Matthew 17:14

ยถ And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a [certain] man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

And {G2532} when they {G846} were come {G2064} to {G4314} the multitude {G3793}, there came {G4334} to him {G846} a certain man {G444}, kneeling down {G1120} to him {G846}, and {G2532} saying {G3004},

As they came up to the crowd, a man approached Yeshua, kneeled down in front of him,

When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus and knelt before Him.

And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a man, kneeling to him, and saying,

Commentary

Matthew 17:14 KJV marks a crucial transition in the Gospel narrative, bringing Jesus and His inner circle from a mountaintop experience of divine glory back to the pressing realities of human suffering and need.

Context

This verse immediately follows the extraordinary event of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13), where Jesus revealed His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. Descending from the mountain, they are met by a large crowd and a desperate man. This juxtaposition highlights the dual nature of Christ's ministry: His divine authority and His compassionate engagement with human brokenness. The man's approach sets the stage for the subsequent healing of his demon-possessed son, which the disciples had been unable to perform.

Key Themes

  • Immediate Accessibility of Christ: Despite having just experienced profound spiritual revelation, Jesus is immediately available to those in distress. He doesn't retreat from the crowds or their problems, demonstrating His constant readiness to engage with human need.
  • Human Desperation and Humility: The man's act of "kneeling down" signifies a deep sense of humility, reverence, and urgent supplication. This posture is characteristic of those who recognize their own helplessness and appeal to a higher authority for aid.
  • Transition from Glory to Need: The narrative abruptly shifts from the radiant glory of the Transfiguration to the dark reality of demonic oppression and human suffering, underscoring Christ's mission to redeem a fallen world by directly confronting its pain.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kneeling down" (Greek: gonypetลn) is significant. It's not just a casual gesture but an act of profound respect and desperate appeal, often associated with worshipping or pleading for help. It implies a recognition of Jesus' authority and power, even before the man states his request. The "certain man" (Greek: anthropos tis) highlights that this was a specific individual in need, drawing the reader's focus to his personal plight rather than a general crowd.

Practical Application

Matthew 17:14 serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus is always approachable, even in our deepest moments of need and desperation. Just as this man came to Jesus with humility and urgency, we are encouraged to bring our burdens, our weaknesses, and our suffering directly to Him. This verse sets the stage for the demonstration of faith and the overcoming of obstacles that follows, inviting us to trust in Christ's power to intervene in our lives, especially when others have failed to help. It underscores the truth that true spiritual power is often demonstrated not in grand displays, but in compassionate responses to individual suffering, much like blind Bartimaeus's persistent cry for mercy.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Mark 9:14

    ยถ And when he came to [his] disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.

  • Mark 9:29

    And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

  • Mark 1:40

    ยถ And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

  • Acts 10:25

    And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped [him].

  • Acts 10:26

    But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

  • Mark 10:17

    ยถ And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

  • Luke 9:37

    ยถ And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.
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