Matthew 8:17

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare [our] sicknesses.

That it might {G3704} be fulfilled {G4137} which was spoken {G4483} by {G1223} Esaias {G2268} the prophet {G4396}, saying {G3004}, Himself {G846} took {G2983} our {G2257} infirmities {G769}, and {G2532} bare {G941} our sicknesses {G3554}.

This was done to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Yesha`yahu, "He himself took our weaknesses and bore our diseases"

This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took on our infirmities and carried our diseases.”

that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our diseases.

Context

Matthew 8:17 provides a crucial interpretive lens for understanding Jesus' healing ministry, particularly the events described earlier in the chapter. This verse immediately follows a series of miraculous healings performed by Jesus, including the healing of a leper, a centurion's servant, and Peter's mother-in-law, as well as many others who were brought to Him in the evening (Matthew 8:16). Matthew, as an evangelist, often emphasizes how Jesus' life and ministry fulfill Old Testament prophecies, thereby affirming His identity as the promised Messiah.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The primary theme is the direct fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. Matthew explicitly states that Jesus' acts of healing were a realization of what was spoken by "Esaias the prophet" (Isaiah). This underscores Jesus' divine mission and authority.
  • Jesus' Compassion and Power Over Sickness: The verse highlights Jesus' active role in alleviating human suffering. By taking and bearing infirmities and sicknesses, Jesus demonstrates not only His immense compassion for the afflicted but also His supernatural power over disease and physical ailments, which were often seen as consequences of sin or demonic oppression in that culture.
  • Substitutionary Bearing: The phrase "Himself took our infirmities, and bare [our] sicknesses" points to a substitutionary act. While the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah 53 involves Christ bearing the penalty for our sins on the cross, Matthew applies this specific aspect of the prophecy to Jesus' physical healing ministry, showing that His redemptive work encompasses both spiritual and physical restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The quote in Matthew 8:17 comes directly from Isaiah 53:4, part of the famous "Suffering Servant" passage. In the Greek Septuagint (LXX), which Matthew likely used, the words for "infirmities" (ἀσθενείας - astheneias) and "sicknesses" (νόσους - nosous) are used. Astheneias can refer to weaknesses, frailties, or diseases, while nosous specifically denotes diseases or illnesses. Matthew's direct application of this verse to Jesus' healing ministry emphasizes that Jesus' taking and bearing of these physical burdens was part of His Messianic mission, foreshadowing His ultimate sacrifice for humanity's deepest spiritual need. This aligns with the broader redemptive work of Christ, who also bore our sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:24).

Practical Application

Matthew 8:17 offers profound comfort and insight for believers today. It reminds us that Jesus is not a distant, uncaring God, but one who actively enters into human suffering.

  • Understanding Jesus' Empathy: We see that Jesus understands and identifies with our weaknesses and pains. He didn't just command healing; He "took" and "bare" the weight of human infirmity, demonstrating His deep empathy.
  • Hope in Sickness: For those experiencing physical or emotional struggles, this verse provides hope. It assures us that Jesus has power over all forms of sickness and infirmity and that He is our ultimate burden-bearer. While not every sickness is immediately healed in this life, we can trust in His sovereignty and compassion.
  • Confirmation of Messiahship: For those seeking to understand Jesus' identity, this verse serves as powerful evidence that He is indeed the Christ, the promised Deliverer who fulfills ancient prophecies through His acts of mercy and power.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 53:4

    ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

  • 1 Peter 2:24

    Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

  • Matthew 1:22

    Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

  • Matthew 2:23

    And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

  • Matthew 2:15

    And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

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