And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
LUKE 9:11KJVWhat does Luke 9:11 mean?
Luke 9:11 describes how crowds of people, realizing where Jesus was, followed Him. Jesus welcomed them, spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. The verse shows Jesus responding with compassion and care to people seeking Him.
In this scene, Jesus is traveling with His disciples, but the people find out where He is and come to Him in large numbers. Instead of turning them away, Jesus receives them warmly, teaches them about God’s reign, and meets their physical needs by healing. This moment highlights both His openness to the crowds and His focus on sharing the message of God’s kingdom.
The Greek behind Luke 9:11
- The word for "received" (ἐδέξατο, edexato) means to welcome or accept. Luke emphasizes that Jesus does not avoid the crowds but openly receives them, showing His willingness to engage with those seeking Him.
- The phrase "spake unto them of the kingdom of God" uses βασιλεία (basileia) for "kingdom." In Greek, this word often points to God’s active rule or reign, not just a physical place, so Jesus is teaching about God’s authority and presence.
- The word for "healed" (ἰᾶτο, iato) means to restore or make whole. Luke uses this to show that Jesus’ care is not just spiritual but also practical, addressing real physical needs.
Why Luke 9:11 matters
- Luke 9:11 clears up any idea that Jesus was only interested in teaching or only in miracles; He does both, showing a holistic concern for people.
- The verse highlights Jesus’ openness and compassion, even when crowds interrupt His plans, which is a recurring theme in Luke’s Gospel.
- This moment sets up the following story of the feeding of the five thousand, showing the context of Jesus’ ministry and the needs of the people around Him.