Matthew 8:9

For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this [man], Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it].

For {G1063}{G2532} I {G1473} am {G1510} a man {G444} under {G5259} authority {G1849}, having {G2192} soldiers {G4757} under {G5259} me {G1683}: and {G2532} I say {G3004} to this {G5129} man, Go {G4198}, and {G2532} he goeth {G4198}; and {G2532} to another {G243}, Come {G2064}, and {G2532} he cometh {G2064}; and {G2532} to my {G3450} servant {G1401}, Do {G4160} this {G5124}, and {G2532} he doeth {G4160} it.

For I too am a man under authority. I have soldiers under me, and I say to this one, `Go!' and he goes; to another, `Come!' and he comes; to my slave, `Do this!' and he does it."

For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes; and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”

For I also am a man under authority, having under myself soldiers: and I say to this one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Matthew 8:9 KJV is part of a remarkable interaction between Jesus and a Roman centurion, a military officer responsible for about 100 soldiers. This verse encapsulates the centurion's profound understanding of authority and his extraordinary faith.

Context

This verse comes from the narrative of the healing of the centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13). The centurion approaches Jesus, not demanding a visit, but humbly requesting healing for his gravely ill servant. His words in Matthew 8:8, "Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed," set the stage for this powerful statement. In Matthew 8:9, he explains the basis for his confidence: he understands how authority works in the military realm, and he applies that understanding to Jesus' divine power. He perceives that just as his command is obeyed by his soldiers, so too Jesus' word alone holds power over sickness and evil. This display of faith astonished Jesus, leading Him to declare in Matthew 8:10 that He had not found such great faith in all of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Understanding of Authority: The centurion, being "a man under authority" himself, yet also "having soldiers under me," perfectly grasps the concept of a chain of command. He recognizes that true authority operates through a spoken word or command, regardless of physical presence. He implicitly understands that Jesus possesses a higher, divine authority over all creation and illness.
  • Great Faith: This passage is a prime example of faith that trusts in Jesus' word alone. The centurion's faith is not reliant on rituals, physical touch, or Jesus' proximity, but on the sheer power and authority of Christ's command. This level of belief is precisely what Jesus commends.
  • Humility: Despite his high social and military standing as a Roman officer, the centurion approaches Jesus with profound humility, deeming himself unworthy of Jesus entering his home. This humility opens the door for his exceptional faith to be recognized.
  • The Power of the Word: The centurion's conviction highlights the potency of God's spoken word. Just as God created the world by His word (Genesis 1:3) and sent His word to heal (Psalm 107:20), the centurion believed Jesus' word was sufficient.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "authority" used in this context is exousia (ἐξουσία), which signifies delegated power, right, or jurisdiction. The centurion's statement reveals his understanding that Jesus possesses this inherent divine exousia, allowing Him to command sickness and demons with the same absolute efficacy that the centurion's own commands were obeyed by his subordinates. He saw Jesus not just as a healer, but as one operating with ultimate authority.

Practical Application

Matthew 8:9 encourages believers to cultivate a similar faith in the absolute authority of Jesus Christ. We are called to trust in His word, knowing that His commands are effective and His power is limitless, even when we cannot physically see Him acting. This verse reminds us that true faith often involves recognizing God's sovereignty and acting on the belief that His spoken word is sufficient for any need. It challenges us to submit to His divine authority in our own lives, trusting that when He says "Go," "Come," or "Do this," His will shall be accomplished.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 107:25

    For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

  • Psalms 107:29

    He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

  • Luke 4:35

    And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.

  • Luke 4:36

    And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word [is] this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

  • Titus 2:9

    [Exhort] servants to be obedient unto their own masters, [and] to please [them] well in all [things]; not answering again;

  • Luke 7:8

    For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it].

  • Colossians 3:22

    Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

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