Matthew 8:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →In Capernaum a Roman centurion comes to Jesus with an earnest plea.
What Does Matthew 8:5 Mean?
Capernaum, on the shore of Galilee, served as a base for Jesus' ministry. A centurion was a Roman officer set over a hundred soldiers, a man of rank and authority, and here a foreigner among the people of Israel. That such a man would come seeking help from a Jewish teacher is striking.
He comes not commanding but beseeching, urgently asking. His position gave him power over many, yet he approaches Jesus as one in need. This account, set beside the cleansing of the leper, shows the reach of Jesus' mercy widening: from an outcast of Israel to a Gentile soldier. The kingdom Jesus announced is already drawing in those the world would not expect.
Matthew 8:5 in the Original Language
hekatontarches (ἑκατοντάρχης), 'centurion' -- a commander of a hundred men in the Roman army, a Gentile officer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 8:5
What does Matthew 8:5 mean?
In Capernaum a Roman centurion comes to Jesus with an earnest plea.