Matthew 8:6

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 8:6 captures the beginning of a remarkable encounter between Jesus and a Roman centurion in Capernaum. This verse highlights the centurion's immediate concern and the dire condition of his servant, setting the stage for one of Jesus' most profound demonstrations of healing and an affirmation of extraordinary faith.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' descent from the mountain where He delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Upon entering Capernaum, a Roman centurion approaches Him, a significant detail as centurions were officers in charge of about a hundred soldiers, representing Roman authority. For such a figure to seek out a Jewish teacher demonstrates considerable humility and desperation. The parallel account in Luke 7:1-10 adds that the centurion sent elders of the Jews, further emphasizing his respect and perhaps his unworthiness in his own eyes.

Key Themes

  • Compassion and Empathy: The centurion, despite his position, shows deep concern for his servant, a person of lower social standing. His distress over his servant's suffering drives him to seek help from Jesus. This illustrates a profound sense of responsibility and care that transcends social barriers.
  • Intercessory Prayer: This verse is a powerful example of intercessory prayer, where one person pleads on behalf of another. The centurion doesn't ask for himself but for his ailing servant, demonstrating a selfless act of faith and love. The Bible often encourages us to pray for one another.
  • Human Suffering: The description "sick of the palsy, grievously tormented" paints a vivid picture of severe physical affliction. "Palsy" refers to paralysis, while "grievously tormented" (Greek: deinōs basanizomenos) indicates intense pain and suffering, suggesting a condition that was not only debilitating but also excruciating. This highlights the reality of suffering in the world and Jesus' power over it.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "palsy" here is paralytikos (παραλυτικός), referring to one afflicted with paralysis. The phrase "grievously tormented" translates deinōs basanizomenos (δεινῶς βασανιζόμενος), which conveys a sense of severe anguish, torture, or intense suffering. This isn't just a static condition but one involving acute, ongoing pain, underscoring the urgency of the centurion's plea.

Practical Application

Matthew 8:6 serves as a powerful reminder of several truths for believers today:

  • Care for Others: We are called to have compassion for those who are suffering, regardless of their status or relationship to us. The centurion's example encourages us to extend care and concern beyond our immediate circle.
  • The Power of Intercession: Just as the centurion brought his servant's need to Jesus, we are invited to bring the needs of others before Him in prayer. Jesus is attentive to our pleas, especially those offered with a heart of compassion.
  • Trust in Jesus' Authority: While the full extent of the centurion's faith is revealed in the subsequent verses (Matthew 8:8-9), this initial approach shows his belief that Jesus possessed the power to heal. We can approach Jesus with confidence, knowing His authority over all sickness and suffering, just as He demonstrated throughout His earthly ministry.
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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

  • 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?
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