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Matthew 8:5

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 8:5 opens a pivotal account in Jesus' ministry, immediately following His powerful Sermon on the Mount. This verse sets the scene for an extraordinary display of faith and authority.

Context

As Jesus entered Capernaum, a bustling fishing town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, it marked a significant location in His Galilean ministry. Often considered His "home base" (Matthew 4:13), Capernaum was a vibrant center where Jesus performed many miracles and taught extensively. The mention of a "centurion" immediately introduces a non-Jewish figure. A centurion was a Roman military officer commanding approximately 100 soldiers, a symbol of the Roman occupation. His presence highlights the diverse social and political landscape of the time, and his action of "beseeching" Jesus demonstrates a remarkable departure from typical Roman authority, showcasing humility and earnestness.

Key Themes

  • Unexpected Faith: The centurion, a Gentile and a representative of the occupying power, approaches Jesus with a plea. This act foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's kingdom, a recurring theme in Matthew's Gospel.
  • Humility and Compassion: Despite his high military rank, the centurion humbled himself before Jesus, not demanding but "beseeching" Him. His concern for his servant, likely a slave, also speaks volumes about his compassionate character, which was not always common in that era.
  • Jesus' Accessibility: Jesus' entry into Capernaum and the immediate encounter with the centurion underline His readiness to engage with anyone who seeks Him, regardless of their background or social standing.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "beseeching" translates the Greek word parakaleo (παρακαλέω). This term carries a strong sense of earnest appeal, imploring, or calling upon someone for help or comfort. It suggests a heartfelt and pressing request rather than a casual inquiry, emphasizing the centurion's deep need and conviction.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers today to approach God with humble and earnest prayer, knowing that He hears and responds to those who seek Him sincerely, regardless of their past or present circumstances. The centurion's example reminds us that true faith can be found in unexpected places and that compassion for others, even those under our authority, is a virtue highly valued by God. It sets the stage for a powerful lesson on the nature of faith, which is further explored in the subsequent verses of Matthew 8.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Luke 7:1 (18 votes)

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

  • Luke 7:10 (18 votes)

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

  • Matthew 27:54 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Acts 10:33 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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