Matthew 8:5

KJV

¶ And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when {G1525} Jesus {G2424} was entered {G1525} into {G1519} Capernaum {G2584}, there came {G4334} unto him {G846} a centurion {G1543}, beseeching {G3870} him {G846},

Complete Jewish Bible

As Yeshua entered K'far-Nachum, a Roman army officer came up and pleaded for help.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him,

American Standard Version

And when he was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:5 initiates a profound narrative immediately following Jesus' authoritative Sermon on the Mount, setting the stage for an extraordinary encounter in Capernaum. This verse introduces a Roman centurion, a figure of significant military authority, who humbly approaches Jesus with an earnest plea, thereby establishing the context for a remarkable demonstration of faith and divine power that transcends social and ethnic boundaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition from Jesus' extensive teaching ministry, particularly the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), to a series of powerful demonstrations of His authority over sickness, nature, and demonic forces. Immediately preceding this, Matthew concludes the Sermon by noting the crowds' astonishment at Jesus' teaching, for He taught "as one having authority, and not as the scribes" ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). The healing of the leper in [Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Heals a Leper") further underscores Jesus' power and compassion, preparing the reader for another miraculous display of His divine prerogative, this time involving a Gentile. The centurion's appeal in [Matthew 8:5](/matthew/8-5 "Matthew 8:5 - The Centurion's Plea") thus quickly shifts the narrative focus from Jesus' words to His deeds, illustrating the practical outworking of His authoritative teaching.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Capernaum, a bustling fishing town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, held significant strategic and economic importance in the first century. It was a major center for commerce and a key base for Roman military presence, making the mention of a "centurion" highly relevant. As a Roman military officer commanding approximately one hundred soldiers, a centurion represented the occupying Roman power, often viewed with resentment by the Jewish populace. Their role was to maintain order, collect taxes, and enforce Roman law. For such an individual, a Gentile, to "beseech" a Jewish rabbi publicly was highly unusual and indicative of a profound need or conviction, challenging the typical power dynamics of the era. This act also highlights the diverse social fabric of Galilee, where Jewish and Gentile populations coexisted under Roman rule, setting the scene for interactions that would break down conventional barriers.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 8:5 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the Gospel. The most prominent is the theme of **unexpected faith**, as a Gentile, a representative of the oppressive Roman Empire, demonstrates a faith that will later be explicitly contrasted with the lack of faith among some Israelites ([Matthew 8:10-12](/matthew/8-10-12 "Matthew 8:10-12 - Jesus Commends the Centurion's Faith")). This foreshadows the **inclusion of Gentiles** into God's kingdom, a significant theological point for Matthew's predominantly Jewish audience, emphasizing that God's salvation is for all nations. Furthermore, the centurion's act of "beseeching" Jesus, despite his military rank, underscores the theme of **humility** and **compassion**, as he approaches Jesus not with demands, but with a humble plea on behalf of his servant, demonstrating a remarkable concern for those under his authority. Finally, Jesus' very presence and accessibility in Capernaum highlight His **readiness to engage** with all who seek Him, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or past affiliations, reinforcing His mission to minister to both Jew and Gentile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **entered (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** This verb signifies a movement "into" a place, indicating Jesus' deliberate arrival and presence in Capernaum. It suggests not merely passing through, but establishing a temporary residence or base, reinforcing Capernaum's role as a significant hub for His Galilean ministry, as seen in [Matthew 4:13](/matthew/4-13 "Matthew 4:13 - Jesus Moves to Capernaum"). The act of entering implies an intentional engagement with the people and circumstances of the city.
* **centurion (Greek, _hekatontárchēs'_):** Derived from "one hundred" and "to rule," this term precisely identifies the man as a Roman military officer in charge of approximately 100 soldiers. His title immediately establishes his authority, his Gentile identity, and his connection to the Roman occupation. The presence of such a figure approaching Jesus is highly significant, challenging typical social and religious boundaries of the time and setting the stage for a dramatic display of cross-cultural interaction.
* **beseeching (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** This word carries a rich semantic range, encompassing "to call near," "to invite," "to invoke," "to implore," "to exhort," or "to comfort." In this context, it denotes an earnest, heartfelt appeal or entreaty, rather than a casual request or a demand. The centurion is not asserting his authority but humbly pleading, indicating a deep sense of need and respect for Jesus' power. This choice of word emphasizes the sincerity and urgency of his petition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum":** This clause establishes the setting and the immediate action following Jesus' descent from the mountain after delivering the Sermon. Capernaum, a bustling town, serves as a significant location for Jesus' ministry, often referred to as His "home base." His entry signifies His active engagement with the common people and the daily life of Galilee, bringing His authority and compassion into the heart of a populated area.
* **"there came unto him a centurion":** This introduces the key character of the narrative—a Roman military officer. The phrase "came unto him" implies a deliberate and purposeful approach, highlighting the centurion's initiative. The fact that a centurion, a symbol of foreign occupation and military power, would seek out a Jewish teacher is immediately striking and sets up the unexpected nature of the ensuing interaction.
* **"beseeching him":** This final phrase describes the manner of the centurion's approach. "Beseeching" indicates a humble, earnest, and urgent appeal, rather than a command or a casual request. It immediately signals the centurion's recognition of Jesus' unique authority and his own position of need, laying the groundwork for the extraordinary display of faith that will unfold in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several literary devices in this concise verse to set the scene effectively. The **Juxtaposition** of Jesus, the humble Jewish teacher, entering Capernaum, and the Roman centurion, a figure of imperial power, immediately creates a tension that will be resolved by the centurion's extraordinary faith. This also serves as **Foreshadowing** for the broader theme of Gentile inclusion into the kingdom of God, a significant theological point in Matthew's Gospel. The centurion's act of "beseeching" rather than commanding, despite his rank, highlights a subtle **Irony**, as the one with worldly power humbles himself before the one with divine authority, preparing the reader for Jesus' commendation of his faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:5 serves as a powerful illustration of God's redemptive plan extending beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel. The centurion, a Gentile and a representative of the occupying power, embodies the "outsider" who nonetheless recognizes and appeals to Jesus' divine authority. This encounter underscores the theological truth that true faith is not limited by ethnicity, social status, or religious background, but is a humble reliance on God's power and grace. It sets the stage for Jesus' declaration that many will come from east and west to recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while some "sons of the kingdom" will be cast out. This narrative thus reinforces the principle that God often works in unexpected ways and through unexpected people, valuing genuine faith above all else.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations")
* [Luke 7:1-10](/luke/7-1-10 "Luke 7:1-10 - The Centurion's Servant")
* [Acts 10:1-8](/acts/10-1-8 "Acts 10:1-8 - Cornelius, a Devout Centurion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The centurion's approach to Jesus in Capernaum offers a compelling model for our own spiritual lives. Despite his position of authority, he did not send a subordinate or issue a command, but personally came to Jesus, demonstrating a profound humility and earnestness. This act reminds us that genuine faith often begins with a recognition of our own need and a willingness to humble ourselves before God, regardless of our perceived status or accomplishments in the world. His concern for his servant, a person of lower social standing, also challenges us to cultivate compassion and empathy for those around us, particularly those under our care or influence. We are called to approach God with a similar blend of humility, earnestness, and a deep conviction in His power and willingness to respond. This encounter encourages us to look beyond societal distinctions and to recognize that God's grace and healing are available to all who seek Him with a sincere heart, prompting us to extend that same grace and compassion to others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to humble myself and approach God with greater earnestness, like the centurion?**
* **How does the centurion's concern for his servant challenge my own compassion and care for those around me, especially those I might consider "lesser" than myself?**
* **Am I open to seeing faith in unexpected places or people, or do I tend to limit God's work to those who fit my preconceived notions?**

### FAQ
**Why is the centurion's approach to Jesus particularly significant?**

Answer: The centurion's approach is highly significant for several reasons. First, he was a Gentile, a Roman military officer representing the occupying power, making his humble appeal to a Jewish rabbi highly unusual and counter-cultural. This act immediately highlights the breaking down of ethnic and social barriers. Second, his act of "beseeching" rather than commanding demonstrates remarkable humility for someone of his rank, indicating a profound respect for Jesus' authority. This sets him apart from many religious leaders of the time who often challenged Jesus. Finally, his concern was for his servant, likely a slave, showcasing a compassionate character that was not universally common among those in power during that era. His faith, as Jesus later declares in [Matthew 8:10](/matthew/8-10 "Matthew 8:10 - Jesus Marvels at the Centurion's Faith"), was greater than any Jesus had found in Israel, making him a powerful example of unexpected faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 8:5, though seemingly a simple scene-setter, profoundly anticipates the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work. Jesus' entry into Capernaum and the immediate encounter with a Gentile centurion underscore His mission to be the Savior of all nations, not just Israel. The centurion's humble appeal foreshadows the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, a theme extensively developed in the New Testament, particularly by Paul in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall"). Jesus' willingness to engage with and ultimately heal the centurion's servant, despite the centurion's non-Jewish background, demonstrates His boundless compassion and His authority that transcends all human distinctions. This event is a living parable of the kingdom of God, where those who are "far off" are brought near by the blood of Christ ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood")). The centurion's faith, recognized and commended by Jesus, becomes a prototype for all who would come to Christ, regardless of their past or origin, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a Messiah who would be a light for the Gentiles ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations")) and draw all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Will Draw All People")).

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 7:1

¶ Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

Luke 7:10

And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

Matthew 27:54

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Acts 27:43

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from [their] purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast [themselves] first [into the sea], and get to land:

Acts 10:1

¶ There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian [band],

Acts 10:33

Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Acts 27:31

Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.