Matthew 11:5

KJV

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

KJV (with Strong's)

The blind {G5185} receive their sight {G308}, and {G2532} the lame {G5560} walk {G4043}, the lepers {G3015} are cleansed {G2511}, and {G2532} the deaf {G2974} hear {G191}, the dead {G3498} are raised up {G1453}, and {G2532} the poor {G4434} have the gospel preached to them {G2097}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the blind are seeing again, the lame are walking, people with tzara'at are being cleansed, the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised,y the Good News is being told to the poorz --

Berean Standard Bible

The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

American Standard Version

the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good tidings preached to them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 11:5 stands as Jesus' definitive response to John the Baptist's inquiry about His messianic identity, presenting a powerful catalogue of miraculous works that serve as undeniable proof. This verse not only highlights Jesus' divine authority over physical ailments and death but also underscores the revolutionary, inclusive nature of His ministry, particularly in bringing the good news of the Kingdom to the marginalized and downtrodden, thereby fulfilling ancient prophetic expectations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a crucial dialogue between Jesus and the imprisoned John the Baptist. John, facing doubt or seeking clarification from his confinement, sends disciples to ask Jesus, "[Art thou he that should come, or look we for another?](/matthew/11-3 "Matthew 11:3 - John's Question to Jesus")" Instead of a direct "yes," Jesus instructs John's messengers to report back what they "do hear and see" (Matthew 11:4), followed by the specific list of miraculous signs in Matthew 11:5. This indirect but powerful affirmation serves to validate Jesus' messianic claims not through self-proclamation, but through the observable, prophetic fulfillment of His actions. The passage immediately follows Jesus' pronouncements of judgment on unrepentant cities (Matthew 11:20-24) and precedes His invitation to the weary and heavy-laden (Matthew 11:28-30), positioning this affirmation of His identity as central to understanding both His authority and His compassionate mission.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, there were diverse expectations concerning the Messiah. Many anticipated a political or military deliverer who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel's earthly kingdom. John the Baptist, as a prophet in the tradition of Elijah, likely shared some of these expectations, and his imprisonment by Herod Antipas may have intensified his longing for a more overtly powerful, liberating Messiah. The miracles listed in Matthew 11:5—healing the blind, lame, lepers, and deaf, raising the dead—were widely understood within Jewish tradition as signs of the coming Messianic age, particularly echoing prophecies in Isaiah. The inclusion of "the poor have the gospel preached to them" was particularly revolutionary, challenging the prevailing social hierarchy where the poor and marginalized were often scorned or deemed less righteous. Jesus' ministry to these groups demonstrated a radical reordering of societal values, aligning with the prophetic vision of a Messiah who would bring justice and salvation to all, especially the vulnerable.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 11:5 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Messianic Fulfillment**, directly linking Jesus' actions to Old Testament prophecies, particularly those found in [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Messianic Healing") and [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - Prophecy of Good News to the Poor"). These miraculous works serve as irrefutable evidence that Jesus is indeed "He that should come." Secondly, the verse highlights the **Holistic Nature of Jesus' Ministry**. It's not merely about physical healing but also about spiritual transformation and social justice. The emphasis on preaching the gospel to the poor reveals a kingdom that embraces the marginalized, challenging the status quo and demonstrating God's preferential care for the humble. Finally, the enumeration of these diverse and profound miracles establishes Jesus' **Divine Authority and Power**, affirming His unique relationship with God and His unparalleled ability to overcome the effects of sin and death. The scope of these miracles, from restoring sight to raising the dead, points to a power that transcends human capability, confirming His divine identity as the Son of God, as seen in other accounts like the [raising of Lazarus](/john/11-44 "John 11:44 - The Raising of Lazarus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **anablépō (Greek, _anablépō'_):** This word, meaning "to look up" and "by implication, to recover sight," is used for "the blind receive their sight." It emphasizes not just a general healing but a restoration of a lost faculty, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment and the opening of eyes to God's truth, often associated with the Messianic era.
* **egeírō (Greek, _egeírō'_):** Translated as "are raised up" for the dead, this verb signifies "to waken, rouse, or raise (from death)." It conveys divine power over the ultimate human enemy—death—and points directly to Jesus' unique authority as the Giver of life, foreshadowing His own resurrection and the future resurrection of believers.
* **euangelízō (Greek, _euangelízō'_):** Meaning "to announce good news ('evangelize') especially the gospel," this word describes "the poor have the gospel preached to them." It highlights the core of Jesus' mission: to proclaim the transformative message of God's redemptive plan, a message of hope and salvation made accessible to all, particularly those historically overlooked or deemed unworthy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The blind receive their sight":** This phrase signifies a profound restoration, both physically and symbolically. Blindness in the ancient world was a severe disability, often linked to spiritual darkness. Jesus' ability to restore sight demonstrates His power over physical limitations and His capacity to bring spiritual illumination, fulfilling prophecies like [Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes").
* **"and the lame walk":** The healing of the lame represents the restoration of mobility and independence. It signifies the removal of hindrances and the enabling of movement, symbolizing the freedom and new life found in the Kingdom of God, where those who were formerly unable to participate are now fully engaged.
* **"the lepers are cleansed":** Leprosy rendered individuals ritually unclean and socially ostracized. Jesus' cleansing of lepers was not merely a physical cure but a restoration to community and religious life, demonstrating His authority over sin and defilement, and His compassion for the outcast. This was a particularly powerful sign, as only God could cleanse a leper according to Mosaic Law.
* **"and the deaf hear":** Restoring hearing implies the ability to receive and comprehend communication, especially God's word. This miracle points to the opening of spiritual ears to hear the message of the gospel, signifying a responsiveness to divine truth.
* **"the dead are raised up":** This is the ultimate demonstration of divine power, signifying victory over death itself. While not explicitly detailed in this verse, Jesus' ministry included instances of raising the dead (e.g., [Jairus's daughter](/mark/5-41-42 "Mark 5:41-42 - Raising Jairus's Daughter"), the [widow's son at Nain](/luke/7-14-15 "Luke 7:14-15 - Raising the Widow's Son")), serving as a powerful foretaste of His own resurrection and His ultimate triumph over death.
* **"and the poor have the gospel preached to them":** This final clause is profoundly significant. It highlights the inclusive and revolutionary nature of Jesus' ministry. Unlike many religious systems that favored the wealthy or powerful, Jesus' message of "good news" (gospel) was specifically and intentionally directed towards the economically and socially marginalized, fulfilling prophecies that the Messiah would bring good tidings to the afflicted ([Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - Good News to the Poor")). It underscores that salvation and the blessings of the Kingdom are accessible to all, regardless of social standing.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 11:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where a list of distinct, powerful miracles is presented. This cumulative effect serves to build an overwhelming case for Jesus' messianic identity, demonstrating the breadth and depth of His divine power. Each item in the list is a specific, tangible act of healing or restoration, creating a vivid and undeniable picture of His authority. Furthermore, there is clear **Allusion and Fulfillment**, as the entire list directly echoes and fulfills Old Testament prophecies, particularly from the book of Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Messianic Healing"), [Isaiah 29:18](/isaiah/29-18 "Isaiah 29:18 - The Deaf and Blind See and Hear"), [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - Good News to the Poor")). By presenting these signs, Jesus implicitly asserts His role as the promised Messiah without a direct "yes," allowing the prophetic word to speak through His actions. The structure also exhibits a form of **Climax**, moving from various physical healings to the ultimate triumph over death ("the dead are raised up"), culminating in the profound spiritual and social revolution of "the poor have the gospel preached to them," indicating that the spiritual message is the ultimate and most inclusive aspect of His work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 11:5 serves as a foundational declaration of Jesus' messianic credentials, rooted deeply in Old Testament prophecy and demonstrating the comprehensive scope of His redemptive work. It reveals that the Messiah's coming would be marked not only by spectacular displays of power over physical ailments and death but also by a radical reorientation of divine favor towards the socially and economically marginalized. This holistic ministry, encompassing both physical restoration and spiritual proclamation to the poor, signifies the inauguration of God's Kingdom, a realm characterized by compassion, justice, and accessibility for all who believe, regardless of their earthly status. The signs are not merely wonders but divine attestations to Jesus' unique identity and mission, confirming that God's promised deliverance is actively unfolding through Him.

* [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Messianic Healing")
* [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - Prophecy of Good News to the Poor")
* [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Nazareth Sermon, quoting Isaiah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 11:5 invites us to a profound reflection on the nature of Jesus' identity and the implications for our own lives. It reminds us that Jesus' claims are not abstract theological assertions but are validated by tangible, transformative acts of power and compassion. For us today, this verse serves as a powerful anchor for faith, affirming the historical reality and divine authority of Christ. It challenges us to look beyond superficial expectations of what God's work should look like and embrace the radical, inclusive love demonstrated by Jesus. Just as Jesus brought healing and good news to the marginalized, we are called to embody His compassion, extending practical care and the liberating message of the gospel to those in our communities who are overlooked, hurting, or in need. Our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a call to active participation in God's redemptive work, bringing hope and healing to a broken world, mirroring the multifaceted ministry of our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the specific miracles listed in Matthew 11:5 challenge or confirm your understanding of who Jesus is?**
* **In what ways does "the poor have the gospel preached to them" resonate with or challenge your perspective on evangelism and social justice today?**
* **How can you, in your daily life, embody the holistic compassion of Jesus as demonstrated in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Why did John the Baptist send messengers to Jesus with this question, considering he had previously recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God?**

Answer: John's question in [Matthew 11:3](/matthew/11-3 "Matthew 11:3 - John's Question to Jesus") likely stemmed from a combination of factors. First, his imprisonment was a severe test of faith. From a dark prison cell, the delay of an overtly political or military Messiah might have caused doubt, as John, like many Jews, may have expected the Messiah to immediately establish a kingdom of power and judgment, not one characterized by suffering and a focus on the marginalized. Second, John's understanding of the Messiah's role, while divinely inspired, was still developing. He had identified Jesus as the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, and whose winnowing fork was in His hand to clear His threshing floor ([Matthew 3:11-12](/matthew/3-11-12 "Matthew 3:11-12 - John's Prophecy of Jesus' Coming")). The current reality of Jesus' ministry, focused on healing and teaching rather than immediate judgment and political liberation, might have seemed incongruous with John's prophetic expectations. Thus, John's question was likely a sincere inquiry for confirmation and clarity, seeking reassurance that Jesus was indeed the long-awaited one, despite the unexpected nature of His kingdom's inauguration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 11:5 is a profound declaration of Jesus' Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, showcasing His unique identity as the promised Messiah. Each miraculous sign—the blind receiving sight, the lame walking, lepers being cleansed, the deaf hearing, and the dead being raised—is not merely an act of power but a direct and tangible manifestation of God's redemptive work breaking into human history through His Son. These physical healings foreshadow the ultimate spiritual healing and new creation that Jesus accomplishes through His atoning work. The most radical fulfillment, however, lies in "the poor have the gospel preached to them." This highlights that Jesus' kingdom is fundamentally inclusive, bringing the good news of salvation not just to the physically afflicted but to all who are spiritually poor, broken, and in need of God's grace. His entire life, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection, is the ultimate "good news" for the spiritually blind, lame, unclean, deaf, and dead. Through His finished work, Jesus offers true sight, the ability to walk in newness of life, cleansing from sin, ears to hear and obey God's word, and eternal life, demonstrating that He is indeed the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [resurrection and the life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"). His ministry, as described in Matthew 11:5, is a microcosm of the comprehensive salvation He offers to all humanity, inviting everyone, especially the humble and needy, into His eternal Kingdom.

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

Isaiah 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

Isaiah 35:6

Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Isaiah 42:6

I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

Isaiah 42:7

To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, [and] them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.