What does Matthew 9:7 mean?

Explanation

The verse "And he arose, and departed to his house." comes from the book of Matthew, chapter 9, verse 7.

It's a straightforward passage narrating the immediate aftermath of a miraculous healing performed by Jesus.

In the preceding verses, Jesus heals a man who was paralyzed, telling him to "Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house" (Matthew 9:6).

This verse captures the moment when the healed man obeys Jesus' command, rising and returning to his home, which would have been a profound demonstration of the healing as he had been paralyzed.

Historical Context

In the first century CE, when the Gospel of Matthew is believed to have been written, illness was often seen as a consequence of sin or the influence of evil spirits.

The acts of Jesus as described in the Gospels challenged these notions, as he often healed those who were sick or disabled, emphasizing God's mercy and power.

This particular miracle story takes place in Capernaum, a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which is presented in the Gospels as a center of Jesus' ministry.

The healing of the paralyzed man is part of a collection of miracles that demonstrate Jesus' authority and divinity to the observers, including the crowds and the religious leaders.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse touches on several key themes. Foremost is the demonstration of Jesus' power over physical ailments, which serves as a testament to his being the Messiah.

Additionally, the narrative implies that faith, particularly that of the paralytic or his friends who brought him to Jesus, plays a crucial role in the healing process.

Scholars from different traditions might emphasize varying aspects of this event.

Some might see this as a literal physical healing, while others might interpret it allegorically, symbolizing spiritual awakening or renewal.

Practical Applications

The verse's practical application lies primarily in inspiring faith and taking action based on one's beliefs.

For those who follow Christian teachings, this verse encourages the belief in the possibility of change and recovery, not just physically but also spiritually and emotionally.

It reminds individuals that faith in action can lead to transformative experiences in one's life.

Cross-References

• Matthew 9:2-6: This provides context to our verse, describing how the paralytic man was brought to Jesus and Jesus' response, which led to the healing.
• Mark 2:11-12: This echoes the account in Matthew, describing a similar event where the paralyzed man is commanded to rise and walk.
• Luke 5:24-25: Luke’s version of the same story, where the healed man picks up his bed and walks home in front of many witnesses.
• John 5:8: Another instance of Jesus healing a paralyzed man, telling him to "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk."

Language Study

The original Greek word used for "arose" is "egertheis," which is a form of "egeiro," meaning "to raise up" or “to awaken”.

This word signifies not just the physical act of standing but also has connotations of rising from death or inactivity.

This is significant in understanding the full impact of the healing.

The phrase "departed to his house" in Greek is "apelyen eis ton oikon autou," which is quite literal but also implies a return to one’s place in society and family life, which would have been markedly disrupted by paralysis.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient beliefs, miraculous healings weren't unique to Christianity.

Various cultures had myths of gods or demi-gods who performed healings.

For instance, in Greek mythology, Asclepius was renowned for his ability to heal the sick, and his followers believed that he could perform miracles.

However, in the Christian narrative, such miracles are significant not just for the physical healing but for what they signify about the nature of Jesus and his mission on earth, setting them apart from other traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, spontaneous recovery from paralysis is rare and would often require medical intervention or therapy.

The verse, however, does not provide details on the nature of the man's paralysis, leaving its interpretation open.

Some readers may interpret the healing as a literal miracle, while others might see it as a symbolic or psychosomatic event.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse typically acknowledge the display of Jesus' divine authority and compassion.

For example, the Pulpit Commentary emphasizes Jesus’ authority to forgive sins and heal, which was immediately proved when the paralyzed man walked away from the scene.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes the man's response to the miracle as evidence of his faith and obedience.

Contemporary scholars might also add that this narrative illustrates Jesus' power to restore individuals fully into their communities and families, as well as touching on the role of divine healing in Christian doctrine.