Matthew Chapter 9 · Verse 33
And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κωφός,
the dumb
G2974
κωφός,
the dumb
Strong's:
G2974
Word #:
7 of 19
blunted, i.e., (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλοι
the multitudes
G3793
ὄχλοι
the multitudes
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
11 of 19
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
ἐφάνη
seen
G5316
ἐφάνη
seen
Strong's:
G5316
Word #:
15 of 19
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
Cross References
Isaiah 35:6Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.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
Jewish expectation held that the messianic age would bring unprecedented miracles. Isaiah 35:5-6 prophesied the mute singing and lame leaping. The crowds' recognition that 'it was never so seen' acknowledged messianic fulfillment. However, religious leaders faced crisis: accepting Jesus meant surrendering authority and acknowledging their system's obsolescence. Attributing miracles to Satan became desperate strategy to maintain credibility while denying Jesus. This conflict would escalate to crucifixion. Early church fathers saw this as warning against hardened hearts resisting divine revelation.
Questions for Reflection
- How can the same evidence lead to opposite conclusions about Jesus?
- What role does pride play in religious leaders' rejection of clear evidence?
- How do we guard against hardening our hearts when confronted with God's truth?
Analysis & Commentary
Two contrasting responses emerge. The crowds marvel: 'It was never so seen in Israel' (Ουδεποτε εφανη ουτως εν τω Ισραηλ). They recognize unprecedented divine activity—Israel's history, despite prophetic miracles, had seen nothing comparable to Jesus' sustained miraculous power. However, the Pharisees accuse: 'He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils' (εν τω αρχοντι των δαιμονιων εκβαλλει τα δαιμονια). Unable to deny the miracles, they attribute Jesus' power to Beelzebub (Satan). This blasphemous accusation, later developed in 12:24-32, represents the unforgivable sin—attributing the Holy Spirit's work to Satan. The contrast reveals hardened hearts resisting clear evidence. Same miracle, opposite conclusions: humble crowds amazed, proud leaders blaspheming.