Matthew Chapter 9 · Verse 26
And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὕτη
hereof
G3778
αὕτη
hereof
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
5 of 10
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 10
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὅλην
all
G3650
ὅλην
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
7 of 10
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
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.Mark 1:45But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.
Historical Context
News traveled quickly in ancient Palestine through personal networks and trade routes. A resurrection miracle would have been extraordinary news, discussed throughout Galilee. Matthew's phrase 'all that land' likely refers to Galilee broadly. Jesus' growing fame both fulfilled messianic prophecy and created problems. Crowds sought physical healing rather than spiritual teaching. Religious leaders felt threatened. Romans watched for potential revolutionary movements. Early Christians faced similar challenge: miracles authenticated the gospel but could distract from the message.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we respond when God works powerfully but crowds miss the message?
- What is the relationship between miraculous power and faithful witness to the gospel?
- How can we testify to God's work without creating unhelpful sensationalism?
Analysis & Commentary
The aftermath: 'the fame hereof went abroad into all that land' (εξηλθεν η φημη αυτη εις ολην την γην εκεινην). Despite Jesus' regular commands for silence about miracles (9:30), news spreads uncontrollably. Raising the dead was unprecedented, undeniable evidence of divine authority. 'Fame' (φημη) means report or reputation, spreading Jesus' renown throughout the region. This creates complex consequences: crowds seeking healing but missing Jesus' message, religious opposition intensifying, and growing danger. Jesus doesn't seek fame but can't avoid it when exercising divine power. The spreading report fulfills messianic expectation (Isaiah 35:5-6, 61:1) while complicating Jesus' mission. Fame becomes burden when it attracts wrong motives and prevents teaching ministry.