The Centurion of Capernaum

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Greek hekatontarchēs (“commander of a hundred”), indicating military rank rather than a personal name
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period; Roman Imperial Context
• Main References: Matthew 8:5–13; Luke 7:1–10
• Key Connections: Jesus; the centurion’s servant; Jewish elders/intermediaries in Capernaum (Luke 7:3)

Who was The Centurion of Capernaum?

An unnamed Roman military officer stationed in Capernaum.
He approached Jesus on behalf of a valued servant who was seriously ill.
He expressed confidence in Jesus’ authority, comparing it to military command.
Jesus publicly noted the centurion’s faith as exceptional in Israel.

Key Events & Achievements

• Request for healing: Sought Jesus’ help for his servant, using intermediaries according to Luke’s account (Luke 7:3).
• Recognition of authority: Declared that Jesus could heal by speaking a word, without entering his home (Matt. 8:8).
• Servant restored: The servant was healed, confirmed at the reported time of Jesus’ word (Matt. 8:13; Luke 7:10).

Life Lesson & Legacy

His account portrays trust in Jesus’ authority expressed with humility, even from within the Roman military world.

Key Verse

“But the centurion replied, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.’” — Matthew 8:8, ESV