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.