And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

LUKE 4:41KJV
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Luke 4:41 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:41 mean?

Luke 4:41 describes how many demons came out of people, loudly declaring that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, but Jesus firmly stopped them from speaking because they knew who he truly was. Jesus did not allow these evil spirits to reveal his identity to the crowds.

In this scene, Jesus is healing people in Galilee, and as he drives out demons, they recognize him and shout out his true identity. The verse highlights that even the demons know Jesus is the Messiah (the Christ) and the Son of God, but Jesus chooses to silence them. This shows Jesus’ authority over evil spirits and his control over how and when his identity is made known.

The Greek behind Luke 4:41

  • The word for "devils" is δαιμόνια (daimonia), which refers to evil spirits or demons, not the devil himself. This helps clarify that Jesus is casting out many lesser spirits, not Satan.
  • The word for "rebuking" is ἐπιτιμῶν (epitimōn), which means to command sternly or sharply. This word shows that Jesus is not just asking but forcefully ordering the demons to be silent.
  • The word for "Christ" is Χριστός (Christos), meaning "the Anointed One" or "Messiah." The demons correctly identify Jesus’ special role, even before many people do.

Why Luke 4:41 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Jesus’ identity was a secret only to people; even supernatural beings recognized him, but Jesus controlled how his identity was revealed.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ authority—not only does he have power over sickness and evil spirits, but he also commands what can and cannot be spoken about him.
  • In the wider context, this moment shows the growing tension between Jesus’ public ministry and the hidden nature of his mission at this early stage, setting up why he sometimes tells people and spirits to stay quiet about who he is.

Where else these words appear

“suffered” Greek G1439 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
  • Acts 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
  • Acts 27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

“rebuking” Greek G2008 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
  • Mark 8:30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
  • Luke 9:21 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;

“devils” 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 G2896 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 11:9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
  • Acts 19:34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.