Luke 7:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G1161} Jesus {G2424} heard {G191} these things {G5023}, he marvelled {G2296} at him {G846}, and {G2532} turned him about {G4762}, and said {G2036} unto the people {G3793} that followed {G190} him {G846}, I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, I have not found {G2147} so great {G5118} faith {G4102}, no, not {G3761} in {G1722} Israel {G2474}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua was astonished at him when he heard this; and he turned and said to the crowd following him, "I tell you, not even in Isra'el have I found such trust!"

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus heard this, He marveled at the centurion. Turning to the crowd following Him, He said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.”

American Standard Version

And when Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned and said unto the multitude that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:9 records a singular moment in Jesus' ministry when He encounters a depth of faith so profound that it elicits His astonishment. Responding to the humble yet authoritative message of a Roman centurion, Jesus turns to the surrounding crowd and declares that He has never encountered such great faith, not even among the people of Israel. This declaration not only highlights the extraordinary nature of the centurion's belief but also underscores Jesus' recognition of genuine faith wherever it is found, transcending conventional religious and ethnic boundaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse concludes Jesus' interaction with the Roman centurion in Capernaum, immediately following the centurion's remarkable display of humility and understanding of Jesus' authority. In [Luke 7:1-5](/luke/7-1-5 "Luke 7:1-5 - The Centurion's Plea"), Jewish elders approach Jesus on behalf of the centurion, testifying to his good character and love for the Jewish nation, urging Jesus to heal his beloved servant. As Jesus approaches the centurion's house, the centurion sends friends with a message expressing his unworthiness for Jesus to enter his home, stating that Jesus only needed to "say in a word" for the servant to be healed ([Luke 7:6-8](/luke/7-6-8 "Luke 7:6-8 - The Centurion's Humble Request")). It is this astonishing display of faith, predicated on Jesus' spoken word alone, that prompts Jesus' profound reaction in [Luke 7:9](/luke/7-9 "Luke 7:9 - Jesus Marvels at the Centurion's Faith"). The narrative then swiftly moves to the servant's immediate healing upon the return of the centurion's friends ([Luke 7:10](/luke/7-10 "Luke 7:10 - The Servant is Healed")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Capernaum, a predominantly Jewish town that served as Jesus' base of operations in Galilee. The protagonist, a Roman centurion, was a military officer commanding approximately 100 soldiers, representing the occupying Roman power. It was highly unusual for a Gentile, especially a Roman officer, to show such reverence for a Jewish prophet or to possess such a deep understanding of spiritual authority. Roman centurions were often respected for their discipline and order, and some, like this one, demonstrated benevolence towards the local Jewish population (as evidenced by his building a synagogue, [Luke 7:5](/luke/7-5 "Luke 7:5 - The Centurion Built a Synagogue")). The interaction highlights the cultural tension and expectation that true faith would primarily reside within Israel, the covenant people of God. Jesus' statement directly challenges this expectation, revealing that God's grace and the capacity for profound faith extend beyond ethnic and religious boundaries.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 7:9](/luke/7-9 "Luke 7:9 - Jesus Marvels at the Centurion's Faith") powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to Luke's Gospel and Jesus' ministry. Firstly, it showcases the theme of **Extraordinary Faith**, demonstrating a belief that trusts implicitly in Jesus' divine authority and the power of His word, even from a distance. The centurion's faith transcends physical proximity or ritual, focusing solely on the potency of Christ's command. Secondly, the passage highlights the profound connection between **Humility and Authority**. The centurion's deep humility ("I am not worthy for you to come under my roof," [Luke 7:6](/luke/7-6 "Luke 7:6 - The Centurion's Humility")) is paradoxically coupled with an acute recognition of Jesus' absolute authority, which he likens to his own military chain of command ([Luke 7:8](/luke/7-8 "Luke 7:8 - The Centurion's Understanding of Authority")). This combination is what Jesus identifies as "great faith." Finally, and perhaps most significantly, the verse introduces the theme of **Gentile Inclusion** into God's redemptive plan. Jesus' declaration that He had not found such faith "not in Israel" is a striking statement, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel message and the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, a theme echoed elsewhere in the Gospels, such as in [Matthew 8:11-12](/matthew/8-11-12 "Matthew 8:11-12 - Many Will Come from East and West").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **marvelled (Greek, _thaumázō_):** This verb signifies being astonished, filled with wonder, or greatly admiring. It denotes a strong emotional reaction of surprise and profound admiration. In the Gospels, Jesus rarely marvels, making this instance particularly significant. It indicates that the centurion's faith was truly exceptional and unexpected, even for Jesus.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis_):** This term refers to persuasion, credence, or moral conviction, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation. Here, it describes the centurion's profound trust in Jesus' ability and authority to heal by simply speaking a word, without needing to be physically present. It is a deep, active trust in Jesus' power and identity.
* **Israel (Hebrew, _Israḗl_):** This refers to the adopted name of Jacob, signifying his descendants and the nation of Israel, God's chosen covenant people. Jesus' statement that He had not found such faith "not in Israel" is a powerful comparative declaration. It highlights the unexpected source of this great faith (a Gentile) and implicitly critiques the lack of such profound trust among many within the traditional covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Jesus heard these things":** This refers to the centurion's message conveyed by his friends, specifically his humble declaration of unworthiness and his profound understanding that Jesus' mere word was sufficient for healing. Jesus' reaction is directly tied to the content and spirit of this message.
* **"he marvelled at him":** This is a rare and significant descriptor of Jesus' emotional response. To "marvel" indicates genuine astonishment and deep admiration. Jesus was not merely pleased but profoundly impressed by the centurion's unique and unwavering trust, recognizing it as an extraordinary spiritual insight.
* **"and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him":** Jesus' physical action of turning indicates a deliberate shift in focus. He addresses the crowd, including His disciples, making a public, authoritative pronouncement. This was not a private commendation but a teaching moment for all who were following Him.
* **"I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.":** This is the core declaration. "I say unto you" emphasizes the solemnity and truthfulness of Jesus' statement. The phrase "so great faith" underscores the magnitude and distinctiveness of the centurion's belief. The concluding "no, not in Israel" delivers a striking comparative judgment, highlighting that this Gentile's faith surpassed that which Jesus had encountered among His own people, the very recipients of God's covenant promises.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 7:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Commendation** is central, as Jesus directly praises the centurion's faith, elevating it above what He had witnessed among the Israelites. This commendation is amplified by **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** in Jesus' statement "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." While not strictly meaning *no one* in Israel had great faith, it powerfully emphasizes the unparalleled nature of the centurion's belief in that moment. **Contrast** is also a key device, setting the faith of a Gentile centurion against the backdrop of the covenant people, Israel. This contrast highlights the unexpected source of true faith and challenges preconceived notions about who is worthy or capable of such belief. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the fact that a Roman officer, an outsider, demonstrates a deeper understanding of Jesus' authority and a more profound trust than many within the religious establishment of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 7:9 stands as a powerful testament to the nature of true faith and the expansive reach of God's grace. Theologically, it affirms Jesus' divine perception and authority, as He discerns and commends a faith that recognizes His power to command even from a distance. This incident challenges the prevailing notion that God's favor and profound spiritual insight were exclusive to the Jewish people. It demonstrates that genuine faith, characterized by humility and absolute trust in Jesus' word, transcends ethnic, social, and religious boundaries, making it accessible to all who believe. This foreshadows the universal mission of the Church and God's plan to include Gentiles in the family of faith, not based on lineage or law, but on a personal, active reliance on Christ.

* [Matthew 8:10](/matthew/8-10 "Matthew 8:10 - Jesus' Parallel Commendation")
* [Matthew 15:28](/matthew/15-28 "Matthew 15:28 - The Canaanite Woman's Great Faith")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The centurion's faith in Luke 7:9 offers a profound model for believers today. It challenges us to move beyond a faith that requires physical proximity or tangible evidence, encouraging us to cultivate a deep trust in the sheer power and authority of Jesus' spoken word. His humility, acknowledging his unworthiness while simultaneously recognizing Jesus' immense power, teaches us that true faith often blossoms in the soil of self-abasement. This passage reminds us that God's grace and the capacity for "great faith" are not limited by our background, ethnicity, or social standing; they are available to all who genuinely believe in Jesus Christ. Our faith, like the centurion's, should be characterized by an unwavering confidence in Christ's ability to accomplish what He says, even in seemingly impossible circumstances, and a willingness to step out in trust based on His divine authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the centurion's humility, despite his position of authority, challenge my own approach to God and my understanding of worthiness?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to trust Jesus' word alone for healing, provision, or guidance, even when I cannot see the immediate outcome?**
* **Am I open to recognizing and celebrating genuine faith in unexpected places or among people who may not fit my preconceived notions of who God works through?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jesus "marvelled" at the centurion's faith?**

Answer: Jesus was "marvelled" (Greek: *thaumázō*) because the centurion's faith was truly extraordinary and unexpected. It wasn't just strong; it demonstrated a profound understanding of Jesus' divine authority and the power of His word that surpassed what Jesus had encountered even among the people of Israel. The centurion believed Jesus could heal his servant simply by speaking a command, without needing to be physically present or perform a ritual. This level of trust, coupled with deep humility, was genuinely astonishing to Jesus, highlighting the unique quality of the centurion's spiritual insight.

**What is the significance of Jesus saying He had not found "so great faith, no, not in Israel"?**

Answer: This statement is highly significant because it challenges the prevailing assumption that profound faith would be found exclusively among the Jewish people, God's chosen covenant nation. By declaring that a Gentile Roman centurion possessed a faith greater than any He had found "in Israel," Jesus underscores that true faith is not limited by ethnicity, religious heritage, or social status. It foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's kingdom and emphasizes that God values genuine, humble trust in Him above lineage or outward religious observance, a theme echoed in [Matthew 8:11-12](/matthew/8-11-12 "Matthew 8:11-12 - Many Will Come from East and West").

**What kind of faith did the centurion have that so impressed Jesus?**

Answer: The centurion's faith was characterized by several key elements. Firstly, it was a **humble faith**, as he deemed himself unworthy for Jesus to enter his home ([Luke 7:6](/luke/7-6 "Luke 7:6 - The Centurion's Humility")). Secondly, it was a **faith in Jesus' authority**, understanding that Jesus' word alone carried the power to command sickness, much like his own military commands were obeyed ([Luke 7:7-8](/luke/7-7-8 "Luke 7:7-8 - The Centurion's Understanding of Authority")). Thirdly, it was a **distant faith**, not requiring Jesus' physical presence, demonstrating a profound spiritual insight into the boundless nature of Christ's power. This combination of humility, authoritative understanding, and trust in Jesus' word alone is what Jesus identified as "great faith."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The centurion's extraordinary faith in [Luke 7:9](/luke/7-9 "Luke 7:9 - Jesus Marvels at the Centurion's Faith") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The centurion's recognition of Jesus' authority, believing that His mere word was sufficient to heal, foreshadows Christ's ultimate authority over all creation, sin, and death. He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), whose commands carry divine efficacy, not just for physical healing but for spiritual transformation. Furthermore, Jesus' commendation of a Gentile's faith, explicitly stating He had not found such faith "not in Israel," powerfully prefigures the universal scope of the Gospel and the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile through Christ's atoning work ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The centurion's inclusion in God's redemptive narrative through faith, rather than lineage or law, points directly to the New Covenant reality where all who believe in Christ, regardless of their background, become children of God ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God Through Belief")). Thus, this encounter not only highlights the nature of saving faith but also profoundly illustrates the boundless grace of God extended to all humanity through the finished work of Jesus Christ, the one who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

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.

Romans 3:1

¶ What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit [is there] of circumcision?

Romans 3:3

For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Matthew 9:33

And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

Romans 9:4

Who are Israelites; to whom [pertaineth] the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises;

Romans 9:5

Whose [are] the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ [came], who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.