Matthew 8:6
And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
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
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 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 #:
3 of 13
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παῖς
servant
G3816
παῖς
servant
Strong's:
G3816
Word #:
5 of 13
a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a
βέβληται
lieth
G906
βέβληται
lieth
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
7 of 13
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίᾳ
home
G3614
οἰκίᾳ
home
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
Cross References
Colossians 4:1Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.Matthew 4:24And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Acts 10:7And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;Acts 9:33And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.Acts 8:7For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.1 Timothy 6:2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.Philemon 1:16Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?Matthew 9:2And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
Historical Context
Centurions commanded 100 Roman soldiers and were known for discipline and capability. That this centurion built the local synagogue (Luke 7:5) suggests unusual sympathy toward Judaism. His concern for a servant's suffering was exceptional in Roman society where slaves had minimal rights.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the centurion's concern for his servant teach about the gospel breaking down social hierarchies?
- How does this Gentile centurion's faith contrast with the unbelief Jesus often encountered among ethnic Israel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The centurion's description of his servant's suffering ('grievously tormented') reveals both the severity of the paralysis and the centurion's compassionate concern for a mere servant. This concern was remarkable in Roman culture where slaves were often considered property without inherent dignity. The centurion's appeal to Jesus demonstrates faith crossing ethnic and religious boundaries—a Gentile approaching a Jewish teacher with confident expectation of help.