King James Version

What Does Luke 4:35 Mean?

Luke 4:35 in the King James Version says “And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he c... — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 4:35 · KJV


Context

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.

36

And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

37

And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. Jesus' response is authoritative and brief. The verb epetimēsen (ἐπετίμησεν, rebuked) indicates stern command, the same word used for rebuking storms (8:24) and fever (4:39). Phimōthēti (φιμώθητι, be muzzled/silenced) is a strong imperative—literally "be muzzled" like a dangerous animal. Jesus refuses the demon's testimony despite its accuracy, maintaining control over how His identity is revealed.

And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. The demon's violent exit—rhipsan auton eis to meson (ῥίψαν αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ μέσον, throwing him into the midst)—demonstrates demonic malice and Jesus' restraining power. The phrase mēden blapsas auton (μηδὲν βλάψας αὐτόν, having hurt him not at all) shows Jesus' compassion and authority. Unlike typical exorcisms where demons harmed victims during expulsion, Jesus protected the man completely.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient exorcism accounts (both Jewish and pagan) describe elaborate rituals, incantations using divine names, and often physical harm to the possessed person. Josephus describes exorcists using roots, rings, and lengthy formulas. Jesus' simple command contrasts starkly—He speaks with inherent authority, needing no rituals or formulas. His refusal of demonic testimony maintains messianic secrecy until the appointed time. The demon's violent but ultimately harmless exit demonstrates Jesus' complete control—He both expels evil and protects the victim, showing both power and compassion.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus refuse the demon's accurate testimony about His identity?
  2. What does Jesus' simple command (versus elaborate exorcism rituals) reveal about His inherent authority?
  3. How does Jesus' protection of the man during the violent exorcism demonstrate both power over evil and compassion for victims?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

And

G2532

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

ἐπετίμησεν2 of 25

rebuked

G2008

to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid

αὐτόν3 of 25

him

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

4 of 25
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 25

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

λέγων,6 of 25

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Φιμώθητι7 of 25

Hold thy peace

G5392

to muzzle

καὶ8 of 25

And

G2532

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

ἐξῆλθεν9 of 25

come

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐξ10 of 25

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτόν11 of 25

him

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

καὶ12 of 25

And

G2532

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

ῥίψαν13 of 25

had thrown

G4496

to fling (properly, with a quick toss, thus differing from g0906, which denotes a deliberate hurl; and from ????? (see in g1614), which indicates an e

αὐτόν14 of 25

him

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

τὸ15 of 25
G3588

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

δαιμόνιον16 of 25

when the devil

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

εἰς17 of 25

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ18 of 25
G3588

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

μέσον19 of 25

the midst

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

ἐξῆλθεν20 of 25

come

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἀπ'21 of 25

out of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτόν22 of 25

him

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

μηδὲν23 of 25

not

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

βλάψαν24 of 25

and hurt

G984

properly, to hinder, i.e., (by implication) to injure

αὐτόν25 of 25

him

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


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 4:35 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 4:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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