Matthew 9:8

8 But the crowds seeing [it], were in fear, and glorified God who gave such power to men.

Matthew 9:8 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 9:8

But when the multitude saw it
The miracle that was wrought; when they saw the man take up his bed, and carry it home, which was done by Christ, as a proof of his having power to forgive sin,

they marvelled, and glorified God:
they were struck with amazement and astonishment at the sight, it being what was strange and unusual; the like to which they had never seen before, nor heard of: and concluding it to be more than human; they ascribed it to God; they praised, and adored the divine goodness,

which had given such power unto men;
of working miracles, healing diseases, and delivering miserable mortals from such maladies, as were otherwise incurable; still looking upon Christ as a mere man, by whom God did these things; not knowing yet the mystery of the incarnation, God manifest in the flesh.

Matthew 9:8 In-Context

6 But that ye may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, (then he says to the paralytic,) Rise up, take up thy bed and go to thy house.

7 And he rose up and went to his house.

8 But the crowds seeing [it], were in fear, and glorified God who gave such power to men.

9 And Jesus, passing on thence, saw a man sitting at the tax-office, called Matthew, and says to him, Follow me. And he rose up and followed him.

10 And it came to pass, as he lay at table in the house, that behold, many tax-gatherers and sinners came and lay at table with Jesus and his disciples.

Footnotes

• [a]. Exousia, 'right,' 'authority:' see Note, ch. 10.1 and John 10.18.