King James Version

What Does Luke 11:14 Mean?

Luke 11:14 in the King James Version says “And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and t...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.”

Luke 11:14 · KJV

Context

12

Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? offer: Gr. give

13

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

14

And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

15

But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. Beelzebub: Gr. Beelzebul

16

And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

Read Luke 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. Luke introduces the Beelzebub controversy with a specific miracle: Jesus exorcising a demon that caused muteness (κωφός, kōphos—deaf or mute). The imperfect tense "was casting out" (ἦν ἐκβάλλων, ēn ekballōn) suggests ongoing action or perhaps that observers watched the process. The demon is described as "dumb" (κωφόν, kōphon), having rendered its victim unable to speak—a physical manifestation of spiritual bondage.

When the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. The immediate restoration of speech (ἐλάλησεν ὁ κωφός, elalēsen ho kōphos) provided undeniable proof of genuine deliverance. The crowd's response—"wondered" (ἐθαύμασαν, ethaumasan, they marveled)—reflects astonishment at the miraculous. This sets the stage for two divergent reactions: some attribute Jesus' power to Beelzebub (v. 15), while others demand additional signs (v. 16). The miracle demonstrates Christ's authority over the demonic realm and previews the kingdom's arrival where Satan's works are destroyed (1 John 3:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestinian Judaism recognized demon possession as real and practiced exorcism, though success was rare and methods often involved elaborate incantations, formulas, and rituals. Jewish exorcists invoked names of angels or Solomon's authority. Jesus' exorcisms were immediate, authoritative, and accomplished by His word alone—no rituals, incantations, or mediators. This unique authority provoked both amazement and suspicion, leading His opponents to accuse Him of demonic collusion rather than acknowledge His divine power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' immediate, authoritative deliverance contrast with contemporary spiritual warfare methods that rely on formulas and techniques?
  2. Why do miracles sometimes provoke hostile rejection rather than faith, as seen in the varied responses to this exorcism?
  3. What does the restoration of speech symbolize about the gospel's power to free those whom Satan has silenced?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἦν2 of 20

“he was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἐκβάλλων3 of 20

“casting out”

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

δαιμονίου4 of 20

“a devil”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

καὶ5 of 20

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αὐτὸ6 of 20

“it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἦν7 of 20

“he was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

κωφός8 of 20

“dumb”

G2974

blunted, i.e., (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)

ἐγένετο9 of 20

“it came to pass”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δὲ10 of 20

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῦ11 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δαιμονίου12 of 20

“a devil”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

ἐξελθόντος13 of 20

“was gone out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐλάλησεν14 of 20

“spake”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ὁ15 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κωφός16 of 20

“dumb”

G2974

blunted, i.e., (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)

καὶ17 of 20

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐθαύμασαν18 of 20

“wondered”

G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire

οἱ19 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄχλοι20 of 20

“the people”

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 11:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 11:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 12:22-24Matthew 9:32-34Mark 7:32-37

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