Bible Strands
Matthew 12:22
Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Following the prophecy that nations will hope in His name, Jesus is approached by a crowd after a day of teaching and conflict. The event occurs at the precise moment a demon-possessed man is brought directly to Him, immediately before the crowd questions His messianic identity.
The words — δαιμονιζόμενος (daimonizomenos) literally means "being demonised," and κωφός (kōphos) means "mute." These terms describe the man's condition before Jesus acts.
The thread — This event parallels the mute demon exorcism in Luke 11:14 and the healing in Mark 7:35. It also echoes Isaiah 29:18, which prophesies that the deaf will hear and the blind will see.
Why it lands — The text states Jesus restores sight and speech to a severely afflicted man, prompting the crowd to question His identity. It asks the reader to recognize that messianic authority is demonstrated through direct intervention in human suffering, not merely through words.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
Cross-references
- Luke 11:14 One day Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. And when the demon was gone, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowds were amazed,
- Isaiah 29:18 On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see.
- Mark 7:35 Immediately the man’s ears were opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak plainly.
- Isaiah 35:5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
- Mark 3:11 And when the unclean spirits saw Him, they fell down before Him and cried out, “You are the Son of God!”
- Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’
- Matthew 4:24 News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He healed them.
- Matthew 9:32 As they were leaving, a demon-possessed man who was mute was brought to Jesus.
- Isaiah 32:3 Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen.
- Psalms 51:15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.