Matthew 8:6
New International Version
“Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”

New Living Translation
“Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”

English Standard Version
“Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.”

Berean Literal Bible
and saying, “Lord, my servant is laid in the house a paralytic, terribly tormented.”

King James Bible
And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

New King James Version
saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”

New American Standard Bible
and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, terribly tormented.”

NASB 1995
and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented.”

NASB 1977
and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering great pain.”

Legacy Standard Bible
and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented.”

Amplified Bible
and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, with intense and terrible, tormenting pain.”

Berean Annotated Bible
“Lord {Kyrie}, my servant (child) lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.

Christian Standard Bible
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony!”

American Standard Version
and saying, Lord, my servant lieth in the house sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

Contemporary English Version
"Lord, my servant is at home in such terrible pain that he can't even move."

English Revised Version
and saying, Lord, my servant lieth in the house sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The officer said, "Sir, my servant is lying at home paralyzed and in terrible pain."

Good News Translation
"Sir, my servant is sick in bed at home, unable to move and suffering terribly."

International Standard Version
"Sir, my servant is lying at home paralyzed and in terrible pain."

NET Bible
"Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible anguish."

New Heart English Bible
and saying, "Lord, my servant lies in the house paralyzed, grievously tormented."

Webster's Bible Translation
And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick with the palsy, grievously tormented.

Weymouth New Testament
"Sir," he said, "my servant at home is lying ill with paralysis, and is suffering great pain."
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.”

World English Bible
saying, “Lord, my servant lies in the house paralyzed, grievously tormented.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and saying, “Lord, my young man has been laid in the house a paralytic, fearfully afflicted,”

Berean Literal Bible
and saying, “Lord, my servant is laid in the house a paralytic, terribly tormented.”

Young's Literal Translation
and saying, 'Sir, my young man hath been laid in the house a paralytic, fearfully afflicted,'

Smith's Literal Translation
And saying, Lord, my servant has been laid up in the house a paralytic, being grievously tormented.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, and is grieviously tormented.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and saying, “Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed and badly tormented.”

New American Bible
saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”

New Revised Standard Version
and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Saying, My Lord, my boy is lying in the house, paralyzed, and suffering greatly.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he said, “My Lord, my boy is lying in the house and is paralyzed and he is badly tormented.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and saying: Lord, my servant lies in my house, palsied, fearfully afflicted.

Godbey New Testament
and saying; Lord, my servant lies in the house paralyzed, terribly tormented.

Haweis New Testament
and saying, My servant is lying in the house paralytic, terribly tormented with pain.

Mace New Testament
saying, Lord, my servant lies sick at home grievously afflicted with the palsy,

Weymouth New Testament
"Sir," he said, "my servant at home is lying ill with paralysis, and is suffering great pain."

Worrell New Testament
and saying, "Lord, my boy has been prostrated in my house, a paralytic, fearfully afflicted."

Worsley New Testament
my servant lieth in my house ill of the palsy, grievously afflicted:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Faith of the Centurion
5When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him, 6 “Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.” 7“I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied.…

Cross References
Lord,

Luke 7:6
So Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends with the message: “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof.

Luke 5:8
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.”

John 20:28
Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!”
my servant

Luke 7:2
There a highly valued servant of a centurion was sick and about to die.

Luke 7:3
When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask Him to come and heal his servant.

Luke 7:10
And when the messengers returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.
lies at home,

Mark 2:1-4
A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum. And when the people heard that He was home, / they gathered in such large numbers that there was no more room, not even outside the door, as Jesus spoke the word to them. / Then a paralytic was brought to Him, carried by four men. …

Psalm 41:3
The LORD will sustain him on his bed of illness and restore him from his bed of sickness.

2 Kings 20:1
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’”
paralyzed

Acts 9:33
There he found a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years.

Luke 5:18-19
Just then some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They tried to bring him inside to set him before Jesus, / but they could not find a way through the crowd. So they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

Acts 8:7
With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many of the paralyzed and lame were healed.
and in terrible agony.

Luke 16:24
So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’

Matthew 17:15
“Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water.

Mark 9:18
Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked Your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable.”
John 4:46-54
So once again He came to Cana in Galilee, where He had turned the water into wine. And there was a royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. / When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Him to come down and heal his son, who was about to die. / Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.” …


Treasury of Scripture

And saying, Lord, my servant lies at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

my.

Job 31:13,14
If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me; …

Acts 10:7
And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

Colossians 3:11
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

palsy.

Matthew 4:24
And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Matthew 9:2
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Mark 2:3
And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

Jump to Previous
Afflicted Bed Body Distress Fearfully Great Grievously Home House Ill Laid Lies Pain Palsy Paralytic Paralyzed Power Servant Sick Sir Suffering Terrible Tormented Young
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Afflicted Bed Body Distress Fearfully Great Grievously Home House Ill Laid Lies Pain Palsy Paralytic Paralyzed Power Servant Sick Sir Suffering Terrible Tormented Young
Matthew 8
1. Jesus cleanses the leper;
5. heals the centurion's servant,
14. Peter's mother in law,
16. and many others;
18. shows the cost of following him;
23. stills the storm on the sea;
28. drives the demons out of two men possessed;
31. and tells them to go into the pigs.












Lord,
The term "Lord" is a title of respect and authority. In the context of the New Testament, it often signifies recognition of Jesus' divine authority. The centurion, a Roman officer, acknowledges Jesus' power, which is significant given the Roman occupation of Judea and their pantheon of gods. This title reflects a deep respect and possibly an understanding of Jesus' divine nature, aligning with Philippians 2:11, where every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord.

my servant
The centurion's concern for his servant highlights the compassionate relationship between them, which was not typical in Roman society where servants were often seen as property. This reflects the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor, as seen in Leviticus 19:18. The centurion's care for his servant mirrors the compassion Jesus shows throughout His ministry.

lies at home,
The phrase indicates the servant's inability to move, emphasizing the severity of his condition. The centurion's willingness to seek help for someone who is not a family member underscores his character and the urgency of the situation. This setting at home suggests a private, personal crisis, contrasting with the public miracles Jesus often performed.

paralyzed
Paralysis in biblical times was a condition with no known cure, often leaving individuals dependent on others. This physical ailment symbolizes spiritual paralysis, where individuals are unable to help themselves, needing divine intervention. The healing of the paralyzed man in Mark 2:1-12 parallels this, where Jesus not only heals physically but also forgives sins, showing His authority over both body and spirit.

and in terrible agony.
The description of "terrible agony" underscores the severity of the servant's condition, eliciting empathy and urgency. This mirrors the human condition of suffering and the need for a savior. Jesus' response to suffering throughout the Gospels, such as in John 11:33-35 with Lazarus, shows His compassion and power to alleviate both physical and spiritual pain.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, Jesus is approached by a centurion in this passage. He is known for His teachings, miracles, and ultimately, His sacrificial death and resurrection.

2. Centurion
A Roman officer commanding approximately 100 soldiers. This centurion demonstrates humility and faith by seeking Jesus' help for his servant.

3. Servant
The individual who is paralyzed and suffering. The centurion's concern for his servant highlights his compassion and the servant's dire need for healing.

4. Capernaum
A town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed many miracles and taught extensively.

5. Paralysis and Agony
The condition of the servant, which signifies a state of helplessness and severe suffering, setting the stage for Jesus' miraculous intervention.
Teaching Points
Faith Beyond Boundaries
The centurion's faith is remarkable because he is a Gentile, yet he recognizes Jesus' authority. This teaches us that faith is not limited by cultural or religious boundaries.

Compassionate Leadership
The centurion's concern for his servant shows a model of leadership that values and cares for those under one's authority. As Christians, we are called to lead with compassion and empathy.

Recognizing Authority
The centurion acknowledges Jesus' power to heal with just a word. This challenges us to recognize and trust in the authority of Christ in our own lives.

Intercessory Prayer
The centurion acts as an intercessor for his servant, reminding us of the importance of praying for others and bringing their needs before Jesus.

Humility in Approach
The centurion approaches Jesus with humility, acknowledging his own unworthiness. This is a model for how we should approach God in prayer, with humility and reverence.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Matthew 8:6?

2. How can we demonstrate faith like the centurion in Matthew 8:6 today?

3. What does the centurion's request reveal about his understanding of Jesus' authority?

4. How does Matthew 8:6 connect with other instances of faith in the Gospels?

5. In what ways can we intercede for others, following the centurion's example?

6. How does Jesus' response in this passage encourage us to trust His power?

7. How does Matthew 8:6 demonstrate Jesus' authority over illness and distance?

8. What does Matthew 8:6 reveal about faith in Jesus' healing power?

9. How does the centurion's request in Matthew 8:6 challenge traditional views on faith and authority?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 8?

11. Why is Jesus Christ's resurrection significant?

12. In Matthew 8:5–13, why would a Roman centurion, an officer of an occupying force, seek help from a Jewish teacher, and is there any historical record supporting such an encounter?

13. Did the centurion personally ask Jesus to heal his slave in Capernaum? Yes (Matthew 8:5) or No, he sent others (Luke 7:3,6)?

14. How can the harsh judgment on the servant in Matthew 25:24-30 be reconciled with a supposedly just and merciful God?
What Does Matthew 8:6 Mean
Lord,

• The centurion greets Jesus with the title he reserves for God’s anointed King.

• By calling Him “Lord,” he declares faith in Christ’s absolute authority (Matthew 8:2-3; Luke 7:6).

Romans 10:9 reminds us that openly confessing “Jesus is Lord” flows from true belief.

Acts 10:36 affirms that Jesus is “Lord of all,” making His power fully sufficient for what follows.


my servant

• The petition is selfless; the centurion thinks first of another’s need (Luke 7:2).

• Scripture holds masters accountable for the well-being of those under them (Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 4:1).

• His concern mirrors Jesus’ own servant-heart (Mark 10:45), setting an example of humble leadership.


lies at home,

• The servant is immobilized, unable to seek Jesus himself.

• Jesus has already proven He can heal at a distance (John 4:46-53) and will soon do so again (Matthew 15:28), showing that His reach is not limited by location.

• For believers today, this assures us that Christ meets needs wherever they arise.


paralyzed

• Total physical helplessness underscores the severity of the condition (compare Mark 2:3-12; Acts 9:33-34).

• Paralysis also pictures spiritual inability apart from divine intervention (John 15:5).

• Jesus’ forthcoming response demonstrates His authority over both body and soul.


and in terrible agony.

• The request highlights not only disability but intense suffering (Matthew 4:24).

• Jesus is consistently moved by human pain (Luke 7:13; Hebrews 4:15); He feels what we feel.

Revelation 21:4 looks ahead to the day He will abolish all pain, assuring us that present mercy foreshadows future glory.


summary

Matthew 8:6 shows a Roman officer humbly acknowledging Christ’s lordship and appealing for the desperate need of another. The verse spotlights faith that trusts Jesus’ authority over distance, paralysis, and pain. Each phrase reveals the centurion’s confidence that a word from the Lord is enough, pointing us to the same unwavering trust in the One who still heals and who one day will end suffering forever.

(6) My servant.--The Greek word might mean either "servant" or "boy." The former meaning is the more common, and is fixed as the meaning here by St. Luke's use of the word which means strictly "slave." He is described as paralysed, but the words "grievously tormented" point to more acute suffering than is common in that form of disease, and imply either something like rheumatic fever, or tetanus, or the special kind of paralysis which benumbs the muscles only, and affects the nerves of sensation with sharp pain. A like case of paralysis with agonising pain is found in 1 Maccabees 9:55-56. The fact that this suffering touched his master's heart with pity was itself a sign of something exceptionally good in the centurion's character. It was not thus, for the most part, that the wealthy Romans dealt with their slaves when they were sick. St. Luke does not state the nature of the disease, perhaps as not having been able to satisfy himself as to its precise nature, but simply describes the slave as "ill, and at the point to die," and adds that he was "dear" (literally, precious) to his master. His narrative states further that the centurion sent the elders, "having heard of Jesus." The report had obviously been such as to lead him to look on the Teacher as endowed with a supernatural power. It may have come from the elders of the synagogue themselves; but the facts of the case make it probable that he had heard specifically of the healing of the "nobleman's son" at Capernaum recorded by St. John (John 4:46-54). There he had found a precedent which now determined his own line of action, showing that a word from those lips might be enough to heal without touch or even presence.

Verse 6. - Matthew only. And saying, Lord, my servant; Revised Version margin, "boy" (ὁ παῖς μου), just as in some English-speaking communities "boy" is commonly used for "manservant." In the parallel passage of Luke, the narrative speaks of him as δοῦλος, the message as παῖς. Lieth. Perforce (βέβληται). At home; Revised Version, in the house; i.e. of the centurion. Sick of the palsy, grievously tormented (cf. 1 Macc. 9:55, 56). "Paralysis with contraction of the joints is accompanied with intense suffering, and, when united, as it much oftener is in the hot climates of the East and of Africa than among us, with tetanus, both 'grievously torments,' and rapidly brings on dissolution" (Trench, 'Miracles,' p231: 1866). Observe that the statement of the case is itself a petition.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Lord,
Κύριε (Kyrie)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

servant
παῖς (pais)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3816: Perhaps from paio; a boy, or, a girl, and a child; specially, a slave or servant.

lies
βέβληται (beblētai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.

at
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

home,
οἰκίᾳ (oikia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3614: From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.

paralyzed
παραλυτικός (paralytikos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3885: Afflicted with paralysis. From a derivative of paraluo; as if dissolved, i.e. 'paralytic'.

[and] in terrible
δεινῶς (deinōs)
Adverb
Strong's 1171: Vehemently, terribly, grievously. Adverb from a derivative of the same as deilos; terribly, i.e. Excessively.

agony.”
βασανιζόμενος (basanizomenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 928: To examine, as by torture; I torment; I buffet, as of waves. From basanos; to torture.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 8:6 And saying Lord my servant lies (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 8:5
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