Matthew 15:31
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Matthew 15:31
31 Insomuch 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.
Chapter Context
Matthew 15 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of wisdom, judgment, hope. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-39: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 15:31
31 Insomuch 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.
Analysis
Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak (ὥστε τὸν ὄχλον θαυμάσαι βλέποντας κωφοὺς λαλοῦντας)—The consecutive ὥστε ('so that, insomuch that') introduces the result: θαυμάζω (thaumazō, 'to marvel, to wonder'). Seeing κωφούς λαλοῦντας ('mute ones speaking') violated natural order—fulfilled Isaiah 35:6. The maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see (κυλλοὺς ὑγιεῖς, χωλοὺς περιπατοῦντας καὶ τυφλοὺς βλέποντας)—each healing directly answers Isaiah's messianic prophecies. The catalog proves Jesus is the promised Messiah.
And they glorified the God of Israel (καὶ ἐδόξασαν τὸν θεὸν Ἰσραήλ)—The phrase 'God of Israel' suggests Gentile speakers (this is Decapolis, Mark 7:31). They recognized Israel's covenant God at work. Where Jesus heals, God receives glory—the purpose of all miracles. Their response contrasts with Jewish leaders' hardness (12:24).
Historical Context
Isaiah 35:5-6 prophesied these specific miracles as signs of God's coming salvation. First-century Judaism recognized these as messianic credentials. The Decapolis was a league of ten Greco-Roman cities east of Galilee/Samaria—predominantly Gentile territory. Jesus's ministry there fulfilled prophecies that Gentiles would see God's light (Isaiah 42:6-7).
Reflection
- How do Jesus's miracles prove He is the Messiah rather than merely a compassionate healer?
- When did you last glorify God publicly for His works, as these Gentiles did?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 50:23, Luke 18:43
- Glory: Matthew 9:8, Mark 2:12, Luke 7:16
- References Israel: Matthew 9:33
- Parallel theme: Matthew 18:8, Psalms 50:15, Mark 7:37, 9:43