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Matthew 9:8

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 9:8 (KJV): "But when the multitudes saw [it], they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men."

Context

This verse describes the reaction of the crowd immediately following Jesus' miraculous healing of a paralytic man in Capernaum. Jesus had not only healed the man physically but had first declared his sins forgiven (Matthew 9:2). This assertion of authority, particularly the power to forgive sins, had provoked controversy among the religious leaders present. The subsequent physical healing served as proof of Jesus' divine authority. Matthew 9:8 captures the response of the general populace witnessing this extraordinary event.

Key Themes

  • Marveling at God's Power: The crowd's initial reaction is astonishment and awe at the sheer power displayed. They recognize something truly supernatural has occurred.
  • Glorifying God: Beyond just amazement, the people attribute the power and the miracle to God. They understand that this ability comes from a divine source, leading them to praise and honor God. This highlights a proper response to witnessing God's work.
  • Authority of Jesus: While the crowd attributes the power to God given "unto men," the context clearly points to Jesus as the one exercising this unique authority, particularly the power to forgive sins and command healing. This foreshadows the full authority given to Jesus.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "marvelled" (Greek: ethaumasan) indicates a strong sense of wonder, astonishment, or even fear. The word "power" (Greek: exousia) is significant here. It doesn't merely mean strength (dynamis) but refers to authority or the right to act. The crowds recognized that God had bestowed significant authority upon Jesus to perform such acts, including the controversial claim of forgiving sins.

Reflection and Application

The crowd's reaction serves as an example of acknowledging God's hand in extraordinary events. When we witness God's power at work, whether through miraculous healing, transformation in lives, or answers to prayer, our response should mirror that of the multitude: to marvel at His capability and, more importantly, to glorify Him. This verse reminds us that all true spiritual and physical power for salvation and healing ultimately originates from God, even when exercised through His Son, Jesus Christ. Like the crowd, we should be quick to give God the glory He is due.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 15:31 (9 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Luke 17:15 (5 votes)

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

  • Luke 13:13 (4 votes)

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