Matthew 9:8

KJV

But when the multitudes saw [it], they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when the multitudes {G3793} saw {G1492} it, they marvelled {G2296}, and {G2532} glorified {G1392} God {G2316}, which {G3588} had given {G1325} such {G5108} power {G1849} unto men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the crowds saw this, they were awestruck and said a b'rakhah to God the Giver of such authority to human beings.

Berean Standard Bible

When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

American Standard Version

But when the multitudes saw it, they were afraid, and glorified God, who had given such authority unto men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following Jesus' authoritative declaration of forgiveness and subsequent miraculous healing of a paralytic, the vast crowds who witnessed this extraordinary event were overwhelmed with awe and astonishment. Their immediate response was to marvel at the divine display and to offer praise and glory to God, recognizing that He had bestowed such unparalleled authority and power upon humanity, specifically through the ministry of Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 9:8 concludes the narrative of Jesus' healing of the paralytic man in Capernaum, which begins in [Matthew 9:1](/matthew/9-1 "Matthew 9:1 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic"). This miracle is pivotal because Jesus first declares the man's sins forgiven ([Matthew 9:2](/matthew/9-2 "Matthew 9:2 - Jesus Forgives Sins")), a claim that immediately provokes the scribes to accuse Him of blasphemy ([Matthew 9:3](/matthew/9-3 "Matthew 9:3 - Scribes Accuse Jesus of Blasphemy")). Jesus then demonstrates His authority to forgive sins by physically healing the man, proving His divine prerogative ([Matthew 9:6-7](/matthew/9-6-7 "Matthew 9:6-7 - Jesus Proves His Authority by Healing")). Matthew 9:8, therefore, serves as the climactic reaction of the general populace, contrasting sharply with the skepticism of the religious leaders. It is part of a larger section (Matthew 8-9) where Matthew systematically presents a series of Jesus' miracles, demonstrating His comprehensive authority over sickness, nature, demons, and even sin, culminating in the crowds' recognition of God's power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Capernaum, a significant center of Jesus' early ministry in Galilee. In first-century Jewish society, illness, especially paralysis, was often associated with sin, and only God was believed to have the power to forgive sins and heal miraculously. Rabbis and scribes had no such authority; their role was to interpret the Law. Therefore, Jesus' claim to forgive sins was a profound challenge to their understanding of divine authority and their own religious hierarchy. The concept of "power" (Greek: _exousia_) given "unto men" would have been particularly striking. While prophets performed miracles, Jesus' unique claim to forgive sins and His consistent demonstration of authority over all aspects of life and death set Him apart. The crowd's reaction reflects a genuine, unmediated response to a divine intervention, distinct from the theological and political concerns of the religious elite.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel. Foremost is the **authority of Jesus** (Greek: _exousia_). While the crowd attributes the power to God given "unto men," the immediate context clearly points to Jesus as the unique "Son of Man" ([Matthew 9:6](/matthew/9-6 "Matthew 9:6 - The Son of Man Has Authority")) who wields this divine authority to forgive sins and heal. This foreshadows the comprehensive authority Jesus will claim after His resurrection, as seen in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). Another central theme is the **proper response to God's revelation**. The multitudes' reaction of marveling and glorifying God stands as an example of awe and worship in the face of divine power, contrasting with the hardened hearts of the scribes. This highlights the theme of **faith and understanding**, where those open to God's work recognize His hand, leading to praise, while those resistant miss the true significance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **multitudes (Greek, _óchlos'_):** Refers to a throng, the common people, often implying a large, undifferentiated crowd. In this context, it emphasizes the widespread public witness to Jesus' miracle, distinguishing their reaction from that of the religious leaders. Their collective response underscores the impact of Jesus' ministry on the general populace.
* **marvelled (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** To wonder, to be astonished, or to admire. This word conveys a strong sense of awe and amazement, indicating that the event was perceived as truly extraordinary and beyond human capability. It suggests a profound emotional and spiritual impact on the observers.
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** This term signifies not merely physical strength or ability (_dynamis_), but authority, jurisdiction, the right to act, or delegated influence. The crowd recognized that what Jesus displayed was not just raw strength but a legitimate, divine prerogative, particularly the authority to forgive sins and command healing, which they understood as coming from God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when the multitudes saw [it]":** This clause sets the scene, highlighting the immediate and widespread public observation of Jesus' miracle. The "it" refers to the healing of the paralytic man and the preceding declaration of sin forgiveness, which served as tangible proof of Jesus' divine authority. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a shift or continuation, here emphasizing the crowd's reaction in contrast to the scribes' earlier opposition.
* **"they marvelled":** This describes the initial, visceral reaction of the crowd. Their astonishment was profound, indicating that the event was clearly perceived as supernatural and beyond ordinary human explanation. It suggests a sense of awe and wonder at the visible display of divine power.
* **"and glorified God":** Beyond mere astonishment, the multitudes actively rendered praise and honor to God. They correctly attributed the source of the miracle and the authority displayed to the divine, recognizing that such acts could only originate from Him. This demonstrates a proper, reverent response to witnessing God's work.
* **"which had given such power unto men":** This final phrase explains the basis for their glorification. The crowd understood that the extraordinary authority (_exousia_) to forgive sins and heal was a divine bestowal. While they speak generally of "men," the immediate context makes it clear that they are specifically referring to Jesus, the one who just exercised this unique power. Their statement acknowledges God as the ultimate source of this unprecedented authority.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several literary devices in this verse. **Narrative Description** is evident as the verse concisely yet powerfully describes the collective reaction of the crowds. The **Contrast** between the crowd's response (marveling and glorifying God) and the scribes' earlier skepticism and accusation of blasphemy ([Matthew 9:3](/matthew/9-3 "Matthew 9:3 - Scribes Accuse Jesus of Blasphemy")) highlights differing spiritual perceptions of Jesus' identity and authority. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the common people, often less educated in theological nuances, grasp the divine origin of Jesus' power more readily than the religious experts. Finally, the phrase "such power unto men" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where "men" (plural) stands in for the singular "man," Jesus, who uniquely embodies and exercises this divine authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 9:8 serves as a powerful theological statement about God's active involvement in human affairs through Jesus. The crowd's response affirms that true power and authority originate from God, and when God acts, it elicits a response of awe and worship. Their glorification of God, rather than merely the miracle worker, points to a profound theological understanding: all good and perfect gifts, including miraculous power, descend from the Father of lights. This verse underscores the divine nature of Jesus' ministry, even if the crowd's understanding of His full divine identity was still developing. It also highlights the theme of God's condescension, giving "such power unto men," which ultimately finds its fullest expression in the incarnation of Jesus, God manifest in the flesh, exercising divine prerogatives on earth.

* [Psalm 150:6](/psalms/150-6 "Psalm 150:6 - Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord!")
* [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")
* [Acts 4:21](/acts/4-21 "Acts 4:21 - Glorifying God for a Miracle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The crowd's reaction in Matthew 9:8 provides a compelling example for believers today. When we encounter the manifest power of God—whether through answered prayer, transformative spiritual growth, miraculous healing, or the profound impact of the Gospel on lives—our natural and proper response should be one of profound marvel and heartfelt glorification of God. It reminds us to look beyond the immediate instrument or circumstance and attribute all true power and blessing to its divine source. This verse challenges us to cultivate a spirit of awe and wonder, resisting the temptation to become jaded or to take God's active presence for granted. It encourages us to be quick to acknowledge God's hand in extraordinary events and to give Him the praise and honor that are due His name, recognizing that all authority and power ultimately belong to Him and are exercised for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I truly "marvel" at God's work in my life and in the world around me?**
* **What does it mean for me to "glorify God" in response to His power, beyond simply saying "thank you"?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to attribute God's work to human effort or chance, rather than giving Him full credit?**
* **How does recognizing God's "power unto men" (specifically through Jesus) encourage me in my own faith and ministry?**

### FAQ

**Why did the crowd say God "had given such power unto men" instead of specifically "unto Jesus"?**

Answer: The crowd's statement reflects their immediate, awe-struck understanding within their existing theological framework. They recognized that such extraordinary authority (Greek: _exousia_) to forgive sins and heal could only come from God. While Jesus was clearly the one exercising this power, their phrasing "unto men" (plural) likely signifies that they saw Him as a divinely appointed representative of humanity, or perhaps a prophet, through whom God was now acting in an unprecedented way. It indicates a correct attribution of the power's source (God) but perhaps an incomplete understanding of Jesus' unique divine identity as the Son of God, which would become clearer through His later teachings, resurrection, and the full revelation of the New Testament. They understood that God was doing something new and powerful among them, through a human agent.

**What is the difference between "power" (Greek: _exousia_) used here and other Greek words for power, like _dynamis_?**

Answer: The Greek word used in Matthew 9:8 is _exousia_ (G1849), which primarily means "authority," "privilege," or "the right to act." It denotes legitimate control or delegated influence. In contrast, _dynamis_ (G1411) refers to inherent strength, ability, or miraculous power (from which we get "dynamite"). While Jesus certainly possessed _dynamis_ (the ability to perform miracles), the crowd's use of _exousia_ here is significant because Jesus' claim to forgive sins was a claim of divine authority and prerogative, not just raw strength. The physical healing served as proof of His _exousia_, His right to make such a profound claim. Thus, the crowd recognized that God had given Jesus the legitimate right and authority to perform these acts, not just the raw ability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the crowd in [Matthew 9:8](/matthew/9-8 "Matthew 9:8 - The Multitudes Marvel") marvels and glorifies God for giving "such power unto men," the Christ-centered fulfillment reveals that this power is uniquely and fully embodied in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a man to whom power is given, but the Son of Man who possesses inherent divine authority. The miracle of healing the paralytic, particularly the prior declaration of sin forgiveness, unequivocally demonstrates Jesus' divine prerogative, a power that only God Himself could wield. This authority over sin and sickness foreshadows His ultimate victory over death and the grave. As the incarnate Word, Jesus is the very expression of God's power and authority among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His resurrection and ascension confirm that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), making Him the ultimate recipient and dispenser of God's power. Therefore, the crowd's glorification of God for giving "power unto men" is ultimately a glorification of God for sending His Son, Jesus, who is the full and final revelation of God's saving power and authority, through whom all things are reconciled to God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - The Fullness of God in Christ")).

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 15:31

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Luke 7:16

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

Acts 4:21

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all [men] glorified God for that which was done.

Mark 2:12

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

Luke 23:47

Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

Luke 17:15

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

Luke 13:13

And he laid [his] hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.