Matthew 8:8

KJV

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

KJV (with Strong's)

The centurion {G1543} answered {G611} and {G2532} said {G5346}, Lord {G2962}, I am {G1510} not {G3756} worthy {G2425} that {G2443} thou shouldest come {G1525} under {G5259} my {G3450} roof {G4721}: but {G235} speak {G2036} the word {G3056} only {G3440}, and {G2532} my {G3450} servant {G3816} shall be healed {G2390}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the officer answered, "Sir, I am unfit to have you come into my home. Rather, if you will only give the command, my orderly will recover.

Berean Standard Bible

The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

American Standard Version

And the centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 8:8 captures the extraordinary faith and profound humility of a Roman centurion who approaches Jesus, not requesting a physical visit to his home, but recognizing Jesus' supreme authority to heal his paralyzed servant with merely a spoken word. This pivotal moment highlights the power of Jesus' divine command and serves as a testament to faith that transcends conventional expectations, demonstrating a spiritual insight unparalleled among many in Israel at that time.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed early in Matthew's Gospel, immediately following Jesus' descent from the mountain where He delivered the Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5 "The Sermon on the Mount")). It marks the beginning of a series of ten miracles in [Matthew 8-9](/matthew/8 "Matthew 8 - Miracles of Jesus"), which collectively demonstrate Jesus' authority over sickness, nature, demons, and even death. The centurion's faith, contrasted with the lack of faith often found among the Jewish people, sets a significant precedent for the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The encounter takes place in Capernaum, a bustling city on the Sea of Galilee that served as Jesus' base of operations. A Roman centurion was a professional military officer, commanding approximately 80-100 soldiers, and would have been a figure of authority and power in a Roman-occupied territory like Judea. For such a man, a Gentile, to seek out a Jewish rabbi, and then to express such humility and faith, was highly unusual and culturally subversive. Jewish people often viewed Gentiles as ritually unclean, and a Jew entering a Gentile's home could result in defilement. The centurion's statement, "I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof," acknowledges this cultural barrier while simultaneously expressing genuine personal humility.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several key themes central to Matthew's Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' Authority**, showcasing His power over disease and His ability to heal from a distance, reinforcing the understanding that His word alone carries divine efficacy, much like His authority over the elements in [Matthew 8:26-27](/matthew/8-26-27 "Jesus Calms the Storm"). The **Nature of True Faith** is another prominent theme, exemplified by the centurion's remarkable belief that Jesus' power was not contingent on physical proximity or ritual, a faith that Jesus Himself commends as greater than any He had found in Israel ([Matthew 8:10](/matthew/8-10 "Jesus' Commendation of the Centurion's Faith")). Furthermore, the encounter highlights the **Inclusion of Gentiles** into God's kingdom, challenging the prevailing Jewish notion that salvation was exclusively for Israel. This event anticipates the Great Commission where the Gospel is to be preached to all nations ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission")). Finally, the centurion's **Humility** stands in stark contrast to the pride often seen in religious leaders, demonstrating that genuine receptivity to God's grace begins with a recognition of one's own unworthiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **centurion (Greek, _hekatontárchēs'_):** From G1543, meaning "the captain of one hundred men." This term emphasizes his military rank and Roman identity, making his humility and faith all the more striking. His position of authority in the secular realm stands in stark contrast to his humble posture before Jesus, recognizing a higher authority.
* **worthy (Greek, _hikanós'_):** From G2425, meaning "competent," "ample," or "fit." The centurion's declaration "I am not worthy" (οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανός) is not merely a statement of social inferiority but a profound acknowledgment of his spiritual unfitness to host one of Jesus' divine stature. He perceives the vast chasm between his own sinful state and Jesus' holiness, demonstrating a deep spiritual insight.
* **speak (Greek, _épō'_):** From G2036, meaning "to speak or say (by word or writing)." This word, used in the imperative, underscores the centurion's understanding that Jesus' power resides in His very utterance. It's not about a magical incantation or a physical touch, but the inherent, creative, and healing power of Jesus' authoritative word, similar to God's creative acts by speaking in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "The Creation Account").
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, meaning "something said (including the thought)," or "the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ)." In this context, _lógos_ refers to Jesus' authoritative command. The centurion understands that Jesus' _lógos_ carries inherent power and efficacy, capable of bringing about healing from a distance, much like a general's command is obeyed without his physical presence.
* **shall be healed (Greek, _iáomai'_):** From G2390, meaning "to cure (literally or figuratively)," or "to make whole." This verb in the future passive indicates the certainty of the outcome based on Jesus' word. The centurion has no doubt about the efficacy of Jesus' command; he fully expects a complete and certain restoration of his servant's health.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the centurion's response to Jesus' offer to come to his home. His address "Lord" (κύριε, G2962) indicates a respectful, almost reverential, acknowledgment of Jesus' authority. His declaration of unworthiness ("οὐκ εἰμὶ ἱκανός") is a profound expression of humility, recognizing his own spiritual inadequacy in the presence of Jesus' divine holiness and power. It's not a mere social courtesy but a deep understanding of the spiritual gap between himself and the Son of God.
* **"that thou shouldest come under my roof":** This clause clarifies the specific nature of his unworthiness. The centurion understands the Jewish custom regarding ritual purity and the potential defilement a Jewish rabbi might incur by entering a Gentile home. His humility is so great that he would rather forgo Jesus' physical presence than impose such a burden or imply a lack of reverence. This also highlights his respect for Jesus' identity and the cultural norms of the Jewish people.
* **"but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed":** This is the climax of the centurion's faith. The conjunction "but" (G235, _allá_) introduces a powerful contrast to his unworthiness. He doesn't need Jesus to be physically present; he believes Jesus' mere spoken "word" (G3056, _lógos_) is sufficient. The adverb "only" (G3440, _mónon_) emphasizes the singular power of Jesus' command. This statement reveals an astonishing grasp of Jesus' divine authority, recognizing that Jesus' power transcends physical limitations and can operate through a simple, authoritative declaration, bringing about immediate and complete healing.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several **Literary Devices** in this passage to underscore its profound theological implications. The most prominent is **Contrast**, particularly between the centurion's Gentile status and his extraordinary faith, set against the often-limited faith of many in Israel. This contrast serves to highlight the universal nature of God's grace. **Hyperbole** is also subtly present in the centurion's declaration of unworthiness, emphasizing the immense spiritual gap he perceives between himself and Jesus. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Foreshadowing**, as the centurion's inclusion and commendation of faith anticipate the broader Gentile mission of the early church, which is a significant theme in Matthew's Gospel. The **Dialogue** between Jesus and the centurion is concise yet impactful, revealing profound theological truths through direct interaction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 8:8 stands as a powerful testament to the nature of divine authority and the essence of true faith. The centurion's recognition that Jesus' word alone possessed the power to heal transcends a mere belief in miracles; it signifies an understanding of Jesus as the embodiment of divine power, whose commands are as effective as God's creative decrees. This passage underscores that God's grace and healing are not limited by human conventions, social status, or ethnic background, but are accessible through humble, extraordinary faith in Jesus' sovereign word. It challenges believers to move beyond a reliance on physical proximity or elaborate rituals, trusting instead in the inherent efficacy of Christ's spoken command.

* [Psalm 33:9](/psalm/33-9 "The Power of God's Word")
* [John 4:46-54](/john/4-46-54 "Healing of the Royal Official's Son")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The centurion's profound declaration in Matthew 8:8 offers a timeless model for our own approach to God. His humility reminds us that true access to divine grace begins with an honest assessment of our unworthiness before a holy God, not as a barrier, but as the very gateway to receiving His unmerited favor. His faith, which recognized the absolute authority of Jesus' word, challenges us to cultivate a trust that transcends the need for physical evidence or elaborate demonstrations. In a world that often demands tangible proof, the centurion's example calls us to believe in the unseen, to rely on the power of Christ's spoken word to transform our circumstances, heal our infirmities, and bring about His will in our lives, even from a distance. This passage encourages us to pray with audacious faith, knowing that Jesus' power is not limited by our perceived limitations or the vastness of our needs.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on visible circumstances rather than the invisible power of Jesus' word?**
* **How does the centurion's humility challenge your own approach to prayer and your understanding of God's grace?**
* **What specific "word" from Jesus (e.g., a promise, a command, a truth) do you need to trust more fully for healing or resolution in your current situation?**

### FAQ

**What does the centurion mean by "not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof"?**

Answer: The centurion's statement, "Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof," reflects a profound blend of humility and cultural awareness. From a **cultural perspective**, as a Roman Gentile, he understood that for a Jewish rabbi like Jesus to enter his home would render Jesus ritually unclean according to Jewish law. This would have been a significant social and religious barrier. However, beyond mere cultural etiquette, the centurion's words convey a deep **spiritual humility**. He recognized Jesus' divine authority and holiness, perceiving himself as spiritually inadequate or "unfit" (from the Greek _hikanós_, G2425) to host such a sacred presence. His unworthiness was not just social, but a genuine acknowledgment of the vast spiritual chasm between his own sinful humanity and the purity and power of the Son of God. This humility is precisely what Jesus commends, contrasting it with the lack of faith He found elsewhere ([Matthew 8:10](/matthew/8-10 "Jesus' Commendation of the Centurion's Faith")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The centurion's profound declaration in [Matthew 8:8](/matthew/8-8 "The Centurion's Faith") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The centurion's recognition of Jesus' power to heal with a mere word points directly to Jesus as the divine _Logos_, the Word of God incarnate, through whom all things were created and sustained ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "The Word Became Flesh")). Just as God spoke creation into existence, so Jesus, as the Son of God, possesses inherent authority to command sickness and death, demonstrating His divine nature. Furthermore, the centurion's humility and acknowledgment of unworthiness foreshadow the very essence of the Gospel: that salvation is not earned by human merit or worthiness, but is a gift received by grace through faith in Christ ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). His faith, which transcends physical presence, anticipates the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom and the universal reach of His redemptive work, inviting both Jew and Gentile into a relationship with God through the crucified and resurrected Lord ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). The centurion's servant was healed by Jesus' powerful word, a tangible demonstration of the spiritual healing and wholeness that Jesus offers to all who, like the centurion, approach Him with humble faith in His supreme authority.

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

Psalms 107:20

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered [them] from their destructions.

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:

Luke 7:7

Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

Psalms 33:9

For he spake, and it was [done]; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Mark 1:25

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

Mark 1:27

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine [is] this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Matthew 8:3

And Jesus put forth [his] hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.