And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

LUKE 4:36KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 4:36 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:36 mean?

Luke 4:36 describes how the people who witnessed Jesus drive out an unclean spirit were astonished and talked among themselves about the authority and power with which he commanded evil spirits, and how those spirits obeyed him. The crowd recognized that Jesus’ words carried a unique force that made even unclean spirits leave when he spoke.

In this scene, Luke records the reaction of the people in the synagogue after Jesus cast out a demon. The witnesses are not just surprised by the miracle itself, but by the way Jesus commands with both authority and power—something they had not seen before from other teachers or exorcists. Their amazement centers on the effectiveness and authority of Jesus’ spoken word.

The Greek behind Luke 4:36

  • λόγος (logos, “word”): The crowd’s question, “What a word is this!” uses λόγος, which often means more than just a spoken word—it can refer to a message or authoritative statement. Here, it highlights the weight and effectiveness of Jesus’ command.
  • ἐξουσία (exousia, “authority”): This word refers to the right or freedom to act, not just the ability. The people notice that Jesus does not just have power, but the legitimate authority to command spirits.
  • δύναμις (dynamis, “power”): This is the word for actual strength or ability. The combination with “authority” emphasizes that Jesus has both the right and the might to command unclean spirits.
  • ἐπιτάσσει (epitassei, “he commands”): This verb carries the sense of giving a firm, effective order. The people notice that Jesus’ command is not a request or ritual, but a direct, authoritative order that is immediately obeyed.

Why Luke 4:36 matters

  • Luke 4:36 clarifies that Jesus’ authority over evil spirits is recognized not only by the spirits themselves but also by ordinary people who witness his actions, setting him apart from other religious leaders.
  • The verse emphasizes the unique combination of authority and power in Jesus’ ministry, showing that his words are effective and carry real force.
  • This reaction from the crowd helps set the stage for the growing reputation of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel, as people begin to realize that his teaching and miracles are unlike anything they have seen before.

Where else these words appear

“amazed” Greek G2285 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 5:9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
  • Acts 3:10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

“spake” Greek G4814 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
  • Mark 9:4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
  • Luke 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

“commandeth” Greek G2004 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
  • Mark 9:25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
  • Luke 14:22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

“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.