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.