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 9:11KJV
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Luke 9:11 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:11 mean?

Luke 9:11 shows Jesus giving attention to a crowd that came looking for him, even though he had gone away with his apostles. He welcomed the people, spoke to them about God’s kingdom, and healed those who needed care.

The crowd had learned where Jesus was after he withdrew with the apostles toward Bethsaida in verse 10. Luke describes the scene in his own voice: Jesus is the one speaking to the crowd, but Luke does not give his exact words here.

The Greek behind Luke 9:11

  • “received” — ἀποδέχομαι (apodechomai): This word carries the sense of welcoming or receiving someone gladly. It suggests more than simply allowing the crowd to remain nearby.
  • “kingdom” — βασιλεία (basileia): This word can refer to a king’s rule or reign. “The kingdom of God” points to God’s rule, rather than merely to a place with borders.

Why Luke 9:11 matters

  • Jesus’ words and actions belong together in the scene. Luke places his talk about God’s kingdom alongside his healing of people who needed it.
  • The crowd’s arrival leads into the feeding that follows. In verses 12–17, the apostles raise the question of where the people can find food, and Jesus directs the apostles to feed them.
  • Luke presents the crowd as seeking Jesus out. The people “followed him” after they learned where he had gone; they were not gathered by a summons in this verse.

Where else these words appear

“healing” Greek G2322 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
  • Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
  • Revelation 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

“healed” Greek G2390 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
  • Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
  • John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

“need” Greek G5532 · used in 47 verses

  • Matthew 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
  • Luke 22:71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
  • Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

“received” Greek G1209 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
  • Luke 16:4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.