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.

While he {G846} spake {G2980} these things {G5023} unto them {G846}, behold {G2400}, there came {G2064} a certain {G1520} ruler {G758}, and worshipped {G4352} him {G846}, saying {G3004},{G3754} My {G3450} daughter {G2364} is even now {G737} dead {G5053}: but {G235} come {G2064} and lay {G2007} thy {G4675} hand {G5495} upon {G1909} her {G846}, and {G2532} she shall live {G2198}.

While he was talking, an official came in, kneeled down in front of him and said, "My daughter has just died. But if you come and lay your hand on her, she will live."

While Jesus was saying these things, a synagogue leader came and knelt before Him. “My daughter has just died,” he said. “But come and place Your hand on her, and she will live.”

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

Commentary

Matthew 9:18 (KJV) introduces a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, showcasing His divine authority and compassion in the face of human desperation. This verse sets the stage for one of Jesus' most remarkable miracles: the raising of a young girl from the dead.

Context

This event immediately follows Jesus' discussion on new wineskins and old garments, where He emphasizes the radical nature of His new covenant message. As He was speaking, a prominent local official, identified as a "ruler" (later named Jairus in parallel accounts like Mark 5:22 and Luke 8:41), interrupts, driven by an urgent and tragic personal crisis. This interruption highlights the constant flow of people seeking Jesus, even during His teaching moments. The fact that a synagogue ruler, a man of significant religious and social standing, would humble himself before Jesus underscores the depth of his despair and faith.

Key Themes

  • Desperate Faith: The ruler's plea, "My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live," demonstrates an extraordinary level of faith. He believes not only in Jesus' ability to heal but in His power to reverse death itself. This was a profound and radical belief for his time, placing his hope entirely in Jesus' miraculous power.
  • Jesus' Authority Over Death: This verse foreshadows Jesus' ultimate triumph over death, a central theme of Christian theology. The ruler's conviction directly challenges the finality of death, acknowledging Jesus as the Lord of life.
  • Humility of a Leader: Despite his high social standing as a synagogue ruler, this man humbles himself before Jesus, even "worshipping him." This act signifies deep reverence and submission, acknowledging Jesus' unique authority far beyond that of a mere teacher or prophet.
  • Divine Compassion: Jesus' immediate response to go with the ruler underscores His profound empathy and willingness to intervene in personal suffering, regardless of the individual's status. Jesus consistently showed compassion to those in need, as seen in other miracles like the healing of the leper in Matthew 8:3.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word translated "worshipped him" is proskyneō (προσκυνέω). While it can mean simply "to bow down" or "to show respect," in this context, given the ruler's desperate plea and the nature of Jesus' response, it implies a profound act of reverence, bordering on adoration. It suggests recognition of Jesus' divine authority, a significant act for a Jewish leader typically accustomed to receiving, not giving, such deference.
  • The phrase "lay thy hand upon her" was a common gesture associated with healing and blessing in ancient Israel, but here it is linked to the unprecedented power of resurrection, a testament to the ruler's deep conviction in Jesus.

Practical Application

Matthew 9:18 offers powerful encouragement for believers facing seemingly impossible situations. It reminds us that:

  • No situation is too hopeless for Jesus: Just as the ruler believed Jesus could bring life from death, we are called to trust in His power even when circumstances seem dire.
  • Humility precedes grace: The willingness of a respected leader to humble himself before Jesus demonstrates that true help often comes when we lay aside our pride and fully depend on God.
  • Faith can move mountains: The ruler's unwavering faith in Jesus' ability to raise his daughter is a timeless example of how belief can open the door for divine intervention, inviting us to cultivate a similar trust in Christ's power in our own lives. For further insight into the power of faith, consider Jesus' teaching on faith as a mustard seed in Matthew 17:20.
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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

  • Mark 5:22

    And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

  • Mark 5:43

    And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

  • Luke 8:41

    And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:

  • Luke 8:56

    And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

  • Matthew 8:2

    And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

  • Luke 13:14

    And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

  • Matthew 9:24

    He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
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