Matthew Chapter 9 · Verse 32
As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῷ
to him
G846
αὐτῷ
to him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
1 of 9
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
προσήνεγκαν
they brought
G4374
προσήνεγκαν
they brought
Strong's:
G4374
Word #:
5 of 9
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
αὐτῷ
to him
G846
αὐτῷ
to him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 9
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
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.Luke 11:14And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.
Historical Context
First-century Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures recognized demon possession as real spiritual affliction. Unlike modern naturalistic explanations reducing all such cases to mental illness, Scripture distinguishes between disease and demon possession while acknowledging both. Jewish exorcism practices involved elaborate rituals, incantations, and formulas. Jesus' simple command contrasted with these methods, demonstrating inherent authority. Muteness made the afflicted socially isolated and economically marginalized, unable to speak, testify, or advocate for himself. Demon oppression always dehumanizes and isolates.
Questions for Reflection
- How should Christians understand demon possession while avoiding both denial and sensationalism?
- What does this miracle teach about bringing others to Jesus when they cannot come themselves?
- How does Jesus' authority over demons demonstrate His power and compassion?
Analysis & Commentary
A unique case arrives: 'they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil' (προσηνεγκαν αυτω ανθρωπον κωφον δαιμονιζομενον). The combination of muteness (κωφον, unable to speak) and demon possession connects the physical symptom to spiritual cause. Unlike other healings where Jesus addresses disease directly, here He casts out the demon, resulting in speech restoration. This indicates the muteness stemmed from demonic oppression rather than natural causes. The passive 'they brought' shows the community's role in bringing the afflicted to Jesus—the man couldn't ask for himself. This models intercessory compassion: bringing those who cannot come themselves. Demon possession manifests in various ways—violence (8:28), seizures (17:15), muteness (9:32), blindness (12:22)—showing Satan's multi-faceted assault on human flourishing.