Matthew 8:9
For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 30
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὑπ'
under
G5259
ὑπ'
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
6 of 30
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
ἐξουσίαν
authority
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
authority
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
7 of 30
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ἔχων
having
G2192
ἔχων
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 30
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ὑπ'
under
G5259
ὑπ'
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
9 of 30
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
ἐμαυτὸν
me
G1683
ἐμαυτὸν
me
Strong's:
G1683
Word #:
10 of 30
of myself so likewise the dative case ?????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-to'"/>, and accusative case ??????? <pronunciation strongs="em-ow-ton'"/>
στρατιώτας
soldiers
G4757
στρατιώτας
soldiers
Strong's:
G4757
Word #:
11 of 30
a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 of 30
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πορεύεται,
he goeth
G4198
πορεύεται,
he goeth
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
15 of 30
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πορεύεται,
he goeth
G4198
πορεύεται,
he goeth
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
17 of 30
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔρχεται,
Come
G2064
ἔρχεται,
Come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
20 of 30
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔρχεται,
Come
G2064
ἔρχεται,
Come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
22 of 30
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 30
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 #:
24 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλῳ
servant
G1401
δούλῳ
servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
25 of 30
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ποιεῖ
Do
G4160
ποιεῖ
Do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
27 of 30
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
Colossians 3:22Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:Luke 7:8For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.Titus 2:9Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;Psalms 148:8Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:Psalms 119:91They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.Luke 4:39And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.
Historical Context
Roman military structure operated on absolute chain of command. A centurion's word carried full authority of Roman power behind it. The centurion recognized Jesus possessed infinitely greater authority—divine sovereignty over creation itself. His faith recognized Jesus' word as performative, accomplishing what it declares.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the centurion's understanding of Jesus' authority teach about the power and efficacy of Christ's word?
- How should recognition of Christ's absolute authority over all creation transform your trust in His promises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The centurion's analogy comparing Christ's authority to his own military command structure reveals profound theological insight. Just as the centurion's word commands soldiers who obey without question, Christ's word commands creation with absolute authority. This demonstrates understanding that Jesus possesses divine authority over sickness, demons, and nature. The centurion grasped what many theologians miss—Christ's word alone is efficacious, requiring no physical presence or elaborate ritual.