Matthew 9:31

But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

But {G1161} they, when they were departed {G1831}, spread abroad {G1310} his {G846} fame {G1310} in {G1722} all {G3650} that {G1565} country {G1093}.

But instead, they went away and talked about him throughout that district.

But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout the land.

But they went forth, and spread abroad his fame in all that land.

Commentary

Matthew 9:31 KJV Commentary

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' miraculous healing of two blind men in Capernaum. After restoring their sight, Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, "See that no man know it" (Matthew 9:30). His instruction was clear: maintain secrecy about the miracle. However, despite this direct command, the men chose to disobey, and their actions are recorded in this verse.

This command for silence is a recurring theme in Jesus' early ministry, often referred to as the "Messianic Secret," where Jesus sought to manage perceptions of His Messiahship, preventing a premature political uprising or misunderstanding of His spiritual mission. His desire was to avoid being seen merely as a miracle worker or a revolutionary leader, but rather as the suffering servant and spiritual King.

Key Themes

  • Human Disobedience: The most striking aspect is the men's failure to obey Jesus' explicit instruction. Their excitement and gratitude, though perhaps understandable, led them to disregard His will. This highlights the ongoing challenge of human obedience to divine commands.
  • The Irrepressibility of God's Power: Despite Jesus' attempts to keep His miracles quiet, His divine power and fame could not be contained. The extraordinary nature of His works naturally drew attention and spread rapidly. This foreshadows the unstoppable spread of the Gospel message.
  • Jesus' Growing Fame: Whether by His own intent or through the actions of others, Jesus' reputation as a powerful healer and teacher was expanding throughout "all that country." This growing notoriety would eventually lead to both greater crowds seeking Him and increased opposition from religious authorities.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "spread abroad his fame" translates from the Greek words διαφημίζω (diaphēmizō), meaning "to spread a report, proclaim widely," and φήμη (phēmē), meaning "fame, report, rumor." The compound verb emphasizes the active and widespread nature of their proclamation. It implies a deliberate and extensive sharing of the news about Jesus' healing power, directly contrary to His specific instruction.

Practical Application

While these men disobeyed Jesus, their actions inadvertently contributed to His fame, which ultimately served God's larger purpose of revealing the Messiah. This verse reminds us that:

  • Obedience is Paramount: Even when our intentions seem good, true discipleship requires strict adherence to Christ's commands. Our excitement for God's work should always be tempered by wisdom and obedience to His specific instructions.
  • God's Plan Prevails: Even human error or disobedience cannot thwart God's ultimate purposes. Jesus' fame grew because it was part of God's sovereign plan for the proclamation of His kingdom.
  • Consider Your Witness: Today, believers are called to spread the good news of Jesus, but with discernment and in a way that truly honors Him, rather than simply seeking sensationalism or personal glory.
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Cross-References

  • Mark 7:36

    And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published [it];

  • Matthew 9:26

    And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

  • Mark 1:44

    And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

  • 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.
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