply by speaking a word, without even coming to his house. Jesus turns to the crowd following him and points out that this kind of faith—especially coming from a non-Jew—is greater than any he has seen among his own people. The verse draws attention to the unexpected depth of belief from someone outside the traditional boundaries of Israel.

The Greek behind Matthew 8:10

  • θαυμάζω (thaumazō, “marvelled”): This Greek word means to be amazed or astonished. The verse shows that Jesus was genuinely surprised by the centurion’s faith, which is a rare reaction for him in the Gospels.
  • πίστις (pistis, “faith”): This word refers to trust or confidence. Here, it emphasizes the centurion’s deep trust in Jesus’ authority, even without physical evidence or a personal background in Israel’s religious traditions.
  • τοσαύτη (tosautē, “so great”): This word means “such great” or “so much.” It highlights the remarkable degree of faith the centurion displayed, setting it apart from what Jesus had encountered elsewhere.

Why Matthew 8:10 matters

  • Matthew 8:10 challenges the common expectation that faith is strongest among those with religious heritage, showing that genuine trust in Jesus can come from unexpected places.
  • The verse underlines Jesus’ openness to people outside of Israel, hinting at the broader reach of his message beyond traditional boundaries.
  • By expressing amazement, Jesus invites his followers to recognize and value sincere faith wherever it appears, not just within familiar or expected groups.

Where else these words appear

“great” Greek G5118 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 15:33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?
  • 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 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
  • Luke 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
  • 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 7:9 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.
  • 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.

“followed” Greek G190 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 4:20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  • Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?