But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

LUKE 5:15KJV
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Luke 5:15 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:15 mean?

Luke 5:15 describes how news about Jesus spread even more widely, leading large crowds to gather so they could listen to him and be healed by him of their illnesses. This verse highlights the growing reputation of Jesus as both a teacher and a healer, drawing many people to seek him out.

In this part of Luke’s Gospel, the writer is describing events early in Jesus’ ministry. The verse follows stories of Jesus healing people, which caused his fame to increase rapidly. The crowds are not just curious; they are coming together specifically to hear Jesus teach and to experience his power to heal physical ailments.

The Greek behind Luke 5:15

  • λόγος (logos, "fame" here): While λόγος usually means "word" or "message," in this context it refers to the "report" or "news" about Jesus. The use of this word suggests that what people were hearing about Jesus was spreading like a story or message, not just idle gossip.
  • ἐξήρχετο (exērcheto, "went abroad"): This word means "went out" or "spread out," emphasizing that the news about Jesus was actively moving through the region, not just staying in one place.
  • ἰατοῦντο (iatounto, "to be healed"): This verb focuses on the act of healing. The crowds came not just for teaching, but specifically for healing, showing that Jesus’ reputation as a healer was a major reason for the crowds.

Why Luke 5:15 matters

  • Luke 5:15 clarifies that Jesus’ growing popularity was based on both his teaching and his miraculous healings, not just one or the other.
  • The verse helps explain why, in the following stories, Jesus is often surrounded by crowds and sometimes seeks solitude; his fame brought constant attention.
  • This verse sets up the tension in the narrative, as the increasing crowds will soon lead to challenges and opposition from religious leaders, which becomes a key theme in the chapters that follow.

Where else these words appear

“infirmities” Greek G769 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
  • Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

“together” Greek G4905 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • 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.
  • Acts 21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

“there” Greek G1330 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • John 4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria.
  • Acts 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

“healed” Greek G2323 · used in 43 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.
  • Matthew 19:2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
  • Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,