Matthew 9:28

KJV

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he was come {G2064} into {G1519} the house {G3614}, the blind men {G5185} came {G4334} to him {G846}: and {G2532} Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Believe ye {G4100} that {G3754} I am able {G1410} to do {G4160} this {G5124}? They said {G3004} unto him {G846}, Yea {G3483}, Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he entered the house, the blind men came up, and Yeshua said to them, "Do you believe that I have the power to do this?" They replied, "Yes, sir."

Berean Standard Bible

After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. “Yes, Lord,” they answered.

American Standard Version

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 9:28 captures a profound moment where Jesus tests and affirms the faith of two blind men before miraculously restoring their sight. Following a series of public healings, Jesus enters a house, where these persistent men approach Him. Their interaction culminates in Jesus' direct challenge to their belief in His power and their immediate, unwavering affirmation, setting the stage for their healing and underscoring the indispensable role of faith in receiving divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within [Matthew 9](/matthew/9 "Matthew 9 - Jesus' Authority and Compassion"), a chapter that powerfully showcases Jesus' multifaceted authority. Prior to this encounter, Jesus has demonstrated His power over paralysis by forgiving sins and healing a paralytic ([Matthew 9:1-8](/matthew/9-1-8 "Matthew 9:1-8 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic")), called Matthew, a tax collector, to discipleship ([Matthew 9:9-13](/matthew/9-9-13 "Matthew 9:9-13 - Jesus Calls Matthew")), and engaged in discussions about fasting ([Matthew 9:14-17](/matthew/9-14-17 "Matthew 9:14-17 - Fasting and New Wine")). Immediately preceding this passage are the dramatic accounts of Jesus raising Jairus's daughter from the dead and healing the woman with the issue of blood ([Matthew 9:18-26](/matthew/9-18-26 "Matthew 9:18-26 - Jairus's Daughter and the Woman with an Issue of Blood")). The healing of the two blind men in [Matthew 9:27-31](/matthew/9-27-31 "Matthew 9:27-31 - Jesus Heals Two Blind Men") serves as a continuation of Jesus' compassionate ministry, leading directly into the healing of a mute demoniac in [Matthew 9:32-34](/matthew/9-32-34 "Matthew 9:32-34 - Jesus Heals a Mute Man"). The shift from public miracles to a more private setting in the house emphasizes the personal nature of faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Blindness was a widespread and debilitating condition in ancient Israel, often leading to poverty and social marginalization. Without modern medical interventions, it was considered an incurable affliction, and those afflicted were often dependent on begging. Culturally, blindness was sometimes associated with sin or divine judgment, though Jesus directly refutes this notion in [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1-3 "John 9:1-3 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind"). The act of following Jesus "into the house" indicates the blind men's extraordinary persistence and desperation, as approaching a rabbi or healer in a private residence would have been an unconventional and bold move. Their unwavering pursuit highlights the cultural understanding that a true healer possessed unique power, and their willingness to transgress social norms for a chance at healing speaks volumes about their hope.

* **Key Themes:** This passage significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. The most prominent is the **primacy of faith** in receiving God's power. Jesus' direct question, "Believe ye that I am able to do this?", explicitly links the miracle to the recipients' active belief, a theme consistently highlighted throughout Matthew, as seen in the healing of the centurion's servant ([Matthew 8:10](/matthew/8-10 "Matthew 8:10 - The Centurion's Great Faith")) and the woman with the issue of blood ([Matthew 9:22](/matthew/9-22 "Matthew 9:22 - Your Faith Has Made You Well")). Another key theme is **Jesus' undeniable authority and omnipotent ability** over all forms of human suffering and limitation. His question is not born of doubt but serves to elicit and affirm their recognition of His divine capacity, echoing the truth that for God, "all things are possible" ([Matthew 19:26](/matthew/19-26 "Matthew 19:26 - With God All Things Are Possible")). Finally, the **persistence in seeking Christ** is evident in the blind men's determination to follow Jesus into the house, illustrating the spiritual principle that earnest and persistent seeking often precedes divine encounter and transformation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Believe ye (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** (G4100) To have faith in, upon, or with respect to a person or thing; to credit; by implication, to entrust, especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ. This word signifies not merely intellectual assent to a proposition but a deep, active trust and reliance. Jesus' question probes the depth of their conviction and their willingness to place their hope entirely in Him.
* **Able (Greek, _dýnamai'_):** (G1410) To be able or possible; to be of power. This term highlights Jesus' inherent capacity and power to perform miracles. It speaks to His divine authority and omnipotence, emphasizing that the miracle is not contingent on external factors but on His intrinsic ability.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** (G2962) Supreme in authority; a controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title). The blind men's use of "Lord" indicates their recognition of Jesus' authority and elevated status, moving beyond a mere respectful address to an acknowledgment of His unique power and possibly His divine nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was come into the house":** This phrase marks a transition from the public sphere to a more private setting. Jesus, having just performed two significant miracles (raising Jairus's daughter and healing the woman with the issue of blood), seeks a measure of quiet or rest. The "house" (G3614, _oikía_) implies a private residence, possibly belonging to a disciple or host, offering a temporary retreat from the crowds.
* **"the blind men came to him":** Despite Jesus' attempt to withdraw, the two blind men, who had been following Him and crying out (as per [Matthew 9:27](/matthew/9-27 "Matthew 9:27 - Two Blind Men Follow Jesus")), demonstrate remarkable persistence. Their act of "coming to him" (G4334, _prosérchomai_) signifies an intentional approach, driven by desperate need and a glimmer of hope.
* **"and Jesus saith unto them, 'Believe ye that I am able to do this?'":** This is the pivotal moment of the encounter. Jesus' direct question challenges their faith. He does not ask if they *want* to be healed, but if they *believe* in His *ability* (G1410, _dýnamai_) to perform the miracle. This question emphasizes that while His power is absolute, He often requires an active expression of faith from the recipient. The "this" (G5124, _toûto_) refers specifically to the restoration of their sight.
* **"They said unto him, 'Yea, Lord.'":** Their immediate and resolute response is a powerful affirmation of their faith. "Yea" (G3483, _naí_) is a strong affirmation, equivalent to "Yes, indeed" or "Certainly." Their address of "Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_) further underscores their recognition of His authority and their complete trust in His power, moving beyond a simple acknowledgment to an expression of submission and reverence.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Dialogue** as its central literary device. The direct question from Jesus and the immediate, unequivocal response from the blind men create a dramatic and impactful exchange. This dialogue is not merely informational; it is performative, serving to test and confirm the men's faith, which is presented as the prerequisite for the ensuing miracle. Furthermore, there is profound **Symbolism** at play. The physical blindness of the men symbolizes spiritual blindness, a recurring motif in the Gospels. Their journey from physical darkness to light parallels the spiritual journey from ignorance or unbelief to the illumination of faith in Christ. The act of Jesus asking about their belief in His ability to "do this" highlights the **Thematic Emphasis** on faith as the key that unlocks divine power, a consistent message throughout Matthew's narrative of Jesus' miracles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This encounter profoundly illustrates the theological truth that God often works through the conduit of human faith. While Jesus' power is inherent and limitless, His interaction with the blind men demonstrates that He frequently calls for an active, personal belief from those who seek His intervention. Their "Yea, Lord" is more than an intellectual assent; it's a declaration of trust and surrender, acknowledging Jesus' divine authority and ability. This passage reinforces the New Testament teaching that faith is not merely a passive state but an active posture of reliance on God's character and power, essential for experiencing His transformative work in our lives, whether physical healing or spiritual salvation.

* [Mark 9:23](/mark/9-23 "Mark 9:23 - All Things Are Possible to Him Who Believes")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")
* [James 1:6-7](/james/1-6-7 "James 1:6-7 - Ask in Faith, Without Doubting")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:28 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to examine the depth of our own faith when we approach God with our needs. Jesus' question, "Believe ye that I am able to do this?", resonates with every believer facing a challenge that seems insurmountable. It compels us to move beyond mere hope or desire to a firm conviction in His omnipotent power and unwavering love. Our "Yea, Lord" must be a sincere, active declaration of trust, acknowledging that He is not only capable but willing to act according to His perfect will. This passage encourages us to cultivate a persistent, unyielding faith, refusing to be deterred by circumstances or external opinions, and to boldly seek Christ in every area of our lives, recognizing that true spiritual sight begins with acknowledging our need and placing our complete reliance on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of your life are you currently asking God to "do this" in, and what is the true depth of your belief in His ability?**
* **How does the persistence of the blind men challenge your own approach to prayer and seeking God's intervention?**
* **In what ways might your "spiritual blindness" be hindering you from seeing God's power at work, and how can you cultivate a deeper "Yea, Lord" in your heart?**
* **Beyond physical healing, what "sight" (understanding, discernment, spiritual clarity) are you seeking from Jesus today?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus ask the blind men if they believed He was able to do this, rather than just healing them?**

Answer: Jesus' question was not born out of doubt concerning His own power, but rather to elicit and affirm the blind men's faith. It served several purposes: first, to highlight the essential role of faith in receiving divine intervention, demonstrating that while His power is absolute, He often requires an active, personal trust from the recipient. Second, it provided an opportunity for the men to publicly declare their belief in His authority and ability, thereby strengthening their own faith and serving as a testimony to others. This interaction underscores that God often partners with human faith in His redemptive work, rather than simply imposing His will without our participation. It was a test, not of His power, but of their spiritual readiness to receive.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:28, with its emphasis on Jesus' ability and the blind men's faith, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual sight and salvation. Just as Jesus asked if they believed He was "able to do this" for their physical eyes, He continually asks humanity if we believe He is "able" to save us from our spiritual blindness and sin. He is not merely a healer of physical ailments but the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), who came to open the eyes of those spiritually blind ([John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus Comes for Judgment")). The blind men's confession, "Yea, Lord," foreshadows the confession of faith required for salvation, where individuals acknowledge Jesus as their [Lord and Savior](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confess and Believe to Be Saved"). His inherent "ability" (G1410, _dýnamai_) to heal physical blindness is a tangible demonstration of His greater power to deliver from the bondage of sin and death, a power fully realized in His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - His Incomparably Great Power")). Thus, this passage serves as a microcosm of the gospel message: our recognition of Christ's supreme ability and our active faith in Him are the prerequisites for receiving the spiritual transformation and eternal life He offers to all who believe.

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

Mark 9:23

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.

Mark 9:24

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Matthew 9:22

But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Matthew 8:2

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

John 11:40

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

Matthew 13:58

And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

John 11:26

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?