New Testament
Matthew 9:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
While Jesus was saying these things, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him. "My daughter has just died," he said. "But if you come and place your hand on her, she will live."
Compare translations
While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
What Matthew 9:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a synagogue leader approaches Jesus with a desperate plea. His daughter has just died, and he believes that Jesus has the power to bring her back to life. By kneeling before Jesus, he shows both respect and faith. His request is simple yet profound: he asks Jesus to lay His hand on her, indicating that he believes in the healing power of Jesus. This moment highlights the leader's faith in Jesus' ability to perform miracles, even in the face of death. It also sets the stage for a significant miracle, demonstrating Jesus' authority over life and death. The act of kneeling signifies humility and recognition of Jesus' divine power, which is a key aspect of faith. This encounter illustrates the importance of seeking help from Jesus in times of crisis and believing in His ability to intervene in our lives.
How to apply Matthew 9:18 to your life
When facing difficult situations, like illness or loss, we can approach Jesus with our needs, just as the synagogue leader did. This teaches us to have faith in His power to help us, even when circumstances seem hopeless. Trusting in Jesus can bring comfort and hope.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jairus' Daughter and a Woman Healed (Matthew 9:18–26)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 9:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 9:18
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 9:18 mean?
Matthew 9:18 describes a synagogue leader who approaches Jesus in desperation, believing that Jesus can bring his dead daughter back to life. This moment emphasizes the leader's faith and humility as he seeks Jesus' help in a time of crisis.
What is the significance of kneeling in Matthew 9:18?
Kneeling in Matthew 9:18 signifies respect and humility. The synagogue leader kneels before Jesus to show his recognition of Jesus' authority and power, reflecting his deep faith in Jesus' ability to perform miracles.
What does the phrase 'she shall live' in Matthew 9:18 mean?
The phrase 'she shall live' indicates the synagogue leader's strong belief that Jesus has the power to restore life. It highlights the theme of faith in Jesus' miraculous abilities, even in seemingly hopeless situations.
How does Matthew 9:18 relate to faith?
Matthew 9:18 illustrates faith by showing the synagogue leader's trust in Jesus' power to heal his daughter. His plea demonstrates that faith can lead individuals to seek help from Jesus in their most desperate moments.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.