But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

MATTHEW 9:8KJV
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Matthew 9:8 (KJV)

What does Matthew 9:8 mean?

Matthew 9:8 describes how the crowds reacted with amazement and praised God after witnessing Jesus heal a paralyzed man, recognizing that God had given such authority to humans. The verse highlights the public’s awe at seeing divine power at work through a person.

In this scene, Jesus has just healed a man who was paralyzed, and the people watching are deeply impressed. The crowd’s response is not just wonder but also giving glory to God, acknowledging that the ability to heal and forgive sins comes from God. This moment shows how Jesus’ actions led people to recognize God’s presence and power in a new way.

The Greek behind Matthew 9:8

  • ἐξουσία (exousia, G1849): This word is often translated as "power" or "authority." Here, it means more than just physical strength; it refers to the right or ability to act on God’s behalf, especially in forgiving sins and healing.
  • ἐθαύμασαν (ethaumasan, G2296): This word means "they marveled" or "were amazed." The Greek carries a sense of being struck with awe, not just casual surprise, showing the depth of the crowd’s reaction.
  • ἐδόξασαν (edoxasan, G1392): This means "they glorified" or "gave honor to." The crowd’s response is not just emotional but leads them to actively praise God, recognizing the source of the authority they witnessed.
  • τοῖς ἀνθρώποις (tois anthrōpois, G444): Translated as "unto men," this phrase emphasizes that the authority was given to humans, which was surprising to the crowd, as such power was usually associated only with God.

Why Matthew 9:8 matters

  • Matthew 9:8 clarifies that the crowd saw Jesus’ authority as something given by God, not something Jesus claimed for himself apart from God.
  • The verse highlights a turning point where people begin to see God’s work happening through a human being, which was a new and astonishing idea for many.
  • This reaction connects to the broader theme in Matthew’s Gospel of Jesus’ unique authority and the public recognition of God’s power at work through him.

Where else these words appear

“marvelled” Greek G2296 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 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.
  • 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?

“glorified” Greek G1392 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • John 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
  • Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

“such” Greek G5108 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

“power” Greek G1849 · used in 93 verses

  • Matthew 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
  • Luke 22:53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
  • Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: