Matthew 8:8
New International Version
The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

New Living Translation
But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.

English Standard Version
But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Berean Standard Bible
The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Berean Literal Bible
But answering, the centurion said, “Lord, I am not fit that You should enter under my roof; but only say a word, and my servant will be healed.

King James Bible
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

New King James Version
The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.

New American Standard Bible
But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

NASB 1995
But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

NASB 1977
But the centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not good enough for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Amplified Bible
But the centurion replied to Him, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Berean Annotated Bible
The centurion (commander of a hundred) answered, “Lord {Kyrie}, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Christian Standard Bible
“Lord,” the centurion replied, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Lord,” the centurion replied, “I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But only say the word, and my servant will be cured.

American Standard Version
And the centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.

Contemporary English Version
But the officer said, "Lord, I'm not good enough for you to come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well.

English Revised Version
And the centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The officer responded, "Sir, I don't deserve to have you come into my house. But just give a command, and my servant will be healed.

Good News Translation
"Oh no, sir," answered the officer. "I do not deserve to have you come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well.

International Standard Version
The centurion replied, "Sir, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed,

NET Bible
But the centurion replied, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Instead, just say the word and my servant will be healed.

New Heart English Bible
And the centurion answered, "Lord, I'm not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Webster's Bible Translation
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant will be healed.

Weymouth New Testament
"Sir," replied the Captain, "I am not a fit person to receive you under my roof: merely say the word, and my servant will be cured.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

World English Bible
The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the centurion answering said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You may enter under my roof, but only say a word, and my servant will be healed;

Berean Literal Bible
But answering, the centurion said, “Lord, I am not fit that You should enter under my roof; but only say a word, and my servant will be healed.

Young's Literal Translation
And the centurion answering said, 'Sir, I am not worthy that thou mayest enter under my roof, but only say a word, and my servant shall be healed;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the captain of a hundred having answered said, Lord, I am not fit that thou shouldest enter in under my roof: but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the centurion making answer, said: Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof: but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And responding, the centurion said: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.

New American Bible
The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.

New Revised Standard Version
The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The centurion then answered and said, My Lord, I am not good enough that you should enter under the shadow of my roof; but just say a word, and my boy will be healed.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
That Centurion answered and said, “My lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say in a word and my boy will be healed.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the centurion answering, said: Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof; but say in a word only, and my servant shall be restored to health.

Godbey New Testament
And the centurion responding said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou mayest come in under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant will be healed.

Haweis New Testament
And the centurion said, I am not a fit person, that thou shouldest come under my roof: but only speak a word, and my servant be cured.

Mace New Testament
the centurion answered, Lord, I am not worthy the honour of such a visit: do but give the word, and my servant is sav'd.

Weymouth New Testament
"Sir," replied the Captain, "I am not a fit person to receive you under my roof: merely say the word, and my servant will be cured.

Worrell New Testament
And the centurion, answering, said, "Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof, but only speak in a word, and my boy shall be healed;

Worsley New Testament
But the centurion answering said, Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst come under my roof, but speak the word, and my servant will be healed:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Faith of the Centurion
7“I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied. 8 The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes; and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”…

Cross References
The centurion answered,

Matthew 27:54
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

Mark 15:39
When the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how He had breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Luke 23:47
When the centurion saw what had happened, he gave glory to God, saying, “Surely this was a righteous man.”
“Lord, I am not worthy

Luke 15:19
I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’

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.”

1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
to have You come under my roof.

Luke 7:6-7
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. / That is why I did not consider myself worthy to come to You. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Acts 10:28
He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.

Luke 19:5-6
When Jesus came to that place, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down, for I must stay at your house today.” / So Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed Him joyfully.
But just say the word,

Psalm 33:9
For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.

Psalm 107:20
He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the Pit.

Isaiah 55:11
so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.
and my servant will be healed.

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

John 4:50-53
“Go,” said Jesus. “Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at His word and departed. / And while he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was alive. / So he inquired as to the hour when his son had recovered, and they told him, “The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour.” …

Mark 7:29-30
Then Jesus told her, “Because of this answer, you may go. The demon has left your daughter.” / And she went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone.
John 4:46-53
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

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

I am.

Matthew 3:11,14
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: …

Matthew 15:26,27
But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs…

Genesis 32:10
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.

but.

Matthew 8:3
And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Numbers 20:8
Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

Psalm 33:9
For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

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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.












The centurion answered
The centurion was a Roman officer commanding approximately 100 soldiers. His presence in Capernaum reflects the Roman occupation of Judea. Despite being a Gentile and part of the occupying force, he approaches Jesus with respect and humility, which is significant given the typical animosity between Jews and Romans. This interaction highlights the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers in the ministry of Jesus.

Lord, I am not worthy
The centurion addresses Jesus as "Lord," a term of respect and recognition of authority. His declaration of unworthiness is notable, as Roman centurions were typically men of status and authority. This humility contrasts with the pride often associated with Roman officials and indicates a recognition of Jesus' divine authority and holiness.

to have You come under my roof
Jewish customs of the time considered entering a Gentile's home as potentially defiling. The centurion's awareness of this cultural sensitivity shows his respect for Jewish customs and his understanding of the potential implications for Jesus. This phrase underscores the centurion's humility and his faith in Jesus' power to heal from a distance.

But just say the word
This statement reflects the centurion's profound faith in Jesus' authority. He believes that Jesus' spoken word alone is sufficient to heal, demonstrating an understanding of Jesus' divine power that surpasses even that of many Jews of the time. This faith is later commended by Jesus as exemplary.

and my servant will be healed
The centurion's concern for his servant, a position often considered lowly, reveals his compassion and sense of responsibility. The healing of the servant without physical presence or touch by Jesus illustrates the power of Jesus' word and foreshadows the spiritual healing available to all who believe, regardless of physical proximity. This act also prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles in the blessings of the kingdom of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God, performing miracles and teaching with authority.

2. Centurion
A Roman officer commanding a hundred soldiers, demonstrating faith in Jesus' authority to heal his servant without physical presence.

3. Capernaum
A town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, serving as a significant location for Jesus' ministry and miracles.

4. Servant
The centurion's paralyzed and suffering servant, whose healing is sought by the centurion through Jesus.

5. Crowd
The people witnessing the interaction between Jesus and the centurion, representing the broader audience of Jesus' teachings and miracles.
Teaching Points
Faith in Authority
The centurion's understanding of authority and his faith in Jesus' word demonstrate a profound trust in Jesus' divine power. Believers are encouraged to trust in Jesus' authority over all aspects of life.

Humility and Recognition
The centurion's humility, acknowledging his unworthiness for Jesus to enter his home, serves as a model for approaching God with reverence and humility.

Power of Jesus' Word
The centurion's belief that Jesus can heal with just a word highlights the power and efficacy of Jesus' spoken word, encouraging believers to rely on Scripture for guidance and strength.

Inclusivity of the Gospel
The centurion, a Gentile, is commended for his faith, illustrating that the Gospel is for all people, regardless of background or status.

Intercessory Faith
The centurion's concern for his servant and his approach to Jesus on the servant's behalf demonstrate the importance of intercessory prayer and faith for others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Matthew 8:8?

2. How does Matthew 8:8 demonstrate the centurion's faith and understanding of authority?

3. What can we learn about humility from the centurion's response in Matthew 8:8?

4. How does Matthew 8:8 connect with other biblical examples of faith in Jesus?

5. How can we apply the centurion's faith in our daily prayer life?

6. What does Matthew 8:8 teach about recognizing Jesus' power and authority today?

7. How does Matthew 8:8 demonstrate the power of faith in Jesus' authority?

8. What historical context surrounds the centurion's request in Matthew 8:8?

9. How does Matthew 8:8 reflect the theme of humility and faith?

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

11. What does the Bible say about faith in God?

12. Who was the Roman Centurion in the Bible?

13. What does the Bible say about divine healing?

14. 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)?
What Does Matthew 8:8 Mean
The centurion answered

• The Roman officer responds promptly to Jesus, revealing initiative and humility (Luke 7:6–7).

• Though a man of authority (Acts 10:1), he approaches Christ, acknowledging a higher Authority.

• His answer reflects active faith—he believes enough to speak up (Romans 10:17).


Lord

• By calling Jesus “Lord,” the centurion confesses more than respect; he recognizes divine authority (Matthew 7:21; Philippians 2:10–11).

• This title places Jesus above earthly rank, affirming His sovereignty over sickness and circumstance (Colossians 1:16–17).


I am not worthy to have You come under my roof

• Genuine humility surfaces; the centurion sees his own unworthiness next to Jesus’ holiness (Luke 5:8; Isaiah 6:5).

• Socially, a Jewish rabbi entering a Gentile home risked ceremonial defilement (Acts 10:28), yet the focus here is moral, not cultural.

• God “gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6), and the centurion’s attitude invites divine favor.


But just say the word

• He trusts the sheer power of Christ’s spoken command—miracle at a distance (Psalm 33:6; Hebrews 11:3).

• His military background helps him grasp delegated authority: orders issued, results follow (Matthew 8:9).

• Jesus later marvels at this faith (Matthew 8:10), highlighting its exemplary nature for all believers (John 20:29).


and my servant will be healed

• The centurion expects a definite outcome; faith targets a real need (Matthew 8:13).

• He intercedes for a valued servant, modeling compassionate leadership (Luke 7:2).

• Christ’s healing ministry confirms messianic prophecy (Isaiah 53:4–5; 1 Peter 2:24; Matthew 4:23), demonstrating that His authority extends over disease.


summary

Matthew 8:8 showcases a Gentile soldier who grasps Jesus’ divine authority more clearly than many in Israel. His humility, confession of Christ as Lord, and confidence in the life-giving power of Jesus’ word form a pattern of saving faith: acknowledge our unworthiness, recognize His sovereignty, and rely fully on His command. Such faith still moves the Lord to act with grace and power today.

(8) Lord, I am not worthy.--In St. Luke's report, the friends deliver the message as beginning with "Trouble not thyself," the word being a colloquial one, which starting from the idea of flaying, or mangling, passed into that of "worrying," "vexing," and the like. The sense of unworthiness implied at once the consciousness of his own sins, and the recognition of the surpassing holiness and majesty of the Teacher he addressed.

Speak the word only.--This was the special proof of the speaker's faith. He had risen above the thought of a magic influence, operating by touch or charm, to that of a delegated power depending only on the will of Him who possessed it.

Verse 8. - The (Revised Version, and the) centurion answered and said. His reply as reported in Matthew is almost verbally the same as his second message in Luke, save for the important addition there of his unworthiness to come. Lord, I am not worthy (ἱκανός); Matthew 3:11, note. That thou shouldest come under my roof. "My," probably emphatic: however thou mayest honour others. But speak the word only; but only say the word (Revised Version); ἀλλὰ μόνον εἰπὲ λόγῳ. Only say with a single word what is to be done, and it shall be done (cf. ver. 16). And my servant shall be healed (ἰαθήσεται); Matthew 4:23, note.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

centurion
ἑκατόνταρχος (hekatontarchos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1543: A centurion of the Roman army. Or hekatontarchos hek-at-on'-tar-khos; from hekaton and archo; the captain of one hundred men.

answered,
Ἀποκριθεὶς (Apokritheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

“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.

I am
εἰμὶ (eimi)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

worthy
ἱκανὸς (hikanos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2425: From hiko; competent, i.e. Ample or fit.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

have You come
εἰσέλθῃς (eiselthēs)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

under
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

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.

roof.
στέγην (stegēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4721: A flat roof of a house. Strengthened from a primary tegos; a roof.

But
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

just
μόνον (monon)
Adverb
Strong's 3440: Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.

say
εἰπὲ (eipe)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

the word,
λόγῳ (logō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

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.

will be healed.
ἰαθήσεται (iathēsetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2390: To heal, generally of the physical, sometimes of spiritual, disease. Middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered Lord I'm not worthy (Matt. Mat Mt)
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