Matthew 8:2

KJV

And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, there came {G2064} a leper {G3015} and worshipped {G4352} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962}, if {G1437} thou wilt {G2309}, thou canst {G1410} make {G2511} me {G3165} clean {G2511}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then a man afflicted with tzara`at came, kneeled down in front of him and said, "Sir, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

Berean Standard Bible

Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”

American Standard Version

And behold, there came to him a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:2 presents a profound encounter where a leper, defying social and religious norms, approaches Jesus with an extraordinary display of faith and humility. Immediately following Jesus's authoritative Sermon on the Mount, this verse captures the leper's desperate yet confident plea, recognizing Jesus's undeniable power to heal and his compassionate willingness to cleanse. It sets the stage for a miraculous healing that underscores Jesus's authority over disease and His radical compassion for the marginalized, demonstrating the transformative power of faith in His divine ability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal moment in Matthew's Gospel, immediately succeeding the conclusion of Jesus's monumental [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and Kingdom Ethics") (Matthew 5-7). The Sermon established Jesus's authority as a teacher and interpreter of the Law, presenting the radical ethics of the Kingdom of Heaven. As Jesus descends from the mountain, large crowds follow Him, eager to witness His power. The healing of the leper in [Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Heals a Leper") is the first of a series of ten miracles recorded in [Matthew 8-9](/matthew/8 "Matthew 8 - Miracles of Jesus"), serving as concrete demonstrations of the divine authority Jesus proclaimed in His teaching. This immediate transition from teaching to miraculous action powerfully validates His claims, showing that His words are backed by divine power. The leper's approach, therefore, is not an isolated incident but the initial act in a sequence designed to reveal Jesus's comprehensive authority over sickness, nature, and even death.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, leprosy (Hebrew: _tzara'at_) was a devastating and highly stigmatized condition, encompassing various severe skin diseases, not solely modern Hansen's disease. According to the Mosaic Law detailed in [Leviticus 13-14](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"), a person afflicted with leprosy was declared ceremonially "unclean" by the priest. This uncleanness mandated strict social isolation: lepers had to live outside the camp or city, wear torn clothes, leave their hair disheveled, cover their upper lip, and cry out "Unclean! Unclean!" to warn others of their presence ([Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Regulations for Lepers")). They were forbidden from touching others, being touched, or participating in public worship, effectively excommunicated from society and religious life. The leper's act of approaching Jesus, let alone worshipping Him, was an extraordinary breach of these deeply ingrained social and religious barriers, highlighting his profound desperation and courage, as well as his conviction that Jesus possessed unique authority.

* **Key Themes:** This encounter contributes significantly to several major themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully establishes **Jesus's divine authority** not only in teaching but also over disease and the forces of uncleanness. His ability to cleanse a leper, a feat beyond human capability and typically reserved for divine intervention, underscores His unique identity as the Messiah. Secondly, the leper's bold approach and declaration, "Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean," exemplifies the theme of **faith**. His certainty in Jesus's _ability_ (power) and his humble submission to Jesus's _will_ (sovereignty) serve as a model for how one should approach God. Thirdly, Jesus's response (though not in this specific verse, it is immediately implied and fulfilled in [Matthew 8:3](/matthew/8-3 "Matthew 8:3 - Jesus Touches and Heals the Leper")) highlights His **compassion and willingness to break social barriers** to bring healing and restoration. Finally, the concept of "cleansing" extends beyond mere physical healing to encompass **ceremonial and spiritual purification**, foreshadowing Jesus's ultimate work of cleansing humanity from the defilement of sin, as seen throughout the New Testament, for instance, in [Acts 15:9](/acts/15-9 "Acts 15:9 - Cleansing Hearts by Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **worshipped (Greek, _proskynéō_):** G4352, from πρός and a probable derivative of κύων (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore):--worship. This word signifies an act of profound reverence and submission, often involving prostration. While it can be used for showing respect to a king or dignitary, in the context of Jesus, especially given the leper's desperate plea for a miraculous cleansing, it carries a strong connotation of divine adoration, acknowledging Jesus's unique and supernatural authority.
* **wilt (Greek, _thélō_):** G2309, apparently strengthened from the alternate form of αἱρέομαι; to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas βούλομαι properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations), i.e. choose or prefer (literally or figuratively); by implication, to wish, i.e. be inclined to (sometimes adverbially, gladly); impersonally for the future tense, to be about to; by Hebraism, to delight in:--desire, be disposed (forward), intend, list, love, mean, please, have rather, (be) will (have, -ling, - ling(-ly)). The leper's use of "if thou wilt" (ἐάν θέλῃς) indicates not a doubt in Jesus's power, but a humble submission to His sovereign will and compassionate disposition. It acknowledges that Jesus's healing actions are not compelled but flow from His deliberate choice and divine purpose.
* **canst (Greek, _dýnamai_):** G1410, of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible:--be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power. This word expresses absolute capability and inherent power. The leper's declaration, "thou canst make me clean," reveals his unwavering conviction in Jesus's omnipotence. He has no doubt whatsoever about Jesus's ability to perform the miracle; his only question pertains to Jesus's willingness, not His capacity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, there came a leper":** The opening "And, behold" (καὶ ἰδοὺ) serves as a dramatic interjection, drawing the reader's attention to the unexpected and significant event about to unfold. The arrival of "a leper" is highly provocative, as lepers were strictly segregated from society due to their ceremonial uncleanness. His presence in the crowd, let alone his approach to Jesus, was a radical act of defiance against deeply ingrained social and religious norms, driven by desperate hope and profound faith.
* **"and worshipped him,":** This action (προσεκύνησεν αὐτῷ, _prosekynēsen autō_) signifies the leper's profound reverence and homage to Jesus. It implies prostration, a gesture of ultimate respect and submission, often reserved for God or a king. For a marginalized leper to offer such worship to Jesus speaks volumes about his recognition of Jesus's unique and divine authority, acknowledging Him as far more than just a prophet or a teacher.
* **"saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.":** This direct address encapsulates the leper's complete understanding of Jesus's power and his humble submission to Jesus's will. By calling Him "Lord" (Κύριε, _Kyrie_), the leper acknowledges Jesus's supreme authority. His statement, "if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean," is not an expression of doubt in Jesus's ability, but rather a profound act of faith that trusts Jesus's sovereign will and compassionate nature. He is certain of Jesus's power (_dýnamai_) and only seeks confirmation of His desire (_thélō_). The request to be "clean" (καθαρίσαι, _katharisai_) goes beyond mere physical healing; it encompasses the full restoration—physical, ceremonial, and social—that was denied to lepers.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. The use of **Direct Discourse** allows the leper's poignant and faith-filled plea to be heard unfiltered, emphasizing his humility and conviction. The phrase "And, behold" (καὶ ἰδοὺ) functions as an **Interjection** or **Exclamatory Particle**, immediately grabbing the reader's attention and signaling the arrival of something extraordinary and significant. There is a strong element of **Contrast** between the leper's socially outcast and ritually unclean status and the divine authority and purity of Jesus. This contrast highlights Jesus's willingness to engage with the marginalized and defy conventional barriers. Furthermore, the leper's act of "worshipping" Jesus, a gesture typically reserved for divine beings, can be seen as **Foreshadowing** Jesus's true identity and the ultimate recognition of His deity, even by those on the fringes of society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This encounter profoundly illustrates the nature of faith and the character of God as revealed in Jesus. The leper's approach, despite the severe social and religious prohibitions, demonstrates a faith that transcends human limitations and societal fear. His plea, "if thou wilt, thou canst," is a model of humble yet confident prayer, acknowledging God's absolute power while submitting to His perfect will. It underscores that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a courageous, active trust in God's ability and goodness. Jesus's subsequent compassionate response (in the following verse) further reveals His willingness to extend grace and healing, breaking down the barriers of ritual impurity and social ostracism to restore individuals to wholeness and community, thereby demonstrating the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God.

* [Mark 1:40-45](/mark/1-40-45 "Mark 1:40-45 - Jesus Cleanses a Leper")
* [Luke 5:12-16](/luke/5-12-16 "Luke 5:12-16 - Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The leper's encounter with Jesus in Matthew 8:2 offers a timeless blueprint for how we, too, can approach God with our deepest needs and desires. Like the leper, we are often burdened by "uncleanness"—whether it be sin, shame, sickness, or brokenness—that can make us feel alienated from God and others. Yet, this verse calls us to move past our fears and perceived unworthiness, to come to Jesus with unwavering faith in His power and humble submission to His will. It reminds us that our access to God is not based on our merit or ritual purity, but on His boundless grace and compassion. The leper's certainty in Jesus's _ability_ to heal, coupled with his trust in Jesus's _willingness_, teaches us to pray with both conviction and surrender, knowing that God is both capable and good. This narrative encourages us to lay bare our vulnerabilities before Christ, trusting that He sees beyond our outward conditions to our deepest needs, and that His desire is always for our ultimate cleansing and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "leprosy" (spiritual, emotional, physical) might I be holding back from Jesus, fearing His unwillingness or my unworthiness?**
* **How does the leper's balance of certainty in Jesus's power ("thou canst") and submission to His will ("if thou wilt") inform my own prayer life?**
* **In what ways am I called to defy social or personal barriers to draw closer to Jesus, just as the leper did?**
* **How does the leper's act of "worship" before his healing speak to the posture of my heart when I bring my needs to God?**

### FAQ
**Why did the leper say "if thou wilt," suggesting a potential doubt in Jesus's willingness?**

Answer: The leper's phrase "if thou wilt" (ἐάν θέλῃς) is not an expression of doubt concerning Jesus's _power_ (he explicitly states, "thou canst make me clean"), but rather a profound act of humility and submission to Jesus's _sovereign will_. In ancient Jewish thought, leprosy was sometimes seen as a divine punishment, and healing from it was considered a miracle akin to raising the dead. The leper understood that while Jesus possessed the undeniable ability to heal him, whether He would choose to do so was entirely up to His divine discretion and compassionate nature. It reflects a deep trust that Jesus's will is always good and purposeful, even if it doesn't align with human expectations. This demonstrates a mature faith that acknowledges God's absolute authority and goodness.

**What was the significance of the leper "worshipping" Jesus?**

Answer: The Greek word translated "worshipped" is _proskynéō_ (G4352), which means to prostrate oneself, to bow down in homage or reverence. While it could be used for showing respect to a king or dignitary, in the context of Jesus, especially given the miraculous nature of His power and the leper's desperate plea for divine intervention, it often carries the connotation of divine adoration. For an outcast leper to offer such profound homage to Jesus indicates a recognition of His extraordinary, perhaps even divine, status. It suggests that the leper perceived Jesus as more than just a prophet or healer, but as someone possessing unique authority from God, worthy of ultimate reverence. This act of worship foreshadows the later confessions of Jesus's deity throughout the Gospels, such as the blind man who, after being healed, [worshipped Jesus in John 9:38](/john/9-38 "John 9:38 - The Blind Man Worships Jesus").

**What did "clean" mean for a leper, beyond just physical healing?**

Answer: For a leper in ancient Israel, being made "clean" (καθαρίσαι, _katharisai_) meant far more than just the physical disappearance of the disease. According to Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 13-14](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases")), leprosy rendered a person ceremonially unclean, leading to social ostracization and exclusion from religious life. Therefore, "cleansing" implied a complete restoration:
1. **Physical Healing:** The eradication of the skin disease itself.
2. **Ceremonial Purity:** Being declared clean by a priest, allowing the leper to re-enter the community and participate in temple worship after prescribed rituals.
3. **Social Reintegration:** Restoration to family, friends, and society, ending the painful isolation.
Thus, the leper's request for "cleansing" was a plea for total restoration—physical, spiritual, and social—to a full and normal life, a powerful symbol of the holistic salvation Jesus offers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter with the leper in Matthew 8:2 beautifully foreshadows and embodies the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus's willingness to engage with the unclean, and His power to make them clean, is a profound illustration of His ultimate mission. Just as the leper was an outcast, defiled by a disease that rendered him ceremonially and socially unclean, humanity is spiritually defiled by sin, separated from a holy God. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, did not hesitate to identify with the unclean, ultimately taking on the defilement of humanity's sin on the cross. His ability to cleanse the leper foreshadows His greater power to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, making us spiritually pure and acceptable before God. He is the one who both "wills" and "can" cleanse us, not merely from physical ailments but from the pervasive disease of sin, offering a complete restoration to fellowship with God and entry into His eternal kingdom. This act of cleansing points directly to the atoning work of Christ, through whom we are [made clean by His blood](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood") and [presented holy and blameless before Him](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Presented Holy and Blameless"). He is the ultimate High Priest who, unlike earthly priests, [cleanses us once for all](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through the Offering of Jesus Christ").

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 17:12

And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

Luke 17:19

And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Matthew 18:26

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Matthew 15:25

Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

Luke 5:12

¶ And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on [his] face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Luke 5:14

And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Mark 1:40

¶ 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.