Matthew 9:8
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
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
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)
Cross References
Matthew 15:31Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.Luke 7:16And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.Acts 4:21So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.Luke 17:15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,Luke 23:47Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.Mark 2:12And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.Galatians 1:24And they glorified God in me.Acts 11:18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.John 15:8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.Luke 13:13And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
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
- How can we move from amazement at God's works to genuine worship and obedience?
- What is the difference between recognizing God's power and recognizing Jesus' deity?
- Why do crowds often respond with wonder but fail to commit to following Jesus?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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.