Matthew 9:7
And he arose, and departed to his house.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγερθεὶς
he arose
G1453
ἐγερθεὶς
he arose
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
2 of 7
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
ἀπῆλθεν
and departed
G565
ἀπῆλθεν
and departed
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
3 of 7
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 7
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Paralysis in the ancient world meant complete economic and social marginalization. Without social welfare systems, the paralyzed depended on family or begging. The man's friends lowering him through the roof (Mark 2:4, Luke 5:19) showed desperate faith and costly love. His healing meant restoration of livelihood, dignity, and social participation. The command to return home signaled that miracle seekers should resume normal life rather than follow Jesus as groupies. Early Christians saw this as model of faith leading to transformation and reintegration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the comprehensiveness of this healing (spiritual, physical, social) illustrate the fullness of salvation?
- What does the healed man's return to normal life teach about discipleship and mission?
- How can we demonstrate the reality of spiritual transformation through changed lives?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The healed man's obedience—'he arose, and departed to his house' (ηγερθη και απηλθεν εις τον οικον αυτου)—demonstrates complete restoration. The verb εγειρω (egeirō) often describes resurrection, anticipating Jesus' ultimate victory over death. The man who came paralyzed and dependent leaves walking and independent. His departure 'to his house' shows social reintegration—he returns to normal life, family, and community. The miracle is comprehensive: spiritual (sins forgiven), physical (paralysis healed), and social (restored to community). This illustrates salvation's fullness: justification (forgiveness), regeneration (new life), and reconciliation (restored relationships). The man becomes living testimony to Jesus' authority and grace.