Matthew 15:30

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} great {G4183} multitudes {G3793} came {G4334} unto him {G846}, having {G2192} with {G3326} them those that were {G1438} lame {G5560}, blind {G5185}, dumb {G2974}, maimed {G2948}, and {G2532} many {G4183} others {G2087}, and {G2532} cast {G4496} them {G846} down {G4496} at {G3844} Jesus {G2424}' feet {G4228}; and {G2532} he healed {G2323} them {G846}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and large crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others. They laid them at his feet, and he healed them.

Berean Standard Bible

Large crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at His feet, and He healed them.

American Standard Version

And there came unto him great multitudes, having with them the lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and they cast them down at his feet; and he healed them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:30 vividly portrays Jesus' boundless compassion and divine authority as vast crowds bring their afflicted—the lame, blind, dumb, and maimed—to Him in the Decapolis region. This powerful scene highlights the desperate faith of the people who lay their loved ones at His feet, culminating in Jesus' immediate and complete healing of every single one, demonstrating His unparalleled power over all forms of human suffering and physical limitation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' withdrawal from the Phoenician coast (Tyre and Sidon) and His interaction with the Syrophoenician woman, where He commended her great faith and healed her daughter from a distance ([Matthew 15:21-28](/matthew/15-21-28 "Matthew 15:21-28 - The Syrophoenician Woman's Faith")). Prior to this, Jesus had engaged in a significant discourse with the Pharisees and scribes regarding true defilement, emphasizing that inner corruption, not external rituals, defiles a person ([Matthew 15:1-20](/matthew/15-1-20 "Matthew 15:1-20 - What Truly Defiles a Person")). His journey into the Decapolis, a predominantly Gentile area east of the Sea of Galilee ([Matthew 15:29](/matthew/15-29 "Matthew 15:29 - Jesus Goes to Decapolis")), sets the stage for this widespread healing, underscoring that His ministry of compassion extends beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel, reaching all who seek Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Decapolis was a region of ten Hellenistic cities, largely Gentile in population and culture, situated mainly east of the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee. Jesus' presence and widespread healing ministry in this area would have been highly significant, as it demonstrated the universal scope of His mission, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's kingdom. The act of "casting them down at Jesus' feet" was a culturally understood gesture of profound humility, desperate supplication, and complete surrender. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, approaching a revered figure or deity by prostrating oneself or laying burdens at their feet signified absolute dependence and recognition of their authority and power to intervene. This was not merely a physical act but a spiritual posture of faith.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 15:30 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' Messianic Authority and Divine Power**, clearly demonstrating His dominion over sickness and physical infirmity, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah who would bring healing and restoration ([Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - The Deserts Bloom, the Blind See")). Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' Profound Compassion and Accessibility**, showing that He is moved by the suffering of humanity and is readily available to all who come to Him, regardless of their background or the severity of their condition. This echoes His earlier widespread healing ministries described in [Matthew 4:23-25](/matthew/4-23-25 "Matthew 4:23-25 - Jesus' Ministry in Galilee") and [Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16-17 "Matthew 8:16-16 - Jesus Heals Many at Evening")). Lastly, the scene emphasizes the **Importance of Faith and Humility** in approaching Jesus, as the crowds' act of bringing their afflicted and laying them at His feet speaks volumes about their trust in His ability to heal and their humble recognition of His divine power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rhíptō (Greek, _rhíptō'_):** Translated as "cast down," this verb conveys a sense of flinging or throwing, often with urgency or a quick toss. In this context, it suggests a deliberate, perhaps even desperate, act of laying the afflicted individuals before Jesus. It implies not a gentle placement, but an earnest and perhaps unceremonious depositing of their burdens, signifying the immediacy of their need and their complete reliance on Jesus' power.
* **kyllós (Greek, _kyllós'_):** Translated as "maimed," this word describes someone crippled or disfigured, particularly in their feet or hands, indicating a severe physical disability that would have rendered them unable to perform daily tasks or earn a living. Its inclusion alongside "lame, blind, dumb" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the physical ailments Jesus healed, showcasing His power over even the most severe and debilitating conditions.
* **therapeúō (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** Translated as "healed," this verb means to wait upon menially, to adore, or specifically, to relieve of disease. Here, it signifies a complete and thorough restoration to health, not merely a temporary alleviation of symptoms. The use of this word underscores the miraculous and comprehensive nature of Jesus' healing, indicating a divine act that brought full wholeness to those who were suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And great multitudes came unto him":** This phrase emphasizes the vast number of people drawn to Jesus, indicating His widespread renown and the magnetic appeal of His ministry, even in a predominantly Gentile region. It highlights the collective anticipation and desperate hope of those seeking His intervention.
* **"having with them [those that were] lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others":** This clause provides a comprehensive list of severe physical afflictions, showcasing the diverse and profound suffering present among the crowds. The inclusion of "many others" suggests that the list is not exhaustive, further emphasizing the wide array of human ailments that Jesus encountered and addressed, from mobility issues to sensory impairments and disfigurements.
* **"and cast them down at Jesus' feet":** This action signifies a posture of profound humility, desperate supplication, and complete surrender. It implies that the people had exhausted all other options and placed their full trust and hope in Jesus' divine power to heal. Laying someone at the feet of another was a powerful gesture of submission and reliance on the authority of the one being approached.
* **"and he healed them":** This concise yet powerful declaration affirms Jesus' immediate and complete restoration of all who were brought to Him. The simple past tense indicates a swift and decisive action, underscoring His absolute authority over sickness and disease, and confirming His identity as the promised Messiah who brings wholeness.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:30 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "great multitudes" and "many others," which emphasizes the overwhelming number of people and the vast array of their afflictions, underscoring the immense scale of Jesus' healing ministry. **Symbolism** is present in the act of "casting them down at Jesus' feet." The feet, in biblical and ancient cultures, often symbolize authority, submission, and the place of worship or supplication. This action powerfully symbolizes the people's humble recognition of Jesus' divine authority and their complete surrender to His will and power. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Divine Pathos**, as Jesus' immediate and comprehensive healing response to such widespread suffering reveals His deep compassion and empathy for humanity's brokenness, embodying God's loving desire for restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:30 serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of Jesus as the Christ. His ability to heal every single person, regardless of their ailment's severity or the multitude of sufferers, unequivocally declares His divine power and Messianic identity. This event is not merely a display of supernatural ability but a tangible manifestation of the Kingdom of God breaking into the human realm, bringing restoration and wholeness. It underscores that Jesus' compassion extends to all, transcending social, ethnic, or physical barriers, and that His power is sufficient for every human need. The scene points to the ultimate hope of a new creation where all suffering will be eradicated, a promise foundational to Christian eschatology.

* [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Healing in the Kingdom")
* [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Inaugural Sermon, Fulfilling Isaiah")
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus with Power and Healed All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Matthew 15:30 offers enduring encouragement and a profound model for our own faith journey. Just as the great multitudes, driven by desperation and hope, brought their loved ones—those who were lame, blind, dumb, and maimed—and laid them at Jesus' feet, so too are we invited to bring our burdens, our brokenness, and our deepest needs to Him. This includes not only physical ailments but also emotional wounds, spiritual struggles, and the seemingly "maimed" parts of our lives that feel beyond repair. The verse reminds us that Jesus' compassion is unwavering and His power is undiminished. He does not turn away from our suffering but embraces it with a desire to bring wholeness. Our posture should be one of humble surrender, acknowledging His supreme authority and trusting in His ability to heal and restore. This passage challenges us to cultivate a faith that is active, bringing our needs directly to the source of all healing, and to remember that Jesus remains accessible and ready to meet us in our places of greatest vulnerability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lame," "blind," "dumb," or "maimed" aspects of your life or the lives of those you care about do you need to bring to Jesus' feet today?**
* **What does "casting them down at Jesus' feet" look like practically in your prayer life and surrender to God?**
* **How does Jesus' immediate and comprehensive healing in this passage deepen your trust in His power and compassion for your own needs?**
* **In what ways can you, like the multitudes, facilitate others coming to Jesus for healing and restoration?**

### FAQ
**Why did "great multitudes" follow Jesus into a predominantly Gentile region like Decapolis?**

Answer: The "great multitudes" following Jesus into Decapolis, a largely Gentile area, underscore the widespread impact of His ministry and the universal appeal of His miraculous power. Despite ethnic and religious boundaries, news of Jesus' healings and teachings had spread far and wide, drawing people from all backgrounds. This demonstrates that human need and the desire for divine intervention transcended cultural divides, and people were willing to travel great distances to encounter the one who could offer hope and healing. It also subtly foreshadows the future inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith, as Jesus' compassion and power were not limited to Israel.

**What is the significance of "casting them down at Jesus' feet"?**

Answer: The act of "casting them down at Jesus' feet" is deeply significant. It symbolizes a posture of profound humility, desperate supplication, and complete surrender. In ancient cultures, placing oneself or others at the feet of a revered figure was an act of submission, acknowledging their authority and seeking their mercy or intervention. For the multitudes, it represented their exhausted human efforts and their absolute reliance on Jesus' divine power. It was a visible expression of faith, demonstrating that they believed Jesus possessed the unique ability to heal, and they were willing to entrust their most vulnerable loved ones entirely to Him. This gesture highlights the accessibility of Jesus to all who approach Him with humble faith.

**Does Jesus still heal today, and how does this passage relate to contemporary healing?**

Answer: Yes, the Christian faith affirms that Jesus continues to heal today, though not always in the same immediate and physical ways described in the Gospels. Matthew 15:30 serves as a timeless testament to Jesus' unchanging nature as a compassionate healer with ultimate authority over all infirmity. While physical healing may occur, contemporary understanding often broadens "healing" to include emotional, psychological, and spiritual restoration. Jesus' work on the cross provides ultimate healing from sin and its effects ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Were Healed")), and the Holy Spirit continues to bring comfort, transformation, and sometimes miraculous physical restoration according to God's sovereign will ([James 5:14-16](/james/5-14-16 "James 5:14-16 - Prayer for the Sick")). This passage encourages believers to bring all their brokenness to Jesus, trusting in His compassion and power for wholeness in every dimension of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:30, with its powerful portrayal of Jesus healing all who were brought to Him, serves as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and a tangible demonstration of the Kingdom of God. This scene is not merely a historical account of miraculous power but a living illustration of who Jesus is: the compassionate Savior who embodies God's redemptive purpose. His willingness to heal the lame, blind, dumb, and maimed, especially in a Gentile region, foreshadows His ultimate work on the cross, where He bore the infirmities and sins of all humanity ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - Christ Bears Our Sickness and Sorrows")). Just as He took their physical ailments upon Himself, He ultimately took our spiritual brokenness, offering complete healing and reconciliation with God. The act of "casting them down at Jesus' feet" prefigures the posture of worship and surrender that all believers are called to adopt before the exalted Christ, who, though divine, humbled Himself to the point of death to bring us life ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). This passage points forward to the new heaven and new earth, where, through Christ's finished work, there will be no more sorrow, pain, or sickness, and God will wipe away every tear ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")). Thus, Matthew 15:30 is a powerful glimpse into the restorative and redemptive heart of Christ, revealing His mission to bring wholeness to a broken world.

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

Luke 6:17

And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

Luke 6:19

And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed [them] all.

Acts 5:15

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

Acts 5:16

There came also a multitude [out] of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Matthew 14:35

And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;

Matthew 14:36

And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Acts 19:11

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: