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 8:16KJV
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Matthew 8:16 (KJV)

What does Matthew 8:16 mean?

Matthew 8:16 describes how, in the evening, many people who were possessed by evil spirits were brought to Jesus, and he drove out these spirits simply by speaking, also healing everyone who was sick. The verse highlights Jesus’ authority over spiritual and physical problems, showing that his word alone was enough to bring freedom and healing.

In this scene, Matthew is narrating what happened after Jesus had performed earlier miracles in Capernaum. As the day ended, crowds brought those suffering from spiritual oppression and physical illness to Jesus. The verse emphasizes that Jesus did not need rituals or physical actions—his spoken word was powerful enough to cast out spirits (often understood as demons) and heal all kinds of sickness, marking a moment of widespread restoration.

The Greek behind Matthew 8:16

  • The word for "devils" is δαιμόνια (daimonia), which refers to evil or unclean spirits rather than the devil himself. This helps clarify that the people were troubled by many different kinds of spiritual forces.
  • The word for "word" is λόγος (logos), meaning a spoken statement or message. The verse stresses that Jesus’ authority was exercised through what he said, not through physical touch or objects.
  • The word for "healed" is ἐθεράπευσεν (etherapeusen), which can mean both physical healing and restoration. This suggests that Jesus’ care addressed the whole person, not just their symptoms.
  • The word for "spirits" is πνεύματα (pneumata), meaning immaterial beings or forces. Matthew distinguishes between physical sickness and spiritual oppression, showing Jesus’ power over both.

Why Matthew 8:16 matters

  • Matthew 8:16 clears up the idea that Jesus needed elaborate rituals or physical tools to heal or cast out spirits; his spoken word alone was effective.
  • The verse shows that Jesus’ compassion and power were available to everyone brought to him, not just a select few, emphasizing the openness of his ministry.
  • This moment connects to Old Testament expectations about the Messiah bringing healing and deliverance, helping readers see Jesus as fulfilling those hopes in a very public and practical way.

Where else these words appear

“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 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
  • 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 14:15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
  • Matthew 26:20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
  • 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.

“sick” 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 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
  • Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

“healed” Greek G2323 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Matthew 21:14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
  • Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,