Matthew 8:10
When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκολουθοῦσιν
to them that followed
G190
ἀκολουθοῦσιν
to them that followed
Strong's:
G190
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
Ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
Ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰσραὴλ
Israel
G2474
Ἰσραὴλ
Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
16 of 19
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
τοσαύτην
so great
G5118
τοσαύτην
so great
Strong's:
G5118
Word #:
17 of 19
apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)
Cross References
Matthew 15:28Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.Luke 7:9When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.Mark 6:6And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.Luke 7:50And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.Luke 5:20And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
Historical Context
This would shock Jewish hearers expecting the kingdom for Abraham's descendants. Jesus contrasts the centurion's faith with Israel's unbelief despite centuries of revelation. This foreshadows the gospel going to Gentiles (Romans 11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the centurion's faith challenge your own trust in Jesus' word?
- What does this passage teach about the danger of presuming on religious heritage?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' response—'I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel'—is both commendation and rebuke. The Gentile centurion exhibited greater faith than Jesus' own people. This prepares for Jesus' statement (vv. 11-12) about Gentiles entering the kingdom while many Jews are excluded. Faith, not ethnicity or religious heritage, determines kingdom entrance. The centurion's faith combined humility, authority-understanding, and confidence in Jesus' word.