And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

LUKE 4:33KJV
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Luke 4:33 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:33 mean?

Luke 4:33 describes how, while Jesus was in a synagogue, a man who was possessed by an "unclean spirit" (a demon) suddenly cried out loudly. The verse sets the scene for a dramatic encounter between Jesus and a spiritual force that is hostile and disruptive.

In this moment, Jesus is teaching in a Jewish place of worship when a man, under the influence of a demonic spirit, interrupts with a loud outburst. The verse highlights both the reality of spiritual conflict in Jesus’ ministry and the public nature of this confrontation, drawing attention to Jesus’ authority over such forces.

The Greek behind Luke 4:33

  • "spirit" (πνεῦμα, pneuma): This word means "spirit" or "breath" and is often used in the New Testament to refer to both the Holy Spirit and other spiritual beings. Here, it refers to a supernatural being that is not holy.
  • "unclean" (ἀκάθαρτος, akathartos): This term means "unclean" or "impure," often used in a ritual or moral sense. In this context, it marks the spirit as opposed to God’s holiness and purity.
  • "devil" (δαιμόνιον, daimonion): This word is commonly translated as "demon," referring to a malevolent spiritual being. The use of this term makes clear that the man’s condition is attributed to an evil supernatural force, not just illness or mental distress.
  • "cried out" (ἀνέκραξεν, anekrazen): This verb means to shout or scream loudly, emphasizing the disruptive and urgent nature of the spirit’s outburst in the synagogue.

Why Luke 4:33 matters

  • Luke 4:33 shows that Jesus’ ministry immediately faced opposition from spiritual forces, not just human critics, highlighting the deeper conflict at work.
  • The verse makes clear that encounters with evil spirits were public and undeniable, happening in communal religious settings, not just in private or isolated places.
  • This moment sets up the following verses, where Jesus demonstrates authority over the unclean spirit, reinforcing his unique power and identity in the eyes of those present.

Where else these words appear

“out” Greek G349 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 1:23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
  • Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
  • Luke 8:28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

“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.
  • Acts 5:16 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.

“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.

“synagogue” Greek G4864 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
  • Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.