Matthew 9:26

KJV

And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the fame {G5345} hereof {G3778} went abroad {G1831} into {G1519} all {G3650} that {G1565} land {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

News of this spread through all that region.

Berean Standard Bible

And the news about this spread throughout that region.

American Standard Version

And the fame hereof went forth into all that land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following Jesus' compassionate and authoritative act of raising Jairus' daughter from the dead, a miracle immediately preceded by the healing of the woman with a chronic hemorrhage, the news of this extraordinary event rapidly and extensively permeated the entire region. This verse serves as a concise yet powerful declaration of the widespread impact and undeniable public acknowledgment of Jesus' divine power and miraculous works in Galilee.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 9:26 functions as the concluding statement to a profound narrative sequence that begins with Jairus, a synagogue ruler, pleading with Jesus to heal his dying daughter ([Matthew 9:18](/matthew/9-18 "Matthew 9:18 - Jairus' Plea")). On the way to Jairus' house, Jesus is interrupted by a woman who, having suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years, secretly touches His garment and is instantly healed by faith ([Matthew 9:20-22](/matthew/9-20-22 "Matthew 9:20-22 - The Woman with the Hemorrhage")). Despite the news arriving that Jairus' daughter had died, Jesus reassures Jairus, enters the house, and, after dismissing the mourners, takes the girl by the hand and raises her to life with a simple command ([Matthew 9:23-25](/matthew/9-23-25 "Matthew 9:23-25 - Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter")). Verse 26, therefore, summarizes the immediate and far-reaching consequence of this dual display of power over sickness and death, emphasizing that such a profound miracle could not be kept secret.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Matthew 9 likely occurred in or around Capernaum, Jesus' adopted hometown and the center of much of His Galilean ministry. Galilee, at this time, was a vibrant, populous region with a mix of Jewish and Gentile inhabitants, though Capernaum itself was predominantly Jewish. Synagogues, like the one Jairus led, were central to Jewish community life, serving as places of worship, teaching, and judicial proceedings. The public nature of Jesus' miracles, often performed in crowded settings or in homes where many gathered, naturally led to rapid dissemination of news through word-of-mouth. In a society without mass media, personal testimony and communal sharing of extraordinary events were the primary means by which "fame" or "reports" spread, solidifying Jesus' reputation as a powerful healer and prophet.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores **Jesus' Unquestionable Authority and Power** over all aspects of life and death, confirming His divine identity. The raising of the dead is the ultimate demonstration of power, surpassing even the healing of chronic illness, and this miracle's widespread report validates Jesus' unique status as the Messiah. Secondly, it highlights the **Spread of the Gospel Message** through the undeniable evidence of God's work. Just as Jesus' fame had spread earlier in Galilee following His initial teachings and healings ([Matthew 4:23-25](/matthew/4-23-25 "Matthew 4:23-25 - Jesus' Galilean Ministry")), this particular miracle further cemented His renown, drawing more people to hear His teachings and witness His signs. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Revelation Through Miracles**, where Jesus' acts are not merely compassionate deeds but powerful signs pointing to the inbreaking of God's kingdom and the presence of the King Himself among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fame (Greek, _phḗmē'_):** (G5345) This word denotes a saying, report, or rumor, specifically a widespread public report or renown. In this context, it signifies the reputation or public knowledge of Jesus' miraculous deed, indicating that the news was not confined to a small group but became common knowledge throughout the region.
* **went abroad (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** (G1831) Literally meaning "to issue," "come forth," or "go out," this verb emphasizes the active and expansive dissemination of the news. It conveys the idea that the report of the miracle spread rapidly and widely, unable to be contained, much like water overflowing its banks or light shining into darkness.
* **land (Greek, _gē'_):** (G1093) While it can refer to the whole earth, in this context, it signifies a specific region or country. Given the preceding narrative, "that land" most likely refers to the region of Galilee, particularly the area surrounding Capernaum, where Jesus performed this miracle. It implies a significant geographical reach for the news of His power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the fame hereof":** This phrase introduces the subject of the verse – the widespread report or reputation concerning the miracle Jesus had just performed. The "hereof" (Greek, _hoûtos'_ G3778) specifically points back to the raising of Jairus' daughter and the healing of the woman, indicating that the news was directly tied to these astonishing acts.
* **"went abroad":** This clause describes the action of the "fame." The Greek verb _exérchomai_ (G1831) vividly portrays the news not merely being heard but actively spreading out, disseminating, and radiating from the place of the miracle. It suggests an unstoppable and expansive movement of information.
* **"into all that land":** This final clause specifies the extent of the spread. "All" (Greek, _hólos'_ G3650) emphasizes the totality and comprehensiveness of the reach, while "that land" (Greek, _ekeînos gē'_ G1565 G1093) refers to the entire geographical region where these events occurred, primarily Galilee. It signifies that no part of the immediate territory was untouched by the news of Jesus' power.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is **Hyperbole**, as "all that land" might not mean every single square inch, but rather emphasizes the widespread and undeniable nature of the news. It conveys the idea of maximum possible dissemination, creating a sense of awe and wonder at the impact of Jesus' miracle. There is also an element of **Synecdoche**, where "fame" (the part) stands for the entire miraculous event (the whole) and its profound implications. The phrase "went abroad" also carries a sense of **Personification**, subtly imbuing the abstract concept of "fame" with active movement, as if it were an entity purposefully traveling and spreading. This choice of language underscores the unstoppable and self-propagating nature of the report about Jesus' divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 9:26 serves as a powerful theological statement, not merely a historical report. It confirms that Jesus' miracles were not isolated incidents but public demonstrations of God's active presence and power, intended to be widely known and to bear witness to His identity as the Messiah. The rapid spread of His "fame" signifies the inbreaking of the Kingdom of God, which, like leaven, permeates and transforms its surroundings. This verse underscores the divine purpose behind Jesus' miracles: they were signs designed to reveal His glory, authenticate His message, and draw people to faith. The undeniable nature of these events meant that God was making Himself known in an unprecedented way through His Son.

* [Matthew 4:24](/matthew/4-24 "Matthew 4:24 - Jesus' Fame Spreads in Syria")
* [Mark 1:28](/mark/1-28 "Mark 1:28 - Jesus' Fame in Galilee")
* [Luke 4:37](/luke/4-37 "Luke 4:37 - Jesus' Fame Throughout the Region")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:26 invites us to consider the profound impact of God's work in the world and in our individual lives. Just as the fame of Jesus' miracle could not be contained, so too should the transformative power of the Gospel not be confined to our private experience. This verse challenges us to recognize that God is still at work, performing spiritual miracles of transformation and redemption today. When we witness or experience God's power, whether in personal healing, deliverance, or the conversion of a heart, we are called to be conduits for that news, allowing His "fame" to spread through our testimonies and lives. Our transformed lives become living proof of His authority and grace, compelling others to inquire about the source of such power. We are to live in such a way that the "fame" of Christ's work in us naturally "goes abroad" into "all that land" – our spheres of influence, our communities, and ultimately, the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the widespread "fame" of Jesus' miracles in His day encourage or challenge my understanding of God's active presence today?**
* **In what ways can my life, transformed by Christ, contribute to the "fame" of the Gospel spreading in my own community or sphere of influence?**
* **What "impossible" situations in my life or the world do I need to entrust to the same authority and power that raised Jairus' daughter?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "fame" spreading so widely?**

Answer: The widespread "fame" (Greek, _phḗmē_) signifies the undeniable and public nature of Jesus' miracles. It indicates that these were not secret acts, but powerful demonstrations of divine authority witnessed by many, leading to a rapid and extensive dissemination of the news. This widespread report served to authenticate Jesus' claims and identity as the Messiah, drawing greater attention to His teachings and the inbreaking of God's kingdom. It highlights that God's work is often public and impactful, designed to be known and to elicit a response.

**Why does Matthew specifically mention "all that land" rather than a smaller area?**

Answer: Matthew's use of "all that land" (Greek, _hólos gē_) emphasizes the comprehensive reach of the news. While it primarily refers to the region of Galilee, particularly around Capernaum where these events occurred, it underscores that the impact of Jesus' miracle was not localized but permeated the entire territory. This hyperbole stresses the magnitude of the event and its profound effect on public perception, indicating that the news was so significant it could not be contained within a small vicinity but radiated outwards, touching every part of the region. This widespread recognition was crucial for establishing Jesus' reputation as a powerful prophet and healer, preparing the way for His further ministry and the broader acceptance of His message.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:26, describing the widespread fame of Jesus' miracle, points forward to the ultimate and universal fame that would be ascribed to Him as the Christ. The raising of Jairus' daughter foreshadows Jesus' own triumph over death, not just for one individual, but for all who believe. His "fame" in Galilee, born of miraculous power, is but a prelude to the global renown He would achieve through His crucifixion and resurrection, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The news of His resurrection, far more impactful than any single healing, would "go abroad" into "all the world," as commanded in the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). The power displayed in Matthew 9:26 is the same divine power that raised Jesus from the dead ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus")) and empowers believers for new life ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Incomparably Great Power")). Thus, the local "fame" of a miracle worker in Galilee ultimately culminates in the universal worship of Christ as Lord, whose name is above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

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 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.

Matthew 14:1

¶ At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

Matthew 14:2

And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

Mark 1:45

But he went out, and began to publish [it] much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

Acts 26:26

For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

Mark 6:14

¶ And king Herod heard [of him]; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.