Matthew 8:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A man with leprosy approaches Jesus, kneels before Him, and trusts that He is able to heal.
What Does Matthew 8:2 Mean?
Leprosy made a person an outcast, cut off from worship, family, and community, required to live apart and cry 'Unclean.' For such a man to draw near to anyone, let alone press through a crowd, was an act of desperate boldness. He comes and worships, falling before Jesus.
His words are a model of reverent faith. He does not doubt the power of Jesus, only submits the matter to His will: 'if thou wilt, thou canst.' Here is confidence joined to humility. The leper asks not merely to be cured but to be made clean, restored to the fellowship he has lost. He brings his deepest need to the only One able to meet it, and leaves the decision in trusting hands.
Matthew 8:2 in the Original Language
lepros (λεπρός), 'leper' -- one afflicted with a dreaded skin disease that brought ritual uncleanness and exclusion from the community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 8:2
What does Matthew 8:2 mean?
A man with leprosy approaches Jesus, kneels before Him, and trusts that He is able to heal.