“Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This servant isn't just sick; he's "grievously tormented." The original word used here paints a picture of someone not just paralyzed, but in agonizing pain, so much so that it implies the disease was life-threatening. It highlights the immense compassion of the centurion, who deeply cared for a suffering slave at a time when such care was far from typical.
“Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This centurion, a Roman military officer, is seeking out Jesus because his deeply valued servant is suffering terribly from a severe and agonizing paralysis. The man is so ill that he's described as being "grievously tormented" and close to death, prompting this master, who has shown unusual compassion for a slave, to approach Jesus despite his Roman identity and the potential social barriers.
The word 'palsy' might sound distant, but the description here paints a picture of intense suffering. What made this servant's condition so dire?
Matthew doesn't just tell us the servant was 'sick of the palsy.' He adds that he was 'grievously tormented.' This wasn't a mild case; the Greek word used (basanizomenos) points to intense pain and agony, suggesting a condition that was not only debilitating but excruciating. It implies suffering that was deeply distressing, potentially with spasms or severe nerve pain. The commentary notes that this kind of intense torment wasn't typical for all forms of paralysis, highlighting the severity of the servant's plight. It’s this profound suffering that moved his master to seek Jesus out.
In the Roman world, slaves were often treated as disposable. So, what was so special about this particular master-slave relationship?
The centurion’s concern for his servant is remarkable. The Greek word used for 'servant' (pais) can mean child or slave, and here it suggests a close, personal bond. Many commentators note that slaves in Roman society were often treated poorly, especially when sick. Yet, this centurion clearly held his servant in high regard – Luke even calls him 'dear to him' (literally 'precious'). This wasn't just a functional relationship; there was genuine affection and care. His willingness to humble himself and approach Jesus, even sending respected Jewish elders on his behalf, demonstrates the depth of his concern and the value he placed on his servant's life.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of respect, sovereignty, and often divine recognition, used to address Jesus as Master or God.
pais · Greek Noun
One who serves another, often denoting a bondservant or domestic helper, reflecting a position of lowliness or subjection.
paralytikos · Greek Adjective
A physical inability to move, often used in the Gospels to describe various forms of debility or weakness that require divine intervention.
This event highlights the social dynamics of Roman occupation in Galilee, where a centurion, despite his military status, shows profound respect for Jewish elders and Jesus, demonstrating a faith that transcends cultural and religious barriers.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus Preaches in Galilee
Jesus' ministry in Galilee is gaining traction, drawing crowds and gaining notoriety, including among Roman authorities.
c. 30 AD
Centurion Hears of Jesus
News of Jesus' healing miracles, possibly including the healing of the nobleman's son at Capernaum, reaches the Roman centurion.
c. 30 AD
Centurion's Servant Is Ill
The centurion's highly valued servant falls gravely ill with paralysis and intense suffering, nearing death.
c. 30 AD
Centurion Approaches Jesus
The centurion, respecting Jewish custom and his own perceived unworthiness, sends Jewish elders to ask Jesus to heal his servant.
This passage describes the same event from a different perspective, highlighting the centurion's deep affection for his servant and his concern for his well-being, which adds depth to the servant's suffering.
Matthew 4:23-24This verse directly references 'palsy' and 'grievous torment,' providing context for the kind of suffering described, showing that Jesus had a history of healing such afflictions.
This non-canonical passage offers a historical parallel for a severe, painful paralysis, illustrating the kind of terrible suffering this servant might have been enduring.
This account of Jesus healing a royal official's son from a distance provides a crucial precedent for the centurion's understanding of Jesus' power and his own approach to seeking healing.
barnesMatthew 8:6: "And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented."
Sick of the palsy - See the notes at Matthew 4:24 . The particular form which the palsy assumed in this case is not mentioned. It seems it was a violent attack. Perhaps it was the painful form which produced violent "cramps," and which immediately endangered his life.
vincentMatthew 8:6: "And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented."
Tormented (βασανιζόμενος)See on torments, Matthew 4:24.
This servant isn't just sick; he's "grievously tormented." The original word used here paints a picture of someone not just paralyzed, but in agonizing pain, so much so that it implies the disease was life-threatening. It highlights the immense compassion of the centurion, who deeply cared for a suffering slave at a time when such care was far from typical.
This centurion, a Roman military officer, is seeking out Jesus because his deeply valued servant is suffering terribly from a severe and agonizing paralysis. The man is so ill that he's described as being "grievously tormented" and close to death, prompting this master, who has shown unusual compassion for a slave, to approach Jesus despite his Roman identity and the potential social barriers.
This centurion, a Roman military officer, is seeking out Jesus because his deeply valued servant is suffering terribly from a severe and agonizing paralysis. The man is so ill that he's described as being "grievously tormented" and close to death, prompting this master, who has shown unusual compassion for a slave, to approach Jesus despite his Roman identity and the potential social barriers.
"“Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.”" — This servant isn't just sick; he's "grievously tormented." The original word used here paints a picture of someone not just paralyzed, but in agonizing pain, so much so that it implies the disease wa…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026