Matthew 8:7

KJV

And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, I {G1473} will come {G2064} and heal {G2323} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said, "I will go and heal him."

Berean Standard Bible

“I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied.

American Standard Version

And he saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:7 captures Jesus' profound and immediate response to the Roman Centurion's plea for his sick servant, declaring, "I will come and heal him." This concise statement reveals Jesus' inherent authority over sickness, His boundless compassion for all who seek Him regardless of their background, and His proactive willingness to engage with human suffering. It sets the stage for one of the most remarkable demonstrations of faith in the Gospels, highlighting the universal scope of God's grace and the power of Jesus' authoritative word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within a series of healing narratives in [Matthew 8](/matthew/8 "Matthew 8 - Miracles of Jesus"), immediately following Jesus' descent from the mountain after delivering the Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes")-[Matthew 7](/matthew/7 "Matthew 7 - Concluding the Sermon on the Mount")). The Centurion's encounter is the second healing miracle recorded in this chapter, directly succeeding the healing of a leper ([Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Heals a Leper")). Jesus' declaration in [Matthew 8:7](/matthew/8-7 "Matthew 8:7 - Jesus' Promise to Heal") serves as His direct, unhesitating affirmation of intent, preceding the Centurion's famous declaration of faith in [Matthew 8:8](/matthew/8-8 "Matthew 8:8 - The Centurion's Faith"), where he states his unworthiness for Jesus to enter his home and requests only a spoken word. This sequence underscores Jesus' ready compassion and the extraordinary faith it elicits.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Centurion was a Roman military officer, commanding approximately 100 soldiers. His ethnicity (Gentile) and profession (representative of the occupying Roman power) made his approach to a Jewish rabbi highly unusual. In Jewish society of the time, interaction with Gentiles, especially Roman soldiers, was often avoided due to purity laws and political tensions. Furthermore, the Centurion's concern for a "servant" (Greek: _pais_, which can mean servant, slave, or even child) demonstrates a remarkable compassion for someone of lower social status, challenging typical hierarchical norms. Jesus' immediate willingness to "come" (implying entering a Gentile home, which would render Him ritually unclean according to some interpretations of Jewish law) showcases His radical inclusivity, transcending cultural and religious barriers.

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 8:7](/matthew/8-7 "Matthew 8:7 - Jesus' Compassionate Promise") significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Jesus' **divine authority and power** over sickness and disease, a recurring motif throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1 "Matthew - The Gospel of the King"). His declaration is not a question or a consideration, but a definitive statement of intent, echoing His authority seen in calming the storm ([Matthew 8:26](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and casting out demons ([Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16 - Jesus Casts Out Spirits")). Secondly, the verse highlights Jesus' **unconditional compassion** and willingness to extend His grace beyond the conventional boundaries of Israel, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's kingdom, a theme explicitly stated by Jesus later in this very narrative ([Matthew 8:11-12](/matthew/8-11-12 "Matthew 8:11-12 - Many Will Come From East and West")). Lastly, it underscores Jesus' **readiness to act** in response to human need, demonstrating a proactive and engaged love that seeks to alleviate suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **I (Greek, _egṓ'_):** This is an emphatic first-person singular pronoun. While the subject "I" is typically implied in Greek verb conjugations, its explicit inclusion here ("_egṓ_") serves to emphasize Jesus' personal agency, commitment, and divine authority. It is not merely a statement of possibility, but a declaration of His sovereign will and power.
* **come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This primary verb means "to come or go" and is used in a wide variety of applications, both literally and figuratively. In this context, it signifies Jesus' literal intention to physically go to the Centurion's house. However, given the Centurion's subsequent response, it also subtly points to Jesus' readiness to enter into the space of human suffering and need, bridging the gap between divine power and human brokenness.
* **heal (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to wait upon menially," this verb specifically means to "relieve (of disease)" or "cure." It speaks to the comprehensive nature of Jesus' healing, not just alleviating symptoms but restoring health. The future tense of this verb ("_therapeusō_") indicates a definite promise and certainty of the outcome, underscoring Jesus' absolute power over illness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus saith unto him":** This phrase emphasizes Jesus' direct and immediate engagement with the Centurion. It highlights His attentiveness to the Centurion's plea and His willingness to respond personally. It signifies an active, compassionate posture from Jesus, who does not hesitate or delegate the response.
* **"I will come and heal him":** This is the core of Jesus' declaration, a powerful and definitive statement. "I will come" expresses Jesus' personal commitment and readiness to be present in the situation, even crossing social and cultural boundaries. "And heal him" is the explicit promise of restoration, revealing Jesus' inherent power and authority to overcome sickness. The combination of "coming" and "healing" underscores that Jesus' compassionate presence is inextricably linked to His transformative power.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Speech**, presenting Jesus' exact words, which lends immediacy and authority to the narrative. This directness highlights Jesus' unhesitating and personal response to the Centurion. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing** as Jesus' immediate willingness to "come" sets the stage for the Centurion's extraordinary faith in [Matthew 8:8](/matthew/8-8 "Matthew 8:8 - The Centurion's Faith"), where he states that Jesus does not need to enter his house but only to speak a word. This interaction subtly introduces the theme of faith that transcends physical presence, anticipating the broader reach of the Gospel. Furthermore, the declaration itself is an act of **Divine Authority**, as Jesus speaks with absolute certainty and power, implying His inherent ability to command healing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:7 profoundly illustrates the compassionate and authoritative nature of Jesus, mirroring the character of God revealed throughout the Old Testament. Just as God is depicted as the great Healer and Deliverer of His people, Jesus demonstrates this divine attribute by His immediate and definitive promise to heal. This verse underscores that God's compassion is not limited by human merit, social status, or ethnic background, but is freely extended to all who approach Him in need. It speaks to the universal scope of God's grace, foreshadowing the inclusion of all nations into His kingdom.

* [Psalm 103:3](/psalms/103-3 "Psalm 103:3 - God Forgives and Heals")
* [Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ Bears Our Sicknesses")
* [James 5:14-15](/james/5-14-15 "James 5:14-15 - Prayer for the Sick")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 8:7 offers profound encouragement and a powerful model for believers today. Jesus' immediate and unconditional response to the Centurion's plea reminds us that we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is compassionate and willing to hear our needs, regardless of our perceived unworthiness or our past. His declaration, "I will come and heal him," assures us of His active presence and power in our lives. We are invited to trust in His word and His promises, understanding that His love and healing power are not limited by human distinctions or circumstances. Just as He was ready to physically come to the Centurion's servant, He is spiritually present and actively working to bring healing and restoration to our lives—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. This passage calls us to a deeper faith in the One who is always willing and able to help.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' immediate response in Matthew 8:7 challenge our assumptions about who God is willing to help?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need Jesus to "come and heal" today, and how does this verse encourage you to bring those needs to Him?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to cross social and ethnic boundaries in this encounter inform our own approach to others in need?**
* **What does Jesus' authoritative declaration, "I will come and heal him," teach you about the power of His spoken word?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jesus' immediate response significant?**

Answer: Jesus' immediate response, "I will come and heal him," was highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated His boundless compassion and willingness to act without hesitation, even for a Gentile and a Roman officer, challenging the social and religious norms of the time. Secondly, it revealed His inherent divine authority; His words were not a suggestion but a definitive declaration of intent and power. This immediate affirmation also set the stage for the Centurion's extraordinary display of faith in [Matthew 8:8](/matthew/8-8 "Matthew 8:8 - The Centurion's Faith"), where he recognized that Jesus' physical presence was not even necessary for healing to occur, only His authoritative word.

**What does this verse teach us about Jesus' character?**

Answer: This verse teaches us that Jesus is profoundly compassionate, willing to extend His grace and healing to anyone in need, regardless of their background, status, or ethnicity. It reveals His active and proactive love, as He is ready to engage with human suffering. Furthermore, it underscores His divine authority and power over sickness and disease; His word is sufficient to bring about healing. He is not a hesitant or limited healer, but one who speaks with absolute certainty and power.

**How does this relate to the Centurion's later statement of faith?**

Answer: Jesus' statement in [Matthew 8:7](/matthew/8-7 "Matthew 8:7 - Jesus' Promise") directly precedes and prompts the Centurion's famous declaration of faith in [Matthew 8:8](/matthew/8-8 "Matthew 8:8 - The Centurion's Faith"), "Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed." Jesus' initial willingness to "come" was a test or a catalyst for the Centurion's faith. The Centurion, understanding authority from his military background, recognized that Jesus' power was not limited by physical proximity. He believed that Jesus' spoken word alone carried the power to heal, demonstrating a faith that Jesus Himself later marvels at in [Matthew 8:10](/matthew/8-10 "Matthew 8:10 - Jesus Marvels at the Centurion's Faith"), declaring he had not found such great faith in Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 8:7, with Jesus' declaration "I will come and heal him," powerfully foreshadows and encapsulates the very essence of Christ's mission and ongoing work. His willingness to "come" to the Centurion's servant is a microcosm of His greater coming to humanity in the incarnation. The Son of God did not remain distant but [emptied Himself](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Emptied Himself"), taking on human flesh to dwell among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His promise to "heal him" points directly to His ultimate purpose: to heal not just physical ailments but the deepest spiritual sickness of sin. On the cross, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore our infirmities and carried our diseases ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ Bears Our Sicknesses")), offering complete redemption and restoration. Through His atoning sacrifice, He offers spiritual healing and reconciliation with God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - God Reconciled Us to Himself")). Even today, as our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest"), Jesus continues to "come" to us through the Holy Spirit, ministering healing and wholeness in every dimension of our being, demonstrating that His compassion and power are eternal and unfailing.

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 9:18

¶ While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

Matthew 9:19

And Jesus arose, and followed him, and [so did] his disciples.

Mark 5:23

And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: [I pray thee], come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

Mark 5:24

And [Jesus] went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

Luke 7:6

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: