And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

LUKE 9:42KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 9:42 (KJV)

What does Luke 9:42 mean?

Luke 9:42 describes how, as a boy possessed by an unclean spirit was being brought to Jesus, the demon violently threw the boy down and caused him harm, but Jesus rebuked the spirit, healed the child, and returned him safely to his father. This verse shows Jesus’ authority over evil spirits and his compassion in restoring the child to his family.

In this scene, Jesus is approached by a father whose son is suffering from demonic possession. As the boy is coming toward Jesus, the demon reacts violently, but Jesus responds by commanding the unclean spirit to leave, healing the boy, and giving him back to his father. The verse highlights both the destructive power of the demon and the greater power and mercy of Jesus.

The Greek behind Luke 9:42

  • διάβολος (diabolos, “devil”): The Greek word here is δαιμόνιον (daimonion, “demon”), but the tag lists διάβολος (diabolos), which often refers to an adversary or accuser. In this context, it points to a hostile spiritual force causing harm.
  • ἐπετίμησεν (epetimēsen, “rebuked”): This word means to command sternly or sharply. Jesus’ rebuke is not just a mild correction but a forceful command that shows his authority over the unclean spirit.
  • ἰάσατο (iasato, “healed”): This verb means to restore to health. It emphasizes that Jesus did more than just remove the spirit; he also healed the damage done to the child.
  • ἀπέδωκεν (apedōken, “delivered” or “gave back”): This word means to return or restore. The verse highlights that Jesus not only freed the boy from harm but also restored him to his family, completing the act of compassion.

Why Luke 9:42 matters

  • Luke 9:42 clarifies that Jesus’ authority is not limited to teaching or physical healing but extends to commanding spiritual forces, showing his unique power.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ compassion, as he not only frees the child from suffering but also restores him to his father, highlighting the personal and relational aspect of his miracles.
  • This moment connects to the surrounding passage, where the disciples had been unable to help the boy, underscoring the difference between Jesus’ power and human limitations.

Where else these words appear

“threw” Greek G4486 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
  • Mark 2:22 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.
  • Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

“child” Greek G3816 · used in 24 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.
  • Matthew 21:15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
  • Luke 15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

“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.

“rebuked” Greek G2008 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
  • Mark 8:30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
  • Luke 8:24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.