Meaning and Interpretation of Matthew 9:26

Verse Text: "And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land." (Matthew 9:26, KJV)

Summary of Matthew 9:26

This verse encapsulates the profound impact of Jesus’ miracles, emphasizing the spread of His renown throughout the region. Following a significant miracle, the fame of Jesus is portrayed as rapidly expanding, stirring curiosity and belief among the people. Public domain commentaries provide insights that highlight the connection between His miraculous works and the growing acknowledgment of His divine authority.

Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ miracles as a demonstration of His divine power. The public response to these events reflects a growing faith among the people, suggesting that the miraculous serves not only as an act of healing but also as a means of revealing God’s glory and grace.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes that the fame of Jesus spread widely due to the amazement witnessed after the miracles. He suggests that the report of these wonders evidenced the authenticity of Jesus’ mission and His role as the Messiah, stirring excitement and expectation among the masses about His teachings and works.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke elaborates on the implications of Jesus’ fame leading to greater crowds, indicating that His deeds sparked a movement that would challenge the established religious norms. His miracles were signs of divine intervention that urged people to reconsider their spiritual state and God's promises.

Cross-References and Thematic Connections

Matthew 9:26 is linked to several other Bible verses that deepen understanding through scriptural cross-referencing:

• Matthew 4:24 - "And his fame went throughout all Syria..." - Reflects an earlier instance of Jesus’ growing recognition as a healer.
• Mark 1:28 - "And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region..." - Indicates the impact of Jesus' teachings and miracles on the surrounding communities.
• Luke 4:14 - "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about." - Demonstrates how Jesus’ ministry rapidly gained attention.
• John 2:23 - "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did." - Highlights belief stimulated by miraculous signs.
• Matthew 8:18 - "Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side." - Illustrates the consequences of His growing fame leading to increased following and pressure.
• Matthew 9:31 - "But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country." - Continuation of the theme of spreading His renown through personal testimonies.
• Luke 8:39 - "Return to thine own house, and show how great things God hath done unto thee." - Connects personal experience of Jesus’ miracles to the broader spread of His fame.

Thematic Analysis

The themes presented in Matthew 9:26 resonate with broader scriptural motifs of healing, divine authority, and the response to Jesus’ ministry:

• Miracles as Revelation: Acts of healing and power function as signs pointing to Jesus’ identity as the Messiah.
• Public Response: The reaction of the crowds embodies the human response to divine intervention, reflecting both belief and skepticism.
• Connection to Prophetic Fulfillment: Jesus’ actions fulfill Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah, linking Matthew to the Hebrew Scriptures.

Conclusion

Matthew 9:26 serves as a pivotal moment illustrating the burgeoning fame of Jesus as a healer and teacher. The commentaries converge around the importance of public acknowledgment of His miracles, encouraging readers to engage with the text not just as isolated scripture but as part of a larger narrative woven throughout the Bible. Exploring these cross-references allows for a richer understanding of the connections between Bible verses, enhancing the study of how themes of faith, healing, and messianic identity interlink across the scriptures.