Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 9:18

"While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live." — Matthew 9:18 (ASV)

Matthew tightly links this narrative to the dinner in his house. A synagogue ruler, hence a Jew and a man of considerable influence in the lives of the people, “knelt before” (GK 4686) Jesus: the verb here suggests deep courtesy, a pleading homage before someone in a position to grant a favor. His daughter “has just died,” and he requests Jesus to come and raise her. As usual, Jesus responded to faith, small or great, and got up from the table to leave.