Matthew 8:17
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
Original Language Analysis
ὅπως
That it might
G3704
ὅπως
That it might
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
1 of 18
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
πληρωθῇ
be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῇ
be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
2 of 18
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
5 of 18
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτου
the prophet
G4396
προφήτου
the prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
8 of 18
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
λέγοντος
saying
G3004
λέγοντος
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Αὐτὸς
Himself
G846
Αὐτὸς
Himself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 18
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
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀσθενείας
infirmities
G769
ἀσθενείας
infirmities
Strong's:
G769
Word #:
12 of 18
feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 53:4Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.Matthew 1:22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Historical Context
Isaiah 53:4's context is the Suffering Servant's substitutionary atonement. Matthew shows Jesus' healing ministry was not merely humanitarian but redemptive—demonstrating His power over sin's consequences and His role as the sin-bearer who would ultimately die for transgressions.
Questions for Reflection
- How do Christ's physical healings demonstrate His power over all consequences of the fall, both physical and spiritual?
- What does Jesus 'bearing our sicknesses' teach about His complete identification with human suffering?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Matthew quotes Isaiah 53:4 to explain Jesus' healing ministry as fulfillment of messianic prophecy. The phrase 'Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses' connects Christ's healing miracles to His substitutionary atonement. While the ultimate fulfillment is the cross bearing our sins, the healings demonstrated His identification with human suffering and power to deliver from all effects of the fall. This shows the incarnate Son entering fully into human misery to redeem it.