Matthew 12:23

KJV

And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} all {G3956} the people {G3793} were amazed {G1839}, and {G2532} said {G3004}, Is {G2076} not {G3385} this {G3778} the son {G5207} of David {G1138}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The crowds were astounded and asked, "This couldn't be the Son of David, could it?"

Berean Standard Bible

The crowds were astounded and asked, “Could this be the Son of David?”

American Standard Version

And all the multitudes were amazed, and said, Can this be the son of David?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:23 captures a pivotal moment where the common people, witnessing Jesus' profound miracle of healing a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, are overwhelmed with astonishment. Their spontaneous question, "Is not this the son of David?", reveals a dawning recognition of Jesus' messianic identity, directly linking His extraordinary power to the long-awaited deliverer promised in the Old Testament. This popular acclamation sets the stage for the intensifying conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' remarkable healing of a man afflicted by demonic possession, resulting in both blindness and muteness, as recorded in [Matthew 12:22](/matthew/12-22 "Matthew 12:22 - Jesus Heals a Blind and Mute Man"). The miracle itself is presented as an undeniable demonstration of divine power, particularly over the forces of evil and physical infirmity. The crowd's reaction in verse 23 is a direct response to this astonishing display, marking a moment of public awe and initial messianic inquiry. This popular recognition, however, quickly precipitates a direct confrontation with the Pharisees, who, instead of acknowledging Jesus' power, attribute it to Beelzebul, the prince of demons, in [Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - The Pharisees' Blasphemous Accusation"). Thus, Matthew 12:23 serves as a crucial hinge, showcasing the popular reception of Jesus before the hardened opposition of the religious elite becomes fully explicit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The title "Son of David" was deeply ingrained in Jewish messianic expectation. Rooted in the [Davidic Covenant of 2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), which promised an eternal dynasty and kingdom through David's lineage, this title signified the coming Messiah—a king who would restore Israel's glory, deliver them from oppression, and reign righteously. During the Roman occupation, the longing for such a deliverer was particularly acute, and many expected a political or military leader. The people's question in Matthew 12:23 indicates that Jesus' miracles, particularly His power over demons and disease, were aligning with their understanding of the Messiah's signs. This cultural backdrop explains the immediate and profound significance of their inquiry, as it touched upon their deepest hopes for national and spiritual restoration.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 12:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Messianic Identity**, as the crowd's question directly applies a crucial messianic title to Jesus, recognizing Him as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the [Son of David](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Davidic King"). Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' Divine Authority and Power**, demonstrated through His ability to cast out demons and heal profound physical ailments, which were seen as signs of the [Kingdom of God breaking in](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Kingdom of God Has Come"). Finally, the verse sets up a stark contrast between **Popular Amazement and Religious Opposition**. The common people, open to the evidence of Jesus' works, are amazed and begin to grasp His true identity, while the religious leaders, despite witnessing the same miracles, remain stubbornly resistant and even hostile, as seen in their subsequent accusation of demon possession in [Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - The Pharisees' Blasphemous Accusation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **amazed (Greek, _exístēmi'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to put (stand) out of wits," this word conveys a profound sense of astonishment, bewilderment, or being utterly astounded. It suggests a reaction so strong that it borders on being beside oneself, indicating the overwhelming impact of Jesus' miracle on the onlookers. Their amazement was not mere surprise but a deep, unsettling wonder at the unprecedented power displayed.
* **people (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This term refers to a "throng" or "multitude," often implying the common populace or the rabble. It distinguishes the general crowd from the religious elite, emphasizing that it was the ordinary people, not the learned leaders, who were moved to ask this crucial question about Jesus' identity. Their collective amazement highlights the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry.
* **son of David (Greek, _huiós Dabíd'_):** "Son" (G5207) broadly refers to kinship, while "David" (G1138) is the Israelite king. Together, "Son of David" is far more than a genealogical descriptor; it is a profound, divinely appointed messianic title. It signifies the promised descendant of King David who would inherit his throne and establish an eternal kingdom, fulfilling the covenant promises. The crowd's use of this title indicates their recognition of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the people were amazed":** This clause describes the immediate and universal reaction of the multitude to the miracle Jesus had just performed. Their amazement was not superficial but a deep, overwhelming sense of wonder and awe, suggesting that what they had witnessed transcended ordinary human capability and pointed to something divine or supernatural.
* **"and said":** This simple conjunction marks the transition from the internal state of amazement to its vocal expression. The crowd's reaction was not silent; it compelled them to speak, to voice the profound question that the miracle had stirred within them.
* **"Is not this the son of David?":** This is a rhetorical question, expecting an affirmative answer. It is the climax of the verse, revealing the profound messianic implications of Jesus' healing power. By asking this, the people are tentatively, yet powerfully, acknowledging that Jesus might indeed be the Messiah, the promised king from David's lineage, whose coming was foretold in the Old Testament. Their question is a direct challenge to their own understanding and the prevailing expectations of their time.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 12:23 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Is not this the son of David?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a strong assertion, implying that the answer is self-evident: "Surely, this *is* the Son of David!" It serves to highlight the profound impact of Jesus' miracle and the dawning realization among the people of His messianic identity. There is also an element of **Irony** present. While the common people, often considered less learned, are the ones who begin to grasp Jesus' true identity through His works, the religious leaders, who should have been the first to recognize the Messiah, remain blind and hostile. This contrast underscores the theme of spiritual discernment versus spiritual blindness. Furthermore, the miracle itself functions as **Symbolism**, where the healing of the blind and mute demoniac symbolizes Jesus' power to overcome spiritual darkness and release those bound by sin and evil, pointing to His ultimate role as the deliverer and restorer of humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:23 stands as a crucial theological statement, highlighting the public's growing awareness of Jesus' messianic claims, a recognition driven by His undeniable miracles. The question "Is not this the son of David?" is not merely a genealogical inquiry but a profound theological confession, linking Jesus' power directly to the Old Testament prophecies of a coming king from David's line who would establish an eternal kingdom. This moment underscores that Jesus' authority and identity were not hidden but revealed through His works, compelling even the common people to ponder His unique status as the Christ. It emphasizes that divine power, when genuinely manifested, naturally leads to questions about the identity of the one wielding it, pointing ultimately to God's sovereign plan of salvation unfolding in Christ.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Eternal Davidic Covenant")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")
* [Matthew 21:9](/matthew/21-9 "Crowds Hail Jesus as Son of David at Triumphal Entry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 12:23 invites us to consider our own response to the evidence of Jesus' identity and power in our lives and in the world. Like the amazed crowd, are we truly open to recognizing who Jesus is, even when His actions or teachings challenge our preconceived notions or the prevailing opinions of our culture? This verse prompts us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a place of genuine astonishment and inquiry, allowing the truth of Christ's authority to penetrate our hearts and minds. It reminds us that authentic encounters with Jesus should lead to deeper questions about His person and a willingness to acknowledge Him as the promised Savior and Lord. In a world often skeptical or dismissive of divine power, the people's spontaneous recognition serves as a powerful call to examine the signs of God's presence and to confess Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of Jesus' character or actions most amaze you, and how do they lead you to deeper questions about His identity?**
* **How might cultural or personal expectations prevent us from fully recognizing Jesus for who He truly is, just as some in Jesus' time struggled?**
* **In what ways does witnessing God's power in the world today prompt you to acknowledge His sovereignty and the truth of His Word?**
* **How can we, like the crowd, allow genuine amazement at Jesus' work to lead us to a public confession of His Lordship?**

### FAQ
**Why was "Son of David" such a significant title for the people to use?**

Answer: The title "Son of David" was profoundly significant because it was a widely recognized messianic title in Jewish tradition, rooted in the Old Testament prophecies, particularly the [Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). This covenant promised that a descendant of King David would establish an eternal kingdom and reign forever. For the people to ask, "Is not this the son of David?" after witnessing Jesus' miracle, it meant they were connecting His extraordinary power—especially His authority over demons and disease—directly to the signs expected of the long-awaited Messiah who would restore Israel. It was an implicit, yet powerful, acknowledgment of His potential claim to be the Christ.

**What does it mean that "all the people were amazed"?**

Answer: The Greek word for "amazed" (exístēmi) implies a reaction far beyond simple surprise; it suggests being "put out of wits," utterly astounded, or even beside oneself. This indicates that the healing Jesus performed was so extraordinary and undeniable that it overwhelmed the senses and expectations of the entire multitude. Their amazement stemmed from witnessing a power that seemed divine, challenging their understanding of reality and compelling them to consider the identity of the one who could wield such authority. It was a visceral, collective response to an undeniable demonstration of supernatural power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The people's question, "Is not this the son of David?", in [Matthew 12:23](/matthew/12-23 "Matthew 12:23 - The People's Question") points directly to Jesus' Christ-centered fulfillment as the promised Messiah. While the crowd's understanding of the "Son of David" might have been limited to a political or earthly king, Jesus fulfills this title in a far more profound and eternal way. He is indeed the descendant of David, as affirmed in the genealogies of [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Jesus' Genealogy") and [Luke 3:31](/luke/3-31 "Luke 3:31 - Jesus' Lineage through David"). However, His kingship transcends earthly thrones; He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). The miracles He performed, like the healing in [Matthew 12:22](/matthew/12-22 "Matthew 12:22 - Jesus Heals a Blind and Mute Man"), were not merely acts of compassion but demonstrations of His divine authority and the breaking in of God's redemptive reign. Ultimately, as the Son of David, Jesus is the one who conquered sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection, establishing an eternal spiritual kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). His reign is not just over Israel but over all creation, and every knee will one day bow to Him ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, the people's question, though perhaps nascent in its theological depth, correctly identified the one who would ultimately fulfill all messianic prophecies, not just as a king, but as the divine Savior.

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 9:27

¶ And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on us.

John 4:29

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

Matthew 22:42

Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, [The Son] of David.

Matthew 22:43

He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,

Matthew 21:9

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

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.

Matthew 15:30

And great multitudes came unto him, having with them [those that were] lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: