Matthew 11:5

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.

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}.

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 --

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.

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

Matthew 11:5 is a pivotal verse where Jesus provides compelling evidence of His identity as the Messiah, responding to a query from John the Baptist. It lists a series of miraculous works that not only demonstrate His divine power but also fulfill ancient prophecies concerning the coming Deliverer.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' direct answer to messengers sent by John the Baptist, who, from prison, asked, "Art thou he that should come, or look we for another?" Instead of a simple "yes," Jesus instructs the messengers to "go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see." The list in verse 5 serves as the undeniable proof, appealing to John's knowledge of Old Testament prophecies and the tangible reality of Jesus' ministry.

Key Themes

  • Messianic Fulfillment: The miracles Jesus performs—healing the blind, making the lame walk, cleansing lepers, causing the deaf to hear, and raising the dead—are direct fulfillments of prophecies found in the Old Testament, particularly Isaiah 35:5-6 and Isaiah 61:1. These acts confirm Jesus' unique role as the promised one.
  • Holistic Ministry: Jesus' ministry is not limited to physical healing but extends to spiritual restoration. The inclusion of "and the poor have the gospel preached to them" highlights a revolutionary aspect of His work. Unlike many religious leaders of the time, Jesus actively sought out and ministered to the marginalized and downtrodden, signifying the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God.
  • Divine Authority: The ability to perform such diverse and profound miracles demonstrates Jesus' unparalleled authority over sickness, disability, and even death, affirming His divine nature and power. For instance, the raising of the dead was a sign only God could accomplish.

Linguistic Insights

The term "gospel" (Greek: euangelion) means "good news." In this context, it refers to the joyous message of God's redemptive plan through Christ, offering hope, forgiveness, and eternal life. Preaching this good news to the poor emphasizes that salvation and the blessings of the Kingdom are accessible to all, regardless of social standing or wealth, a radical departure from many societal norms of the era.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that Jesus' identity is validated by His actions and their impact on people's lives. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder:

  • The Authenticity of Christ: The miraculous works of Jesus provide enduring evidence of His divine nature and His claim as the Son of God. His ministry wasn't just about words but tangible transformation.
  • Compassion in Action: Jesus' focus on healing and bringing good news to the most vulnerable members of society calls us to embody similar compassion and active service. The gospel is not merely a message to be heard but a life to be lived, demonstrating God's love through practical care for others.
  • Hope for All: The promise that "the poor have the gospel preached to them" underscores that God's message of hope and salvation is universal and available to everyone, especially those who feel overlooked or without hope.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 35:4 (64 votes)

    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 (64 votes)

    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 (53 votes)

    ¶ 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 (53 votes)

    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 (22 votes)

    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 (20 votes)

    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 (20 votes)

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