There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

ACTS 5:16KJV
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Acts 5:16 (KJV)

What does Acts 5:16 mean?

Acts 5:16 describes large crowds coming from nearby towns to Jerusalem, bringing people who were sick or troubled by unclean spirits, and every one of them was healed. The verse highlights the remarkable impact of the apostles’ ministry, showing that healing and deliverance were happening for all who came.

In the setting of Acts 5, Luke is narrating how the early Christian movement in Jerusalem was drawing attention far beyond the city itself. People from surrounding cities recognized something extraordinary was happening and brought those in need, whether suffering from illness or spiritual oppression. The verse emphasizes the completeness of the healings—no one was left out.

The Greek behind Acts 5:16

  • "πλήθος" (plēthos, G4128): This word means "multitude" or "large crowd." Its use here stresses the sheer number of people responding to the apostles’ ministry, not just a handful.
  • "ἐνόχλεω" (enochleō, G3791): Translated as "vexed," this word carries the sense of being troubled or disturbed, especially by something persistent. It shows that those affected by "unclean spirits" were genuinely suffering.
  • "πνεῦμα" (pneuma, G4151): This is the word for "spirit," and in this context, it refers to "unclean spirits," meaning forces or influences considered spiritually impure or harmful.
  • "ἐθεραπεύοντο" (etherapeuonto, G2323): This verb means "were healed" and is in a form that shows ongoing or repeated action. It suggests that healing was a regular, reliable outcome for everyone brought to the apostles.

Why Acts 5:16 matters

  • Acts 5:16 makes clear that the apostles’ ministry was not limited to Jerusalem but was drawing people from a wide region, showing the growing influence of the early church.
  • The verse emphasizes that healing was available to all, not just a select few, which underlines the openness and power of the apostles’ work.
  • By mentioning both physical sickness and spiritual oppression, Acts 5:16 shows that the early Christian message addressed the whole person—body and spirit.

Where else these words appear

“vexed” Greek G3791 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 6:18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

“sick” Greek G772 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
  • Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

“unclean” Greek G169 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 5:13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea,(they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
  • Luke 11:24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.

“came” Greek G4905 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
  • Acts 21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.