Matthew 9:33

KJV

And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when the devil {G1140} was cast out {G1544}, the dumb {G2974} spake {G2980}: and {G2532} the multitudes {G3793} marvelled {G2296}, saying {G3004},{G3754} It was never {G3763} so {G3779} seen {G5316} in {G1722} Israel {G2474}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After the demon was expelled the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Isra'el," they said.

Berean Standard Bible

And when the demon had been driven out, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”

American Standard Version

And when the demon was cast out, the dumb man spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 9:33 vividly portrays the profound public reaction to Jesus' miraculous healing of a demon-possessed man who was rendered mute. Upon the immediate expulsion of the demon by Jesus' divine authority, the man instantly regained his ability to speak. This astonishing display of power captivated the observing multitudes, prompting them to declare that such an extraordinary work had never before been witnessed in the history of Israel, underscoring the unparalleled nature of Jesus' ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 9:33 concludes a brief but powerful narrative beginning in [Matthew 9:32](/matthew/9-32 "Matthew 9:32 - Jesus Heals a Mute Demoniac"), where a demon-possessed man, who was also mute, is brought to Jesus. This miracle is strategically placed within a larger section of Matthew's Gospel (chapters 8-9) that systematically presents a series of ten miracles, demonstrating Jesus' comprehensive authority over disease, nature, demons, and even death. These miracles serve as irrefutable evidence of His messianic identity, following His authoritative teaching in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"). The crowd's awe-filled reaction in [Matthew 9:33](/matthew/9-33 "Matthew 9:33 - The Crowd's Astonishment") immediately precedes the escalating opposition from the Pharisees in [Matthew 9:34](/matthew/9-34 "Matthew 9:34 - The Pharisees' Blasphemous Accusation"), setting up a stark contrast between popular acclamation and religious leaders' rejection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Israel, the concept of demonic possession was widely accepted, and such afflictions were often associated with physical ailments like muteness or blindness. People eagerly awaited the Messiah, who was prophesied to perform great signs and wonders, including healing the sick and casting out evil spirits (cf. [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Healing in the Messianic Age")). Exorcism was practiced by some Jewish healers, but Jesus' method was unique: He cast out demons with a simple command, demonstrating inherent authority rather than relying on rituals or incantations. The declaration "It was never so seen in Israel" reflects a deep awareness of their own history, including the powerful works of prophets like Elijah and Elisha, yet acknowledging that Jesus' miracles surpassed even those, signaling a new, unprecedented era of divine activity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Unquestionable Authority over Evil**, demonstrating His supreme power to confront and defeat demonic forces, thereby freeing humanity from their oppressive grip. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Healing and Restoration**, as Jesus not only casts out the demon but also completely restores the man's speech, showcasing His holistic power to heal both spiritual and physical afflictions. Thirdly, the **Astonishment of the Multitudes** reveals the genuine awe and recognition among the common people that Jesus' works were truly divine and beyond human capability. Finally, the crowd's declaration, "It was never so seen in Israel," emphasizes the **Unprecedented Nature of Jesus' Ministry**, affirming that His miracles and teachings marked a unique and unparalleled moment in salvation history, fulfilling ancient prophecies and ushering in the Kingdom of God. This unparalleled nature is further emphasized as Jesus continues His ministry, as seen in [Matthew 9:35](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35 - Jesus' Compassionate Ministry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **devil (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term refers to a demonic being, an evil spirit, or by extension, a deity. In this context, it specifically denotes an unclean spirit or demon that possesses individuals, causing affliction. Jesus' interaction here demonstrates His direct confrontation and absolute power over such malevolent spiritual entities.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** Meaning "to eject" or "to drive out," this verb emphasizes the forceful and decisive nature of Jesus' action. It is not a gentle persuasion but an authoritative expulsion, highlighting His complete dominion over the demon and its inability to resist His command.
* **marvelled (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** This word signifies a profound sense of wonder, astonishment, or admiration. The multitudes were not merely surprised but deeply impressed and overwhelmed by the display of divine power, recognizing the extraordinary nature of what they had witnessed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the devil was cast out":** This clause directly follows the preceding verse, establishing the cause of the subsequent miracle. It emphasizes Jesus' immediate and effective action in expelling the demonic entity that had afflicted the man. The passive voice ("was cast out") subtly highlights Jesus' inherent authority as the active agent, requiring no struggle or elaborate ritual.
* **"the dumb spake":** This is the immediate and miraculous effect of the exorcism. The man, previously unable to speak due to demonic influence, instantly regained his speech. This demonstrates the complete and instantaneous nature of Jesus' healing power, directly reversing the physical manifestation of the demonic oppression.
* **"and the multitudes marvelled, saying,":** This describes the overwhelming public reaction. The word "multitudes" (Greek _óchlos_) suggests a large crowd, indicating widespread observation of the miracle. Their "marvelling" signifies profound astonishment and awe, a recognition that something extraordinary, beyond human capability, had occurred. Their subsequent declaration underscores their deep impression.
* **"It was never so seen in Israel.":** This powerful statement from the crowd serves as a climactic affirmation of Jesus' unique messianic identity and unparalleled authority. It suggests that even compared to the mighty works of prophets in Israel's history, Jesus' ministry stood out as unprecedented in its scope, power, and frequency, signaling the arrival of a new, divine era.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 9:33 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Miracle/Divine Intervention**, as the instantaneous restoration of speech following the exorcism is clearly a supernatural act, demonstrating Jesus' divine power and authority over spiritual forces and physical ailments. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** evident between the man's prior state of being "dumb" (mute) and his immediate ability to "spake," highlighting the complete and transformative nature of Jesus' healing. The crowd's exclamation, "It was never so seen in Israel," functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary and unparalleled nature of Jesus' ministry in their collective memory. While perhaps not strictly literal in every historical sense, it conveys the profound impact and unique impression Jesus' works had on the common people, setting Him apart from all previous prophets and figures in Israel's history. This collective declaration also serves as a form of **Testimony**, validating Jesus' claims and actions from an impartial, popular perspective, which will soon be contrasted with the skepticism of the religious elite.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 9:33 profoundly illustrates the direct confrontation between the Kingdom of God, embodied in Jesus Christ, and the kingdom of darkness. Jesus' effortless expulsion of the demon and the immediate restoration of speech signify His absolute sovereignty over evil and its oppressive effects on humanity. This miracle is not merely a display of power but a tangible demonstration of God's redemptive purpose—to liberate humanity from all forms of bondage, whether spiritual, physical, or emotional. It points to the reality that in Jesus, God is actively invading the realm of Satan, dismantling his works, and ushering in an era of unprecedented divine activity and restoration. The crowd's recognition of this unparalleled work underscores the unique identity of Jesus as the promised Messiah, whose ministry far surpasses that of any prophet or leader before Him, fulfilling ancient prophecies of a new covenant where God's power would be fully manifested among His people.

* [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Prophecy of the Messiah's Healing Power")
* [Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "Jesus' Authority as a Sign of God's Kingdom")
* [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Amazement at Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 9:33 offers a powerful reminder of Jesus' ultimate authority over all forms of darkness and human limitation. For believers today, this passage serves as a profound source of hope and encouragement. Just as Jesus liberated the mute man from demonic oppression and restored his voice, He continues to possess the power to set us free from any spiritual or emotional bondage that silences our ability to express our true selves or to declare God's praises. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of wonder and awe, to "marvel" at the ongoing work of God in our lives and in the world, recognizing that His power is not confined to ancient texts but is actively at work today, bringing about transformation and restoration. It challenges us to trust implicitly in Jesus' unmatched authority, knowing that no obstacle, spiritual or physical, is too great for Him to overcome. Our response should be one of profound gratitude and confident reliance on the One whose works were, and still are, "never so seen."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "silenced" or bound, and how might Jesus' authority in this passage offer you hope for liberation and restoration?**
* **How often do you "marvel" at God's work in your daily life, and what steps can you take to cultivate a greater sense of wonder and recognition of His presence?**
* **Considering the crowd's declaration, "It was never so seen in Israel," what unique aspects of Jesus' character or ministry resonate most deeply with you today?**
* **How does Jesus' power over demons in this verse inform your understanding of spiritual warfare and the authority you have in Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does "the dumb spake" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the dumb spake" means that the man, who was previously unable to speak (mute) due to demonic possession, immediately regained his ability to talk after Jesus cast out the demon. The KJV word "dumb" (from Greek _kōphós_) refers to someone who is speechless or mute. This instantaneous restoration of speech highlights the complete and miraculous nature of Jesus' healing, directly reversing the physical affliction caused by the demonic influence. It demonstrates Jesus' power to heal both spiritual and physical ailments simultaneously, as seen in [Matthew 9:32](/matthew/9-32 "Matthew 9:32 - The Mute Demoniac Brought to Jesus").

**Why was the crowd's reaction, "It was never so seen in Israel," so significant?**

Answer: This statement from the multitudes is highly significant because it signifies their recognition of Jesus' unparalleled power and authority. In a nation steeped in the history of prophets who performed mighty miracles (like Elijah and Elisha), the crowd's declaration that Jesus' works surpassed all previous divine interventions underscored His unique identity. It was an acknowledgment that something truly new and extraordinary was happening, pointing to Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah whose ministry was distinct and more powerful than anything seen before in Israel's history. This popular acclamation stands in stark contrast to the skepticism of the religious leaders, as shown in [Matthew 9:34](/matthew/9-34 "Matthew 9:34 - The Pharisees' Accusation").

**How does this miracle relate to Jesus' overall ministry and claims?**

Answer: This miracle is a powerful demonstration of Jesus' core claims and the nature of His ministry. By casting out a demon and restoring speech, Jesus proves His divine authority over the forces of evil and His power to bring holistic healing and restoration. This aligns with His declaration that He has come to destroy the works of the devil and to usher in the Kingdom of God (cf. [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Came to Destroy the Works of the Devil")). His ability to command demons and heal physical ailments served as tangible evidence that He was indeed the Son of God, the promised Messiah, validating His teachings and setting the stage for His ultimate victory over sin and death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:33, with its dramatic depiction of Jesus' authority over demonic forces and His power to bring immediate restoration, powerfully foreshadows and embodies His Christ-centered fulfillment. The casting out of the demon and the subsequent liberation of the mute man is a microcosm of Jesus' ultimate mission: to dismantle the works of the devil and to set humanity free from the bondage of sin and death. This miracle demonstrates that the Kingdom of God has arrived in the person of Jesus, who, unlike any prophet before Him, possesses inherent authority to confront and conquer the powers of darkness (cf. [Luke 11:20](/luke/11-20 "The Finger of God")). The man's restored speech symbolizes the new voice given to those redeemed by Christ, enabling them to declare God's praises and proclaim His truth, a stark contrast to the spiritual muteness imposed by sin. Ultimately, this event points to the cross, where Jesus decisively triumphed over all principalities and powers, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His victory over this demon is a tangible sign of His comprehensive victory over Satan and all his dominion, offering the promise of complete spiritual and physical liberation to all who believe in Him (cf. [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus' Victory Over Death and the Devil")).

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

Exodus 4:11

And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?

Exodus 4:12

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

Isaiah 35:6

Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

Mark 7:32

And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

Mark 7:37

And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

Luke 11:14

¶ And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

Psalms 76:1

¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm [or] Song of Asaph. In Judah [is] God known: his name [is] great in Israel.