Matthew 8:2
And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλθὼν
there came
G2064
ἐλθὼν
there came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
4 of 13
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
προσεκύνει
and worshipped
G4352
προσεκύνει
and worshipped
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
5 of 13
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 13
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
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
9 of 13
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
Cross References
Matthew 18:26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.Matthew 15:25Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.Acts 10:25And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.1 Corinthians 14:25And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.Matthew 28:17And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.John 9:38And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.Numbers 12:10And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.Matthew 14:33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.Matthew 20:20Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.Matthew 13:58And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Historical Context
Leprosy (various skin diseases) rendered one ceremonially unclean under Mosaic Law, requiring isolation outside the camp (Leviticus 13). Contact with lepers was forbidden. The leper's approach broke social and religious barriers, demonstrating desperate faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the leper's combination of faith and submission model prayer for you?
- What 'leprosy' in your life needs Jesus' cleansing touch?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The leper's approach 'worshipped him' shows recognition of Jesus' deity or at minimum His divine authority. His statement 'Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean' demonstrates faith in Jesus' power while submitting to His sovereignty. The leper understood his need (unclean), Jesus' ability (canst), but humbly deferred to Jesus' will (if thou wilt). This is the pattern of effective prayer—confident in God's ability, submissive to His will.