Matthew 9:32 (KJV)

What does Matthew 9:32 mean?

Matthew 9:32 describes how, as Jesus and his followers were leaving, some people brought to Jesus a man who could not speak because he was possessed by an evil spirit. The verse sets up the next event, where Jesus will respond to this man’s need.

In this scene, Matthew is narrating what happened as Jesus was moving from one place to another. The focus is on the arrival of a man who is both mute and suffering from spiritual oppression. This introduction highlights both the man’s helplessness and the expectation that Jesus can do something about his condition.

The Greek behind Matthew 9:32

• "δαιμονιζόμενον" (daimonizomenon, translated here as "possessed with a devil") refers to someone under the influence or control of an evil spirit. In the context of the Gospels, this often means a person is experiencing physical or mental distress connected to this spiritual oppression.
• "κωφὸν" (kōphon, translated here as "dumb") means unable to speak, but in Greek it can also refer to being deaf. Here, the emphasis is on the man’s inability to speak, which is linked to the spiritual problem.

Why Matthew 9:32 matters

• Matthew 9:32 highlights the connection in the Gospels between physical suffering and spiritual oppression, showing that Jesus is approached for both kinds of needs.
• This verse sets up a pattern seen throughout Matthew, where people bring those in desperate situations to Jesus, emphasizing his reputation as a healer and deliverer.
• The detail that the man is brought to Jesus by others underlines the community’s role in seeking help for those who cannot seek it themselves.