Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

LUKE 9:1KJV
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Luke 9:1 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:1 mean?

Luke 9:1 describes how Jesus gathered his twelve disciples and gave them both power and authority to drive out all demons and to heal diseases. This verse shows Jesus actively equipping his closest followers to continue his work of confronting evil and bringing physical healing.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to the twelve men he has chosen as his disciples. The verse highlights a turning point: Jesus is not just teaching them but is now sending them out with his own authority. The focus is on Jesus sharing his ability to overcome spiritual and physical problems, preparing the disciples for their upcoming mission.

The Greek behind Luke 9:1

  • δύναμις (dynamis, "power"): This word refers to the ability or strength to do something. Here, it means Jesus gave the disciples real capability to perform miracles, not just permission.
  • ἐξουσία (exousia, "authority"): This word means the right or official power to act. Jesus gave the disciples not only the ability but also the right to confront evil spirits and heal.
  • δαιμόνια (daimonia, "devils" or "demons"): The Greek word refers to evil spiritual beings. The verse stresses that Jesus gave authority over all such forces, not just some.
  • θεραπεύειν (therapeuein, "to cure"): This word means to heal or restore health. The disciples are given the task and ability to bring real physical healing, just as Jesus did.

Why Luke 9:1 matters

  • Luke 9:1 clarifies that the disciples' power to heal and cast out demons did not come from themselves but was given by Jesus, emphasizing their dependence on him.
  • The verse marks a shift in Jesus’ ministry, as he begins to involve his followers directly in his mission, preparing them for greater responsibility.
  • It connects to the broader narrative by setting up the disciples’ first mission trip, showing that Jesus’ work would continue through others even after his earthly ministry.

Where else these words appear

“called” Greek G4779 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 15:16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
  • Luke 15:9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
  • Acts 5:21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

“diseases” Greek G3554 · used in 12 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 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
  • Luke 4:40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

“cure” 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 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

“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.