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.
Original Language Analysis
ὥστε
Insomuch that
G5620
ὥστε
Insomuch that
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 19
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλους
the multitude
G3793
ὄχλους
the multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
3 of 19
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
κωφοὺς
the dumb
G2974
κωφοὺς
the dumb
Strong's:
G2974
Word #:
6 of 19
blunted, i.e., (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)
κυλλοὺς
the maimed
G2948
κυλλοὺς
the maimed
Strong's:
G2948
Word #:
8 of 19
rocking about, i.e., crippled (maimed, in feet or hands)
ὑγιεῖς
to be whole
G5199
ὑγιεῖς
to be whole
Strong's:
G5199
Word #:
9 of 19
healthy, i.e., well (in body); figuratively, true (in doctrine)
περιπατοῦντας
to walk
G4043
περιπατοῦντας
to walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
11 of 19
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τυφλοὺς
the blind
G5185
τυφλοὺς
the blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
13 of 19
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐδόξασαν
they glorified
G1392
ἐδόξασαν
they glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
16 of 19
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 9:8But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.Luke 18:43And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.Matthew 9:33And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.Matthew 18:8Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.Luke 7:16And 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.Psalms 50:15And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.Psalms 50:23Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.Mark 2:12And 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.Mark 7:37And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.Mark 9:43And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
Historical Context
Isaiah 35:5-6 prophesied these specific miracles as signs of God's coming salvation. First-century Judaism recognized these as messianic credentials. The Decapolis was a league of ten Greco-Roman cities east of Galilee/Samaria—predominantly Gentile territory. Jesus's ministry there fulfilled prophecies that Gentiles would see God's light (Isaiah 42:6-7).
Questions for Reflection
- How do Jesus's miracles prove He is the Messiah rather than merely a compassionate healer?
- When did you last glorify God publicly for His works, as these Gentiles did?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak (ὥστε τὸν ὄχλον θαυμάσαι βλέποντας κωφοὺς λαλοῦντας)—The consecutive ὥστε ('so that, insomuch that') introduces the result: θαυμάζω (thaumazō, 'to marvel, to wonder'). Seeing κωφούς λαλοῦντας ('mute ones speaking') violated natural order—fulfilled Isaiah 35:6. The maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see (κυλλοὺς ὑγιεῖς, χωλοὺς περιπατοῦντας καὶ τυφλοὺς βλέποντας)—each healing directly answers Isaiah's messianic prophecies. The catalog proves Jesus is the promised Messiah.
And they glorified the God of Israel (καὶ ἐδόξασαν τὸν θεὸν Ἰσραήλ)—The phrase 'God of Israel' suggests Gentile speakers (this is Decapolis, Mark 7:31). They recognized Israel's covenant God at work. Where Jesus heals, God receives glory—the purpose of all miracles. Their response contrasts with Jewish leaders' hardness (12:24).