Overview
The Bible addresses centurion across 23 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Luke, Matthew and Mark. Closely related themes include Capernaum, Intercession, Roman Empire, the and Paralysis. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Abraham, Isaac and Pontius Pilate.
Key Bible verses about centurion
New Testament
Matthew
And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
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.
Mark
Luke
Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. one: Gr. this man
When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
Acts
People in the Bible and centurion
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying centurion for yourself
- Begin with Matthew 8:5, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Luke, Matthew and Mark each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Jesus, Abraham and Isaac and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Capernaum, Intercession, Roman Empire, the and Paralysis.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about centurion?
The Bible addresses centurion across 23 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Luke, Matthew and Mark. Closely related themes include Capernaum, Intercession, Roman Empire, the and Paralysis. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Abraham, Isaac and Pontius Pilate.
How many Bible verses are about centurion?
The Bible references centurion in 23 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention centurion?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Matthew 8:5: “And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,”
Which people in the Bible are associated with centurion?
Jesus, Abraham, Isaac, Pontius Pilate and Paul.
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