Matthew 12:22

ยถ Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

Then {G5119} was brought {G4374} unto him {G846} one possessed with a devil {G1139}, blind {G5185}, and {G2532} dumb {G2974}: and {G2532} he healed {G2323} him {G846}, insomuch that {G5620} the blind {G5185} and {G2532} dumb {G2974} both {G2532} spake {G2980} and {G2532} saw {G991}.

Then some people brought him a man controlled by demons who was blind and mute; and Yeshua healed him, so that he could both speak and see.

Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see.

Then was brought unto him one possessed with a demon, blind and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the dumb man spake and saw.

Commentary

Matthew 12:22 describes a remarkable miracle performed by Jesus, where He demonstrates His divine authority over both physical ailments and spiritual oppression. This verse recounts the healing of a man who was afflicted in multiple ways: he was possessed by a demon, which rendered him blind and unable to speak. Jesus' healing was complete and immediate, resulting in the man being able to see and speak.

Context

This powerful healing occurs at a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, highlighting the growing tension between Him and the religious authorities. The miracle itself was an undeniable display of divine power, leading the crowds to wonder if Jesus was indeed the long-awaited Messiah (Matthew 12:23). However, it immediately precedes the infamous "Beelzebul controversy," where the Pharisees, unable to deny the miracle, maliciously accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan himself, as detailed in Matthew 12:24. This miracle, therefore, serves as a catalyst for a deeper confrontation regarding Jesus' true identity and the source of His power.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Divine Authority: The most prominent theme is Jesus' absolute sovereignty over all forms of evil and suffering. He not only cures physical disabilities but also casts out the demonic spirit that caused them, showcasing His unique power over the spiritual realm.
  • Victory Over Spiritual Darkness: This healing powerfully illustrates Jesus' mission to confront and dismantle the kingdom of darkness. His ability to free someone from demon possession signifies His triumph over evil forces and His role as the ultimate Deliverer.
  • Messianic Signs: The restoration of sight and speech, especially in conjunction with casting out a demon, was a clear sign pointing to Jesus as the Messiah. Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah 35:5-6, where the eyes of the blind are opened and the tongue of the dumb sings, spoke of such miraculous healings accompanying the coming of God's Anointed One.
  • Compassion of Jesus: Despite the escalating opposition, Jesus' actions are always rooted in profound compassion for the suffering individual, demonstrating His heart for those in need.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "possessed with a devil" translates the Greek word daimonizomai, which specifically refers to being under the influence or control of a demon or evil spirit, not merely suffering from a disease. This distinction emphasizes the spiritual nature of the man's affliction. The Greek word for "healed" (therapeuล) suggests a comprehensive and complete restoration, indicating that the man was fully delivered from both the demon and its physical consequences.

Practical Application

Matthew 12:22 offers profound encouragement and lessons for believers today. It reminds us that Jesus holds ultimate power over all forms of darkness, whether they manifest as spiritual oppression, physical illness, or mental anguish. We are called to trust in His authority for deliverance and healing in our lives and in the world around us.

Furthermore, just as the man in this account was given both physical sight and speech, we are encouraged to seek spiritual discernment to "see" God's truth clearly and to "speak" His praises and the good news of His kingdom with confidence. This transformation from spiritual blindness and muteness to vibrant witness is a key aspect of the Christian journey, echoing themes of spiritual sight found elsewhere, for example, in John 9:5 where Jesus declares Himself the light of the world.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 11:14 (6 votes)

    ยถ And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

  • Luke 11:15 (6 votes)

    But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.

  • Mark 7:35 (5 votes)

    And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

  • Mark 7:37 (5 votes)

    And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

  • Isaiah 29:18 (4 votes)

    And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.

  • Mark 3:11 (4 votes)

    And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

  • Acts 26:18 (4 votes)

    To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.