Matthew Chapter 9 · Verse 8

Authorized King James Version

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But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Original Language Analysis

ἰδόντες saw G1492
ἰδόντες saw
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 1 of 15
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 15
but, and, etc
τοῖς which G3588
τοῖς which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλοι when the multitudes G3793
ὄχλοι when the multitudes
Strong's: G3793
Word #: 4 of 15
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
ἐθαύμασαν, it they marvelled G2296
ἐθαύμασαν, it they marvelled
Strong's: G2296
Word #: 5 of 15
to wonder; by implication, to admire
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐδόξασαν glorified G1392
ἐδόξασαν glorified
Strong's: G1392
Word #: 7 of 15
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
τοῖς which G3588
τοῖς which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν God G2316
θεὸν God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 9 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τοῖς which G3588
τοῖς which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόντα had given G1325
δόντα had given
Strong's: G1325
Word #: 11 of 15
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἐξουσίαν power G1849
ἐξουσίαν power
Strong's: G1849
Word #: 12 of 15
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
τοιαύτην such G5108
τοιαύτην such
Strong's: G5108
Word #: 13 of 15
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
τοῖς which G3588
τοῖς which
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 14 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνθρώποις unto men G444
ἀνθρώποις unto men
Strong's: G444
Word #: 15 of 15
man-faced, i.e., a human being

Analysis & Commentary

The crowds' response—'they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men' (εθαυμασαν και εδοξασαν τον θεον τον δοντα εξουσιαν τοιαυτην τοις ανθρωποις)—reveals both insight and misunderstanding. They correctly recognize divine power (εξουσια/exousia, authority) and appropriately glorify God. However, their phrase 'such power unto men' (plural ανθρωποις) suggests they view Jesus as merely a specially empowered human rather than God incarnate. They see the miracle but miss the fuller revelation. 'Marvelled' (εθαυμασαν) indicates amazement, wonder, even fear. True miracles should provoke both worship and theological reflection. The crowd's partial understanding mirrors our own tendency to appreciate God's benefits while missing deeper revelations of His character.

Historical Context

First-century Jewish crowds witnessed itinerant teachers and occasional miracle workers, but Jesus' authority was unprecedented. Unlike rabbis who cited authorities or prophets who invoked God's name, Jesus spoke with inherent authority. The crowd's amazement was appropriate—this was unlike anything previously witnessed. Matthew, writing for Jewish Christians, emphasizes how Jesus' miracles fulfill messianic expectations while transcending mere prophetic wonder-working. The crowd's wonder without commitment foreshadows Israel's broader response: amazed but ultimately rejecting.

Questions for Reflection