Matthew 15:31

KJV

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Insomuch that {G5620} the multitude {G3793} wondered {G2296}, when they saw {G991} the dumb {G2974} to speak {G2980}, the maimed {G2948} to be whole {G5199}, the lame {G5560} to walk {G4043}, and {G2532} the blind {G5185} to see {G991}: and {G2532} they glorified {G1392} the God {G2316} of Israel {G2474}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people were amazed as they saw mute people speaking, crippled people cured, lame people walking and blind people seeing; and they said a b'rakhah to the God of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

The crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel.

American Standard Version

insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:31 vividly portrays the profound astonishment and reverent response of the large crowd witnessing Jesus' comprehensive healing ministry. As they observed the restoration of the mute, crippled, lame, and blind, their initial wonder transformed into a collective act of worship, glorifying the God of Israel for the undeniable display of divine power and compassion manifested through Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant healing episode that immediately precedes the feeding of the four thousand. Following Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman and His teaching on true defilement in [Matthew 15:1-20](/matthew/15-1-20 "Matthew 15 - True Defilement"), Jesus withdraws to the region of Decapolis, a largely Gentile area. [Matthew 15:29-30](/matthew/15-29-30 "Matthew 15:29-30 - Jesus Heals Many") sets the scene, describing how Jesus went up on a mountain, 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." Verse 31 is the direct culmination of this mass healing event, detailing the crowd's reaction before Jesus calls His disciples to prepare for the feeding of the multitude in [Matthew 15:32-39](/matthew/15-32-39 "Matthew 15:32-39 - Feeding the Four Thousand").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Decapolis ("Ten Cities") was a region east of the Sea of Galilee, predominantly Gentile in population and Hellenistic in culture, though with some Jewish inhabitants. Jesus' ministry in this area, following His encounter with the Syrophoenician woman (often identified with the Canaanite woman in Matthew), highlights His expanding reach beyond traditional Jewish territories. The healings of the "dumb," "maimed," "lame," and "blind" were not merely acts of compassion but carried profound theological weight, fulfilling specific Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's advent. The crowd's response, glorifying "the God of Israel," is particularly striking given the Gentile context, indicating a recognition of the God of the Abrahamic covenant as the source of this miraculous power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Authority of Jesus** over sickness and physical brokenness, demonstrating His divine power to restore creation. Secondly, it serves as a crucial piece of **Messianic Proof**, as the specific types of healings (opening the eyes of the blind, unstopping the ears of the deaf, enabling the lame to leap, and the mute to sing) directly fulfill prophecies found in passages like [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecies of Messianic Healing") and [Isaiah 29:18](/isaiah/29-18 "Isaiah 29:18 - The Deaf Will Hear"). Thirdly, the crowd's response emphasizes the theme of **Glorifying God**, revealing that the ultimate purpose of Jesus' miracles was to bring honor and praise to the Father. Finally, the location of these miracles in a Gentile region highlights the **Universal Scope of God's Kingdom** and Jesus' mission to all peoples, a theme that culminates in the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wondered (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** From θαῦμα, meaning to wonder or admire. This word conveys a sense of astonishment and amazement, a natural human reaction to witnessing something extraordinary and inexplicable by normal means. It signifies a profound emotional and intellectual response to the miraculous display of power.
* **glorified (Greek, _doxázō'_):** From δόξα, meaning to render or esteem glorious, to honor or magnify. This term describes the multitude's response not just as admiration, but as an act of worship and praise directed towards God. It implies an acknowledgment of God's majesty, power, and inherent worth, recognizing Him as the source of the miracles.
* **God of Israel (Greek, _theós Israḗl'_):** The combination of G2316 (theós, God) and G2474 (Israḗl, Israel) specifically identifies the deity being glorified. This phrase points to the covenant God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the one true God revealed in the Old Testament. Its use by a largely Gentile crowd in Decapolis is particularly significant, indicating that they recognized the power displayed as originating from the specific God of the Jewish people, thereby acknowledging His unique sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Insomuch that the multitude wondered":** This opening clause establishes the immediate and overwhelming impact of Jesus' healings on the vast crowd. Their "wonder" (Greek: _ethaumasan_) signifies a deep astonishment and awe, indicating that what they witnessed transcended ordinary human capabilities and pointed to a supernatural source. This reaction sets the stage for their subsequent, more profound response.
* **"when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see":** This detailed enumeration of the specific types of healings provides concrete evidence for the crowd's astonishment. Each category represents a profound restoration of a fundamental human faculty or physical integrity. The "dumb" (mute) speaking, the "maimed" (crippled or withered) being made whole, the "lame" walking, and the "blind" seeing collectively demonstrate the comprehensive nature of Jesus' power, leaving no doubt as to the divine origin of these miracles. The progression from speech to physical movement to sight covers a wide spectrum of human brokenness.
* **"and they glorified the God of Israel":** This culminating clause reveals the ultimate outcome of the miraculous display. The crowd's wonder transforms into active worship and praise. By "glorifying" God, they are acknowledging His majesty, power, and goodness as the source of these incredible works. The specific reference to "the God of Israel" is highly significant, especially in a Gentile region, indicating that the crowd recognized the God of the Abrahamic covenant as the one true God responsible for these wonders, thus affirming Jesus' connection to the divine plan for His chosen people and, by extension, for all humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:31 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism** in the enumeration of the healings ("the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see"). This detailed list creates a powerful cumulative effect, emphasizing the breadth and completeness of Jesus' miraculous power. Each pair of conditions and their restoration highlights a specific area of human brokenness being divinely mended. There is also a sense of **Climax or Culmination**, as this verse serves as the powerful conclusion to the preceding healing narrative, with the crowd's glorification of God being the ultimate, desired response to Jesus' works. Finally, the healings themselves carry profound **Symbolism**. Beyond physical restoration, they symbolize the spiritual transformation and liberation that Jesus offers: opening the eyes of those spiritually blind, enabling those who cannot speak God's truth to proclaim it, and empowering those crippled by sin to walk in righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:31 stands as a powerful testament to the divine nature of Jesus' ministry, demonstrating that His works were not merely acts of compassion but clear manifestations of God's power and fulfillment of ancient prophecies. The crowd's response of glorifying "the God of Israel" underscores the theological truth that all true miracles ultimately point back to God as their source, revealing His glory and inviting worship. This event reinforces the messianic identity of Jesus, as the types of healings performed directly align with Old Testament predictions regarding the coming Messiah, who would bring light to the blind and freedom to the captives. It also subtly highlights the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan, reaching even into predominantly Gentile territories, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel.

* [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Messianic Healing")
* [Luke 7:21-22](/luke/7-21-22 "Luke 7:21-22 - Jesus' Works as Proof for John the Baptist")
* [John 9:32-33](/john/9-32-33 "John 9:32-33 - Unprecedented Healing of the Blind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:31 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, inviting us to cultivate a posture of wonder and worship in response to God's ongoing work in the world. Just as the multitude was overwhelmed by the visible restoration of broken bodies, we too are called to recognize and praise God for His power, whether it manifests in physical healing, spiritual transformation, or the intricate beauty of creation. This verse reminds us that genuine encounters with God's power should lead to glorification, shifting our focus from the miracle itself to the Miracle-Worker. It challenges us to consider how our own lives, when touched by God's grace, should become testimonies that lead others to acknowledge and praise Him. Furthermore, it encourages us to have faith in Jesus' ability to bring wholeness to every area of our lives, knowing that the same power that healed the dumb, maimed, lame, and blind is still at work today, restoring and transforming.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does witnessing God's power, whether in scripture or in your own life, transform your perspective and lead you to worship?**
* **In what ways might we, like the multitude, move beyond mere wonder to active glorification of God in our daily lives?**
* **What "blindness," "lameness," or "muteness" in your own life or in the world around you do you long for God to heal or restore?**
* **How can the fact that Jesus healed Gentiles in Decapolis encourage us to share the Gospel beyond our familiar circles?**

### FAQ

**Why is it significant that the crowd glorified "the God of Israel" specifically, especially in a Gentile region?**

Answer: The specific phrase "the God of Israel" is highly significant because it points to the unique covenant relationship between God and the nation of Israel, as revealed in the Old Testament. In the largely Gentile region of Decapolis, this acknowledgment indicates that the non-Jewish or Hellenized audience recognized that the extraordinary power displayed by Jesus originated from the one true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It suggests a profound recognition of the divine authority and identity of the God who had chosen Israel, extending His miraculous power even to those outside the traditional covenant community. This foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel, where people from "every nation, tribe, people and language" will come to glorify God, as seen in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation").

**What is the theological significance of Jesus healing such a wide range of ailments (dumb, maimed, lame, blind)?**

Answer: The comprehensive nature of the healings in [Matthew 15:30-31](/matthew/15-30-31 "Matthew 15:30-31 - Jesus Heals Many") carries deep theological significance. Firstly, it demonstrates the **total authority and power of Jesus** over all forms of human brokenness and physical limitation. No condition was too severe or complex for Him to heal. Secondly, it serves as a powerful **fulfillment of Old Testament messianic prophecies**. Prophets like Isaiah foretold that when the Messiah came, "the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing" ([Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecies of Messianic Healing")). Jesus' actions were undeniable proof of His identity as the long-awaited Messiah. Thirdly, it symbolizes the **holistic restoration** that Jesus brings, not just physically, but spiritually, addressing every aspect of humanity's fallen state.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:31 profoundly points to Jesus as the Christ, the promised Messiah, whose earthly ministry of healing was a tangible manifestation of God's redemptive power and a foretaste of the ultimate spiritual restoration He offers. The physical healings of the dumb, maimed, lame, and blind were not merely acts of compassion, but powerful signs validating Jesus' divine identity and mission. These miracles directly fulfilled Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, demonstrating that He was indeed the one sent by the God of Israel to bring light, freedom, and wholeness. Just as Jesus restored sight to the physically blind, He came to open the eyes of those spiritually blind to the truth of God's kingdom ([John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus Heals the Blind Man and Explains Spiritual Blindness")). His enabling the lame to walk foreshadows His power to empower those crippled by sin to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walking in Newness of Life")). The mute speaking points to the spiritual liberation to confess Christ and proclaim His praises ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confessing Christ")). Ultimately, these physical healings are a microcosm of the grander work of salvation, where Jesus, through His atoning death and resurrection, provides complete healing from the effects of sin, reconciling humanity to God and offering eternal life to all who believe ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The multitude's glorification of the God of Israel in response to these miracles serves as a model for all humanity to recognize and worship Jesus as the visible embodiment of God's glory and saving power.

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 9:8

But when the multitudes saw [it], they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Luke 18:43

And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw [it], gave praise unto God.

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.

Luke 7:16

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

Luke 17:15

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

Luke 17:18

There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

Matthew 18:8

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast [them] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.