Matthew 8:5 - When he came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking him,
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Matthew 8:5" mean?
This verse, Matthew 8:5, is the starting point of a well-known story in the Gospel of Matthew about a Roman centurion and his faith in Jesus. Let's break down the meaning:
"When he came into Capernaum": This refers to Jesus entering the town of Capernaum. Capernaum was a significant location in Jesus' ministry. It was a town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee and is often referred to as Jesus' "own city" (Matthew 9:1). He spent a considerable amount of time there, teaching and performing miracles.
"a centurion came to him": A centurion was a Roman officer in charge of about 100 soldiers. This is significant because the centurion was a Gentile (non-Jew) representing the Roman army, the occupying force in Israel at the time.
"asking him": This implies that the centurion had a request or a plea to make of Jesus. The following verses reveal what the centurion was asking for. It is revealed he is asking Jesus to heal his servant, who is paralyzed and suffering.
In Summary:
Matthew 8:5 introduces the setting and the characters for the following narrative. It signifies that Jesus has arrived in Capernaum, a key location for his ministry. A Roman centurion, a symbol of Roman authority, approaches Jesus, indicating that someone from outside the Jewish community is seeking Jesus' help. This sets the stage for a potentially unexpected encounter and highlights the broader reach of Jesus' message and ministry beyond the confines of his own people. It is remarkable that this centurion, a Gentile and part of the Roman occupation, is coming to Jesus for help. This immediately suggests a level of respect, recognition, or desperation on the part of the centurion, which will be further explored in the following verses.
Matthew 8:5 - When he came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking him,
What does "Matthew 8:5" mean?
This verse, Matthew 8:5, is the starting point of a well-known story in the Gospel of Matthew about a Roman centurion and his faith in Jesus. Let's break down the meaning:
"When he came into Capernaum": This refers to Jesus entering the town of Capernaum. Capernaum was a significant location in Jesus' ministry. It was a town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee and is often referred to as Jesus' "own city" (Matthew 9:1). He spent a considerable amount of time there, teaching and performing miracles.
"a centurion came to him": A centurion was a Roman officer in charge of about 100 soldiers. This is significant because the centurion was a Gentile (non-Jew) representing the Roman army, the occupying force in Israel at the time.
"asking him": This implies that the centurion had a request or a plea to make of Jesus. The following verses reveal what the centurion was asking for. It is revealed he is asking Jesus to heal his servant, who is paralyzed and suffering.
In Summary:
Matthew 8:5 introduces the setting and the characters for the following narrative. It signifies that Jesus has arrived in Capernaum, a key location for his ministry. A Roman centurion, a symbol of Roman authority, approaches Jesus, indicating that someone from outside the Jewish community is seeking Jesus' help. This sets the stage for a potentially unexpected encounter and highlights the broader reach of Jesus' message and ministry beyond the confines of his own people. It is remarkable that this centurion, a Gentile and part of the Roman occupation, is coming to Jesus for help. This immediately suggests a level of respect, recognition, or desperation on the part of the centurion, which will be further explored in the following verses.