Matthew 13:58
And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐποίησεν
he did
G4160
ἐποίησεν
he did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
3 of 10
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
δυνάμεις
mighty works
G1411
δυνάμεις
mighty works
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
5 of 10
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
πολλὰς
many
G4183
πολλὰς
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
6 of 10
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
7 of 10
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
This episode marks a pivotal shift in Jesus's ministry. After Nazareth's rejection (ca. AD 28-29), Jesus intensified focus on the Twelve (Matthew 10) and began teaching more privately. The pattern of Jewish rejection and Gentile reception becomes increasingly prominent. Nazareth's unbelief despite Jesus's upbringing among them demonstrated the depth of human depravity and the necessity of divine grace for faith (John 6:44).
Questions for Reflection
- How does persistent unbelief in your life limit your experience of Christ's transforming power?
- Why doesn't God overwhelm human unbelief with undeniable miracles if He desires all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he did not many mighty works there (καὶ οὐκ ἐποίησεν ἐκεῖ δυνάμεις πολλάς)—Mark 6:5 intensifies this: 'He could do no mighty work there' (οὐκ ἐδύνατο...ποιῆσαι οὐδεμίαν δύναμιν), except healing a few sick. This doesn't limit Christ's power but shows His refusal to perform miracles where they would be spurned. The δυνάμεις (dynameis, 'mighty works, miracles') testified to His messianic identity (Matthew 11:20-24), but without receptive faith, miracles produce only greater judgment (Luke 10:13-15).
Because of their unbelief (διὰ τὴν ἀπιστίαν αὐτῶν)—The noun ἀπιστία (apistia) means 'faithlessness, refusal to believe' despite adequate evidence. This wasn't mere ignorance but willful rejection. Miracles don't create faith; they confirm faith and accredit messengers (John 10:37-38). Where unbelief reigns, Christ often withdraws demonstration of power—not because He cannot act, but because He will not cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). Unbelief limits not God's power but our reception of His blessing.