Matthew 21:14
And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσῆλθον
came
G4334
προσῆλθον
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
2 of 12
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τυφλοὶ
the blind
G5185
τυφλοὶ
the blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
4 of 12
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερῷ
the temple
G2411
ἱερῷ
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
9 of 12
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The temple's outer courts had become a commercialized marketplace ('den of thieves'). Moneychangers and sellers exploited pilgrims, particularly the poor and disabled. Jesus's healings demonstrated the kingdom's values: accessibility to God for the outcast, not religious profiteering.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are today's 'blind and lame'—those marginalized by religious systems—whom Jesus welcomes but churches exclude?
- How does Jesus's healing ministry in the cleansed temple challenge prosperity-focused Christianity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them—David had banned the blind and lame from the temple (2 Sam 5:8 LXX tradition). Jesus, the greater David, welcomes and restores those the old order excluded. The Greek τυφλοὶ καὶ χωλοί (typhloi kai chōloi) were ceremonially marginalized, yet found mercy at Messiah's hands.
After cleansing the temple (v.12-13), Jesus fills it with true worship—not commercial exploitation but compassionate healing. Isaiah 35:5-6 prophesied Messiah's kingdom would open blind eyes and make the lame leap. Jesus fulfilled this in the very temple courts, validating His authority challenged in verse 23.