And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

MARK 1:32KJV
Know the Bible

Mark 1:32 (KJV)

What does Mark 1:32 mean?

Mark 1:32 describes how, after sunset, people brought to Jesus everyone who was sick or troubled by evil spirits. The verse shows a moment when many in the town came to Jesus for help and healing as soon as the Sabbath restrictions ended.

In this scene, Mark is narrating what happened in the evening after Jesus had been teaching and healing earlier in the day. The timing—after the sun had set—meant the Sabbath was over, so people felt free to carry the sick and those possessed by demons (evil spirits) to Jesus. This verse sets up a picture of Jesus being approached by crowds seeking relief and hope.

The Greek behind Mark 1:32

  • ἑσπέρας (hesperas, "evening"): This word points to the time after sunset, which in Jewish custom marked the end of the Sabbath. The detail helps explain why people waited until this moment to come.
  • δαιμονιζομένους (daimonizomenous, "possessed with devils"): The Greek term refers to people believed to be under the influence or control of evil spirits, not just those with physical illness. Mark draws a distinction between physical and spiritual suffering.

Why Mark 1:32 matters

  • Mark 1:32 clarifies that people respected Sabbath laws, waiting until sunset to seek Jesus’ help, which shows the cultural context and the practical challenges of reaching out for healing.
  • The verse highlights how Jesus’ reputation for healing had quickly spread, leading to a flood of people coming to him as soon as they were allowed.
  • By mentioning both the sick and those possessed by evil spirits, Mark shows that Jesus’ ministry addressed a wide range of human suffering, both physical and spiritual.

Where else these words appear

“set” Greek G1416 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“devils” Greek G1139 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Matthew 9:32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
  • Mark 5:16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.

“even” Greek G3798 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
  • Matthew 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
  • Mark 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

“diseased” Greek G2560 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
  • Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.