Mat 9:32-34 | RWP | e4.org | A dumb man ( κωφον ). Literally blunted in tongue as here and so dumb, in ear as in and so deaf. Homer used it of a blunted dart ( Iliad xi. 390). Others applied it to mental dulness.

‏ Matthew 9:32-34

A dumb man ( κωφον ). Literally blunted in tongue as here and so dumb, in ear as in Mt 11:5 and so deaf. Homer used it of a blunted dart (Iliad xi. 390). Others applied it to mental dulness.

By the prince of the devils ( εν τω αρχοντ των δαιμονιων ). Demons, not devils. The codex Bezae omits this verse, but it is probably genuine. The Pharisees are becoming desperate and, unable to deny the reality of the miracles, they seek to discredit them by trying to connect Jesus with the devil himself, the prince of the demons. They will renew this charge later (Mt 12:24) when Jesus will refute it with biting sarcasm.