New Testament
Matthew 8:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; as you have believed, so it will be done for you." And his servant was healed at that very hour.
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And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
What Matthew 8:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus encounters a centurion, a Roman officer, who demonstrates great faith in His ability to heal. The centurion believes that Jesus can heal his servant without needing to be physically present. Jesus acknowledges this faith and tells the centurion that his belief will lead to the healing of his servant. This moment highlights the power of faith and the authority of Jesus. The centurion's understanding of authority, as someone who commands soldiers, allows him to recognize that Jesus has the same power over illness. The healing occurs immediately, showing that Jesus' words alone are enough to bring about change. This story illustrates that faith can lead to miraculous outcomes, regardless of one's background or status. It emphasizes that belief in Jesus' power is crucial for experiencing His healing and transformative work in our lives.
How to apply Matthew 8:13 to your life
This passage encourages us to have faith in Jesus' ability to help us in our struggles. Just as the centurion believed without needing physical proof, we too can trust in Jesus' power to heal and transform our lives through our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Centurion's Faith (Matthew 8:5–13)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 8:13 teach about faith?
Matthew 8:13 illustrates the power of faith through the centurion's belief in Jesus' ability to heal his servant. The centurion understood authority and recognized that Jesus could heal without being physically present. This passage emphasizes that genuine faith can lead to miraculous outcomes, highlighting that belief in Jesus' power is essential for experiencing His transformative work in our lives.
How does Jesus respond to the centurion's faith?
In Matthew 8:13, Jesus acknowledges the centurion's great faith and tells him that his belief will result in the healing of his servant. Jesus' response shows that faith is a key factor in receiving healing and blessings. The immediate healing that follows demonstrates Jesus' authority and the effectiveness of His words, reinforcing the idea that faith can bring about significant change.
What can we learn from the centurion's understanding of authority?
The centurion's understanding of authority serves as a powerful lesson in Matthew 8:13. He recognizes that just as he commands soldiers and they obey, Jesus has authority over illness and can heal with a word. This teaches us that understanding Jesus' divine authority can strengthen our faith and trust in His ability to intervene in our lives, regardless of our circumstances.
Why is the timing of the healing significant in this verse?
The immediate healing of the centurion's servant in Matthew 8:13 is significant because it demonstrates Jesus' power and authority. The fact that the servant was healed at that very hour shows that Jesus' words alone are sufficient to effect change. This highlights the theme of faith and the belief that Jesus can act swiftly and decisively in our lives when we trust in Him.
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