King James Version

What Does Luke 4:33 Mean?

Luke 4:33 in the King James Version says “And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,” — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,”

Luke 4:33 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

31

And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.

32

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

33

And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

34

Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. Let: or, Away

35

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice. Luke's first Capernaum miracle contrasts sharply with Nazareth's rejection. The phrase pneuma daimoniou akathartou (πνεῦμα δαιμονίου ἀκαθάρτου, spirit of an unclean demon) describes demonic possession. The word akathartos (ἀκάθαρτος, unclean) emphasizes moral and ceremonial impurity—demons defile those they possess.

The demon anekraxen phōnē megalē (ἀνέκραξεν φωνῇ μεγάλῃ, cried out with a loud voice), responding violently to Jesus' presence. That this occurred en tē synagōgē (ἐν τῇ συναγωγῇ, in the synagogue) is significant—demonic presence in God's house reveals Israel's spiritual condition. Religious activity doesn't guarantee spiritual purity. Jesus' arrival exposes hidden evil, forcing demons to manifest and be expelled.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism recognized demonic possession as distinct from physical or mental illness. Synagogues were centers of community life, not just worship—teaching, legal proceedings, and social gatherings occurred there. That a demon-possessed man regularly attended synagogue without previous disruption suggests demons remained hidden until confronted by Jesus' authority. The confrontation demonstrates that Jesus' presence forces spiritual reality into the open—neutrality becomes impossible. His teaching and exorcisms worked together to establish God's kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the demon-possessed man's presence in the synagogue teach about the difference between religious activity and spiritual reality?
  2. How does Jesus' presence expose hidden evil and force spiritual realities into the open?
  3. Why is it significant that demons manifest violently when confronted by Jesus' authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἐν2 of 14

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ3 of 14
G3588

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

συναγωγῇ4 of 14

“the synagogue”

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

ἦν5 of 14

“there was”

G2258

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

ἄνθρωπος6 of 14

“a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἔχων7 of 14

“which had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πνεῦμα8 of 14

“a spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

δαιμονίου9 of 14

“devil”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

ἀκαθάρτου10 of 14

“of an unclean”

G169

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

καὶ11 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἀνέκραξεν12 of 14

“cried out”

G349

to scream up (aloud)

φωνῇ13 of 14

“voice”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλῃ14 of 14

“with a loud”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

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 4:33 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 4:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 1:23

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