They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

LUKE 8:36KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 8:36 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:36 mean?

Luke 8:36 describes how the people who had witnessed Jesus heal the man possessed by demons explained to others exactly how the healing took place. The verse highlights that eyewitnesses shared the details of the event, focusing on the way the man was freed from the demons.

In this scene, Jesus has just cast many demons out of a man, and the local people are reacting to what happened. Those who saw the miracle are now telling others about the method and circumstances of the man’s healing. This verse shows the spread of news about Jesus’ power and the importance of eyewitness testimony in the story.

The Greek behind Luke 8:36

  • "means" (πῶς, pōs): This word points to the manner or way something happened. The verse emphasizes that the witnesses didn’t just report that the man was healed, but explained specifically how it happened, drawing attention to the details of Jesus’ actions.
  • "devils" (δαιμόνιον, daimonion): This Greek word refers to evil spirits or demons. The use of this word clarifies that the healing involved freeing the man from supernatural forces, not just a physical or mental illness.
  • "healed" (σῴζω, sōzō): While often translated as "healed," this word also carries the sense of being saved or delivered. In this context, it means the man was rescued from the power of the demons, not just physically restored.

Why Luke 8:36 matters

  • Luke 8:36 clarifies that the people were not just amazed by the result, but were careful to share the specific way Jesus brought about the healing, underlining the extraordinary nature of the event.
  • The verse connects to the wider story by showing how news about Jesus spread through eyewitness accounts, which helped shape public understanding of who Jesus was and what he could do.
  • This verse helps clear up any confusion that the man’s change was gradual or mysterious; instead, it was a direct result of Jesus’ intervention, as witnessed and reported by those present.

Where else these words appear

“devils” Greek G1139 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Matthew 9:32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
  • Mark 5:15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

“told” Greek G518 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
  • Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

“means” Greek G4459 · used in 100 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • Luke 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
  • Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

“healed” Greek G4982 · used in 103 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
  • Romans 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.