New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 9:18

The Doctor for the Sick

While Jesus was saying these things, a synagogue leader came and knelt before Him. “My daughter has just died,” he said. “But come and place Your hand on her, and she will live.” Matthew 9:18 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 9:18, in plain English

A synagogue leader knelt before Jesus and said, 'My daughter just died, but if You come and touch her, she'll live.'

Why it's here

Imagine the desperation of a father whose child has just died, and the faith it takes to believe Jesus can do the impossible.

Who's speaking

A grieving father, making an incredible statement of faith.

Where it sits in the story

This father's faith in the face of death is breathtaking. He believed Jesus was stronger than the grave.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

An archon (synagogue ruler) prostrates himself before Jesus, reporting his daughter's death and expressing faith that Jesus' touch will restore her life.

Language and setting

Matthew's account is compressed compared to Mark/Luke (Jairus); the ruler demonstrates extraordinary faith by believing Jesus can raise the dead.

Voice

A synagogue ruler, pleading with faith for his daughter's life.

Significance

This begins an interwoven miracle narrative (ruler's daughter and bleeding woman) that showcases Jesus' power over both chronic illness and death.

In context

Matthew 9:16–20

16No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. For the patch will pull away from the garment, and a worse tear will result.

17Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will spill, and the wineskins will be ruined. Instead, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

18While Jesus was saying these things, a synagogue leader came and knelt before Him. “My daughter has just died,” he said. “But come and place Your hand on her, and she will live.”

19So Jesus got up and went with him, along with His disciples.

20Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak.

Read all of Matthew 9 — Jesus eats with sinners, forgives the paralyzed, and raises the dead. The religious leaders are horrified; the broken are set free.

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