And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

LUKE 9:2KJV
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Luke 9:2 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:2 mean?

Luke 9:2 describes Jesus sending out his disciples with two main tasks: to announce the good news about God’s kingdom and to heal people who were sick. The verse shows that their mission was both about sharing a message and helping people in practical ways.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his closest followers, giving them instructions before they go out on their own. The focus is on spreading the message that God’s rule or reign is near (“the kingdom of God”) and backing up that message by caring for those who are suffering. This pairing of words and actions sets the tone for how Jesus wanted his followers to serve others.

The Greek behind Luke 9:2

  • The word for “preach” is κηρύσσω (kēryssō), which often means to publicly announce or proclaim important news. Here, it highlights that the disciples were to make the message about God’s kingdom known openly, not just in private conversations.
  • “Kingdom” is βασιλεία (basileia), which in this context refers to God’s active rule or reign, not just a physical place. This helps show that the disciples were talking about God’s power and presence becoming real among people.
  • The word for “heal” is ἰάομαι (iaomai), which means to make whole or restore health. The use of this word emphasizes that the disciples’ work was meant to bring real help and relief to those who were suffering.

Why Luke 9:2 matters

  • Luke 9:2 makes clear that Jesus expected his followers to combine words and actions—sharing a message about God while also meeting real needs.
  • The verse helps clear up the idea that the disciples’ mission was only spiritual or only physical; it was both, showing a holistic approach to caring for people.
  • This instruction connects to the wider story in Luke, where Jesus himself both taught and healed, and now he is sending his followers to do the same, continuing his work in the world.

Where else these words appear

“heal” 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.

“sick” Greek G770 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
  • John 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

“preach” Greek G2784 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
  • Romans 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

“sent” Greek G649 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
  • John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.