And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

MATTHEW 9:28KJV
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Matthew 9:28 (KJV)

What does Matthew 9:28 mean?

Matthew 9:28 shows Jesus asking two blind men if they believe he can heal them, and they answer, “Yes, Lord.” This verse highlights the importance of faith in Jesus’ ability to help, as he directly connects their trust in him to what he is about to do.

In this scene, Jesus has entered a house, and the two blind men who have been following him come inside to meet him. Jesus speaks to them personally, asking if they truly believe he has the power to heal their blindness. Their reply, calling him “Lord,” shows both respect and confidence in his authority. This moment sets up the miracle that follows, emphasizing that faith is central to their encounter with Jesus.

The Greek behind Matthew 9:28

  • The word πιστεύετε (pisteuete, “believe”) is a form of the Greek verb for trust or have faith. Jesus’ question uses this word to focus directly on whether the men have personal confidence in his ability.
  • The word δύναμαι (dynamai, “able”) points to Jesus’ power or capability. He is not just asking if they believe in healing generally, but if they believe he himself has the power to do it.
  • The word κύριε (kyrie, “Lord”) in their reply is a respectful title, often used for someone with authority or divinity, showing their recognition of Jesus’ special status.

Why Matthew 9:28 matters

  • This verse makes clear that Jesus wants a personal response of faith before acting, not just a general hope or wish for help.
  • The way the blind men address Jesus as “Lord” shows their recognition of his authority, which is a key theme throughout Matthew’s Gospel.
  • This moment prepares the reader for the miracle that follows, showing that faith is not just a background idea but is brought to the forefront in Jesus’ interactions.

Where else these words appear

“Yea” Greek G3483 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“men” Greek G5185 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 9:27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.
  • Mark 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
  • John 9:17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.

“house” Greek G3614 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
  • Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

“came” Greek G4334 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Matthew 21:23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
  • Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.