Matthew 8:6 (KJV)

What does Matthew 8:6 mean?

Matthew 8:6 records a Roman military officer telling Jesus about a servant who is unable to move normally and is suffering terribly. The officer brings the servant’s need to Jesus, making the servant’s condition the reason for their encounter.

The speaker is a centurion, an officer who commanded soldiers, as the previous verse identifies him. His words turn attention from his own position to someone under his care. The KJV phrase “lieth at home” pictures the servant confined to the house rather than standing before Jesus.

The Greek behind Matthew 8:6

• “servant” — παῖς (pais): This word can mean a child or a young servant, depending on the setting. Here the KJV presents the person as the centurion’s servant; the Greek word by itself does not settle the person’s age.
• “palsy” — παραλύω (paralyō): The word carries the sense of being paralyzed or unable to move normally. The old English word “palsy” describes a loss of movement, though the verse does not name a modern medical condition.
• “tormented” — βασανίζω (basanizō): This word can mean suffering severe pain or distress. Along with “grievously,” it emphasizes how intense the servant’s suffering is.

Why Matthew 8:6 matters

• The servant’s suffering is the concern behind the conversation that follows. The centurion speaks about “my servant” before Jesus answers in verse 7.
• The centurion’s address shows respect. He calls Jesus “Lord,” a form of address that could express respect for someone of higher standing.
• The servant’s location matters to the exchange. He is “at home,” and the centurion later asks Jesus to speak a word rather than come to the house, in verse 8.