Matthew 8:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The centurion describes his servant, paralyzed at home and in terrible suffering.
What Does Matthew 8:6 Mean?
The officer lays out his need plainly. His servant lies stricken with paralysis and in grievous torment. In a world where a servant could be treated as property, this man's deep concern for one under his roof reveals a tender and unusual heart.
He addresses Jesus as 'Lord' and brings the suffering of another, not himself, into the open. There is something Christlike already in this care that crosses the lines of rank. The centurion does not yet ask outright; he simply names the trouble before One he believes can help. Often the truest prayer begins just so, by carrying the burden of another to Jesus and trusting Him to act.
Matthew 8:6 in the Original Language
pais (παῖς), 'servant' -- a word that can mean both servant and child, suggesting the affection the officer felt for the one in his household.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 8:6
What does Matthew 8:6 mean?
The centurion describes his servant, paralyzed at home and in terrible suffering.