And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just grant the centurion's request; He blesses his extraordinary faith with a powerful declaration: "As you have believed, so let it be done for you." This isn't just a confirmation, but a profound statement that God's action is directly tied to the measure of our belief, honoring the centurion's deep trust by making the healing instantaneous and absolute.
And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a dramatic healing of a leper, Jesus is approached by a Roman centurion who, despite his Gentile status and military position, displays remarkable faith, believing Jesus can heal his servant from a distance. Jesus, impressed by this unique faith, responds by declaring the servant will be healed, and the text immediately confirms the miraculous healing occurred at that precise moment.
Jesus often responded to faith with words like 'Your faith has made you well.' But here, He says, 'As you have believed, so let it be done.' What’s the difference?
Faith's Boldness
Jesus' response to the centurion is remarkable. Instead of saying, 'Your faith has healed him,' Jesus declares, 'As you have believed, so let it be done to you.' This isn't just about Jesus responding to faith; it's about faith having a kind of authority that Jesus honors.
Think about it: the centurion didn't ask Jesus to come to his house. He believed Jesus' word alone was enough. His faith wasn't just a passive hope; it was an active conviction in Jesus' power to act remotely. Jesus, in turn, validates this bold faith by essentially saying, 'Your belief is so strong, it has the power to make this happen exactly as you expect.'
This is a profound picture of how our faith in God's promises and His character can unlock His powerful action in the world, even in ways we might not fully grasp.
The healing happened 'in the selfsame hour.' Why is this timing so significant? What does it tell us about God's ability and willingness to act?
God's Immediate Response
The phrase 'in the selfsame hour' isn't just a detail; it's a powerful testament to the immediacy and absolute authority of Jesus' power. When Jesus declared the healing, it happened. Instantly.
This highlights a few crucial truths:
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Understand the original words
hekatontarchos · Greek Noun
In the context of the New Testament, this refers to a Roman military officer in command of a century (nominally 100 men). Their presence in the narrative highlights the expansion of the gospel message to Gentiles.
pisteuō · Greek Verb
A fundamental New Testament term describing the dynamic, trust-based relationship between a person and God. It involves believing in the truth of God's Word, relying on His promises, and surrendering to His authority in Christ.
iaomai · Greek Verb
To become whole, cured, or sound, often implying restoration to a state of physical or spiritual health. In the Gospels, it frequently signifies the restorative power of God breaking into the fallen world.
The healing of the centurion's servant, and Jesus' affirmation of the centurion's faith, occurred during Jesus' public ministry in Roman-occupied Judea. This event highlights Jesus' power transcending social and ethnic boundaries, challenging contemporary expectations of the Messiah.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. This period is marked by His growing fame and the crowds that followed Him.
c. 30 AD
Roman Rule in Judea
Judea is under Roman occupation, with Roman centurions overseeing local administration and military presence. This context highlights the social and political dynamics between Romans and Jews.
c. 30 AD
Jewish Expectations of a Messiah
Many Jewish people anticipate the arrival of a Messiah who will deliver them from Roman oppression and restore Israel's glory. This shaped how people perceived Jesus and His actions.
This passage shows Jesus marveling at the faith of the Syrophoenician woman, similar to how He acknowledges the centurion's belief, highlighting that great faith can come from unexpected places and prompt powerful divine response.
Hebrews 11:6This verse directly links pleasing God with faith, underscoring why Jesus' response to the centurion was 'as you have believed,' because without faith, it is impossible to truly connect with God's power and promises.
Mark 9:23Jesus tells the distressed father, 'All things are possible to the one who believes,' echoing the promise made to the centurion and emphasizing the expansive power unleashed when faith is present.
Luke 7:10This parallel account from Luke provides additional context by showing the messengers returning to find the servant healed, confirming the instantaneous and miraculous nature of the healing that Jesus declared.
John 4:50Jesus tells the official whose son was sick, 'Your son will live,' and the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, demonstrating another instance where Jesus affirms belief and healing occurs at a distance.
barnesMatthew 8:13: "And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour."
He was healed in that self-same hour - This showed decisively the goodness and power of Jesus. No miracle could be more complete. There could be no imposition or deception. This account, or one similar to this, is found in Luke 7:1-10. There has been a difference of opinion whether the account in Luke refers to the same case as that…
clarkeMatthew 8:13: "And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour."
As thou hast believed; so be it done - Let the mercy thou requestest be equal to the faith thou hast brought to receive it by. According to thy faith be it done unto thee, is a general measure of God's dealings with mankind. To get an increase of faith is to get an increase of every grace which constitutes the mind that was in Jesus,…
Jesus doesn't just grant the centurion's request; He blesses his extraordinary faith with a powerful declaration: "As you have believed, so let it be done for you." This isn't just a confirmation, but a profound statement that God's action is directly tied to the measure of our belief, honoring the centurion's deep trust by making the healing instantaneous and absolute.
Following a dramatic healing of a leper, Jesus is approached by a Roman centurion who, despite his Gentile status and military position, displays remarkable faith, believing Jesus can heal his servant from a distance. Jesus, impressed by this unique faith, responds by declaring the servant will be healed, and the text immediately confirms the miraculous healing occurred at that precise moment.
Following a dramatic healing of a leper, Jesus is approached by a Roman centurion who, despite his Gentile status and military position, displays remarkable faith, believing Jesus can heal his servant from a distance. Jesus, impressed by this unique faith, responds by declaring the servant will be healed, and the text immediately confirms the miraculous healing occurred at that precise moment.
"And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment." — Jesus doesn't just grant the centurion's request; He blesses his extraordinary faith with a powerful declaration: "As you have believed, so let it be done for you." This isn't just a confirmation, bu…
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Last reviewed October 2026