Matthew 9:29

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 9:29 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done unto you.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done unto you.
Matthew 9:29 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
29Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done unto you.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then touched he their eyes, etc.] Not but that he could have restored sight to them, without touching their eyes, by a word speaking, or by the secret communication of his power; but he might do this as a sign of his favour and kindness to them, and of his will to cure them; as also in compliance with their weakness, who might expect some manual operation upon them; saying, according to your faith be it unto you: not that faith in his person and power, was the cause or condition of this cure, or the rule and measure according to which Christ proceeded; but the sense is, that as they had believed he was able to heal them, accordingly a cure should be effected; which, upon his so saying, they…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you--not, Receive a cure proportioned to your faith, but, Receive this cure as granted to your faith. Thus would they carry about with them, in their restored vision, a gracious seal of the faith which drew it from their compassionate Lord.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then touched he their eyes - Simply to indicate that the power proceeded from him. Compare Matthew 8:3. According to your faith ... - That is, you have “believed” that you could be healed, be healed accordingly. Your faith covered the whole extent of the work respecting my power and the absolute restoration to sight, and that power is exerted accordingly, and your sight is restored. So with the sinner. If he has faith in the Son of God; if he believes that he is able and willing to save him: and if he earnestly desires to be saved, the power of Jesus will be put forth to the full extent of his faith. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“touched: Mat 20:34; Joh 9:6, Joh 9:7 According: Mat 8:6, Mat 8:7, Mat 8:13, Mat 15:28; Mar 10:52 Matthew 9:30”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification