And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

LUKE 11:14KJV
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Luke 11:14 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:14 mean?

Luke 11:14 describes Jesus casting out a demon from a person who could not speak, and when the demon left, the person began to speak, astonishing the crowd. The verse highlights both the miracle itself and the amazement it caused among those who witnessed it.

In this scene, Jesus is actively performing a healing by freeing someone from a demon that had caused muteness. The people observing this event are struck with wonder, which sets the stage for the following verses where the crowd’s reaction and questions about Jesus’ authority become important. This moment is part of a larger section in Luke where Jesus’ power over evil spirits is a central theme.

The Greek behind Luke 11:14

  • δαιμόνιον (daimonion): This word refers to a demon or evil spirit. In this context, it emphasizes that the inability to speak was attributed to a spiritual cause, not just a physical one.
  • κωφός (kōphos): Often translated as "dumb" or "mute," this word means unable to speak. The verse connects the muteness directly to the presence of the demon, showing the link between the spiritual and physical condition.
  • ἐξέρχομαι (exerchomai): This verb means "to go out" or "to depart." Its use here underscores the moment the demon leaves, marking the turning point when the man is able to speak.

Why Luke 11:14 matters

  • Luke 11:14 clarifies that Jesus’ miracles were not just about physical healing but also about spiritual authority, as he addresses both the demon and the resulting muteness.
  • The verse sets up the following discussion about the source of Jesus’ power, highlighting the amazement and curiosity of the crowd, which becomes a key theme in the next verses.
  • This event connects to a broader pattern in Luke’s Gospel, where Jesus’ acts of deliverance demonstrate his unique authority and provoke responses from those who witness them.

Where else these words appear

“dumb” Greek G2974 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 9:32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
  • Matthew 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
  • Mark 7:37 And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

“wondered” Greek G2296 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 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.
  • Luke 1:63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
  • John 7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

“devil” Greek G1140 · used in 52 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
  • Luke 11:15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.

“out” Greek G1544 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
  • Mark 1:12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
  • Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.