Centurian, ""....only say the word...."

[imroc]

I need much help! in the statement, “…“only say the word”…” in Matt 8:8, what is the “WORD”? I thought I understood the text, but the “word” is in singular and I don’t know the translations from Greek, so I was wondering if somebody could explain the “word” and what it is in singular form. Thanks!

 

[thistle]

imroc:

I need much help! in the statement, “…“only say the word”…” in Matt 8:8, what is the “WORD”? I thought I understood the text, but the “word” is in singular and I don’t know the translations from Greek, so I was wondering if somebody could explain the “word” and what it is in singular form. Thanks!

I don’t think there is anything mysterious about that expression. I can say to my daughter, give me your word that you will do your homework before going out. Obviously I’m not expecting to hear a particular “word”.
Same for the centurian, it is just an expression He simply wanted Jesus to tell him that his servant would be healed, without having to come to his house.

 

[JimG]

The centurion wanted Jesus to heal his servant who was at his house. But he didn’t feel worthy to have Jesus actually come to his house (“under my roof”).

Being a military man, he understood the power of delegation: orders can be given, and something is done. “Only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” He meant that Jesus didn’t have to come to his house. He could merely give the order (“say the word”) and it would be accomplished.

Jesus is astonished at this display of faith, and praises him for it. And heals the servant from a distance.

It’s as if your boss wants something accomplished. You tell him, “just say the word, and I’ll see that it gets done.”