Matthew 8:6

KJV

And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962}, my {G3450} servant {G3816} lieth {G906} at {G1722} home {G3614} sick of the palsy {G3885}, grievously {G1171} tormented {G928}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Sir, my orderly is lying at home paralyzed and suffering terribly!"

Berean Standard Bible

“Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.”

American Standard Version

and saying, Lord, my servant lieth in the house sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:6 opens a poignant scene in Capernaum where a Roman centurion, a figure of significant authority, humbly approaches Jesus. This verse immediately reveals the centurion's deep personal concern for his ailing servant, who is described as being afflicted with paralysis and suffering intense physical torment. It sets the urgent and empathetic tone for the ensuing interaction, highlighting the dire condition of the servant and laying the groundwork for Jesus' remarkable display of healing power and the centurion's extraordinary faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse occurs immediately after Jesus' descent from the mountain where He delivered the profound [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-1-7-29 "The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7"). Having demonstrated His authority through teaching, Jesus now transitions to demonstrating His authority through miraculous healing. The healing of the centurion's servant is the second in a series of miracles recorded in [Matthew 8](/matthew/8 "Matthew Chapter 8 - Miracles and Discipleship"), following the cleansing of a leper ([Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Jesus Cleanses a Leper")). This sequence underscores Jesus' comprehensive power over sickness and suffering, validating His divine claims and prophetic identity. The narrative also serves to highlight the unexpected nature of faith, as a Gentile centurion displays greater faith than many in Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Capernaum, a significant base for Jesus' Galilean ministry, situated on the Sea of Galilee. The presence of a Roman centurion, an officer commanding approximately one hundred soldiers, signifies the Roman occupation of Judea. For such a high-ranking Gentile military official to seek out a Jewish rabbi was highly unusual and indicative of profound desperation or respect. Roman society often viewed servants, particularly slaves, as property rather than individuals deserving of deep personal concern, making the centurion's plea for his "servant" (Greek: _paîs_, which could mean a slave or a beloved child/attendant) particularly striking. The condition of "palsy" (paralysis) was a common and often incurable affliction in the ancient world, frequently leading to a life of dependency and suffering.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 8:6 introduces several critical themes that resonate throughout the Gospels. Firstly, it showcases **Compassion and Empathy**, not only from the centurion towards his servant, challenging societal norms regarding the value of a servant's life, but also foreshadowing Jesus' own deep compassion for the suffering. Secondly, it exemplifies **Intercessory Prayer**, as the centurion acts as a mediator, pleading on behalf of another. This selfless act of bringing another's dire need before Jesus underscores the power and importance of praying for one another, a theme echoed in passages like [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Prayer of a Righteous Person"). Thirdly, the verse starkly portrays **Human Suffering**, describing the servant's condition as not merely paralyzed but "grievously tormented," emphasizing the intense physical anguish. This highlights the reality of affliction in a fallen world and sets the stage for Jesus' demonstration of divine authority over such suffering, a recurring motif in His ministry as seen in [Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus' Ministry of Teaching, Preaching, and Healing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **servant (Greek, _paîs'_):** From G3816, this word can denote a boy, a child, or more broadly, a slave or servant. In this context, the centurion's deep concern for his _paîs_ suggests a relationship that transcends mere ownership, implying a valued member of his household, perhaps even a trusted attendant or a beloved younger person. This choice of word highlights the centurion's unusual compassion, challenging the typical master-slave dynamic of the time.
* **sick of the palsy (Greek, _paralytikós'_):** From G3885, meaning "paralytic" or "as if dissolved." This term describes a condition of paralysis, where the affected individual loses the ability to move voluntary muscles. It signifies a debilitating physical state, rendering the person helpless and dependent. This detail immediately conveys the severity of the servant's physical incapacitation.
* **grievously (Greek, _deinōs'_):** From G1171, this adverb means "terribly" or "excessively." It intensifies the subsequent verb "tormented," indicating that the servant's suffering was not merely present but agonizingly severe and acute. This word emphasizes the extreme pain and distress accompanying the paralysis, making the servant's condition profoundly urgent and pitiable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And saying,"**: This phrase connects the centurion's approach to Jesus with his immediate verbal plea. It signifies the directness and urgency of his address, indicating that he wasted no time in presenting his request to the Lord.
* **"Lord,"**: The centurion's address to Jesus using "Lord" (Greek: _kýrios_, G2962) is significant. It functions as a respectful title, acknowledging Jesus' authority, status, or mastery. For a Roman officer to use such a term for a Jewish teacher demonstrates a remarkable degree of humility and recognition of Jesus' unique position.
* **"my servant lieth at home"**: This clause establishes the subject of the centurion's concern—his personal servant—and the location of the suffering—"at home" (Greek: _oikía_, G3614). The verb "lieth" (Greek: _bállō_, G906) can mean "to throw" or "to lay," suggesting the servant is prostrate, helpless, and confined to his bed or dwelling due to his condition.
* **"sick of the palsy, grievously tormented."**: This final clause vividly describes the servant's dual and dire condition. He is paralyzed ("sick of the palsy"), unable to move, and simultaneously experiencing intense, agonizing pain ("grievously tormented"). The combination paints a picture of profound physical suffering, underscoring the desperate need for divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Pathos** is strongly evident in the description of the servant's condition as "sick of the palsy, grievously tormented." This vivid portrayal of intense suffering is designed to evoke deep sympathy and compassion from the reader, mirroring the centurion's own distress. The phrase also utilizes **Hyperbole** or intense description with "grievously tormented" (Greek: _deinōs basanizomenos_), emphasizing the extreme nature of the pain beyond mere paralysis. Furthermore, the scene subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, as the centurion's humble approach and the severity of the servant's illness set the stage for Jesus' subsequent commendation of the centurion's extraordinary faith and the miraculous healing that follows, hinting at the powerful authority Jesus possesses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:6 offers profound theological insights into God's character and the nature of His kingdom. The centurion's compassionate plea for his servant, a person of lower social standing, transcends the typical hierarchical norms of the Roman world, reflecting a divine concern for all humanity regardless of status. Jesus' immediate attention to this Gentile's request underscores the universal scope of God's grace, breaking down ethnic and social barriers that often divide people. The act of intercession itself highlights the power of prayer offered on behalf of others, demonstrating that God is attentive to the cries of those who care for their neighbors. This encounter foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God, a central theme in the New Testament, illustrating that faith, not lineage or social standing, is the true criterion for receiving God's favor.

* [Luke 7:1-10](/luke/7-1-10 "Luke's Account of the Centurion's Servant")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Effective Prayer of a Righteous Person")
* [Matthew 9:2-7](/matthew/9-2-7 "Matthew 9:2-7 - Jesus Heals and Forgives a Paralytic")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The centurion's plea in Matthew 8:6 serves as a powerful model for believers today, inviting us to cultivate a heart of compassion and active intercession. His deep concern for his servant, despite the social distance, challenges us to look beyond our immediate circles and extend genuine care to all who suffer, regardless of their background, status, or relationship to us. This verse reminds us that true empathy moves beyond mere feeling to action, compelling us to bring the needs of others before the Lord. Just as the centurion approached Jesus with urgency and a clear articulation of the problem, we are encouraged to present our prayers for others with specific needs and humble confidence in Jesus' willingness and power to intervene. It is a call to selfless love, trusting that when we intercede for the "grievously tormented" in our world—whether by physical ailment, emotional distress, or spiritual brokenness—Jesus is attentive and able to bring healing and relief.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the centurion's concern for his servant challenge our own attitudes toward those in need, especially those outside our immediate circle or social standing?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the power and importance of intercessory prayer in our personal and communal spiritual lives?**
* **In what areas of your life or for whom do you need to approach Jesus with the same humble urgency and trust in His authority as the centurion?**

### FAQ

**Why is it significant that a Roman centurion approached Jesus?**

Answer: The fact that a Roman centurion, a representative of the occupying power and a figure of authority, humbly approached Jesus, a Jewish rabbi, is highly significant. It demonstrates a remarkable level of humility and a recognition of Jesus' unique authority that transcended ethnic, social, and political barriers. In a society often marked by animosity between Jews and Romans, this encounter highlights the universal appeal of Jesus' ministry and foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into God's kingdom. It also underscores that true faith can be found in unexpected places, challenging the assumptions of the religious establishment of the day.

**What does "sick of the palsy, grievously tormented" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "sick of the palsy" (Greek: _paralytikós_) refers to paralysis, a condition where one loses the ability to move parts of the body, often rendering the person helpless and bedridden. The addition of "grievously tormented" (Greek: _deinōs basanizomenos_) intensifies the description significantly. "Grievously" (from _deinōs_) means terribly or excessively, while "tormented" (from _basanizō_) implies severe anguish, torture, or intense suffering. This indicates that the servant was not merely paralyzed but also experiencing acute, ongoing, and agonizing pain, making his condition profoundly debilitating and urgent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The centurion's desperate plea for his "grievously tormented" servant in Matthew 8:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's compassionate response to human suffering. Jesus' willingness to engage with and heal the servant of a Roman centurion, a Gentile, powerfully demonstrates His mission to break down all dividing walls, fulfilling the promise that in Abraham's seed all nations would be blessed ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "The Gospel Preached to Abraham")). His power over paralysis and torment points to His divine authority over the consequences of sin—sickness, pain, and death. He is the Great Physician, not only healing physical ailments but also addressing the deeper spiritual malady of humanity, ultimately taking on our infirmities and bearing our diseases, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "The Suffering Servant") and directly applied to Jesus' healing ministry in [Matthew 8:17](/matthew/8-17 "Jesus Fulfills Isaiah's Prophecy"). This encounter foreshadows Jesus' ultimate act of intercession and sacrifice on the cross, where He became the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby offering not just temporary relief from physical pain but eternal salvation and freedom from the spiritual torment of sin. His compassion for the suffering servant is a living testament to His very nature as the Son of Man who came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Jesus Came to Serve")).

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

Matthew 4:24

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Colossians 4:1

¶ Masters, give unto [your] servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Acts 9:33

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

1 Timothy 6:2

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise [them], because they are brethren; but rather do [them] service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

Acts 8:7

For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed [with them]: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

Philemon 1:16

Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?