King James Version

What Does Luke 4:41 Mean?

Luke 4:41 in the King James Version says “And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. to speak: or, to say that they knew him to be Christ

Luke 4:41 · KJV


Context

39

And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

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.

41

And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. to speak: or, to say that they knew him to be Christ

42

And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.

43

And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. The phrase daimonia... kraugazonta kai legonta (δαιμόνια... κραυγάζοντα καὶ λέγοντα, demons crying out and saying) indicates multiple exorcisms with demons vocally confessing Jesus' identity. The title ho Christos ho huios tou Theou (ὁ Χριστὸς ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ, the Christ the Son of God) is theologically precise—demons recognize both Jesus' messianic office (Christ) and divine nature (Son of God).

And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. Despite accurate testimony, Jesus epitimōn ouk eia auta lalein (ἐπιτιμῶν οὐκ εἴα αὐτὰ λαλεῖν, rebuking did not permit them to speak). He maintained control over how and when His identity was revealed, refusing demonic testimony even when true. The reason: ēdeisan ton Christon auton einai (ᾔδεισαν τὸν Χριστὸν αὐτὸν εἶναι, they knew him to be the Christ). Jesus wouldn't allow demons to reveal what disciples must discover through faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Messianic expectations in first-century Judaism were politically charged—most expected a military deliverer to overthrow Rome. Premature public identification as Messiah would trigger both false popular expectations and Roman/Jewish opposition before Jesus completed His teaching ministry. His "messianic secret" strategy involved demonstrating messiahship through works while controlling public proclamation until the appointed time. Demons' knowledge contrasts with human ignorance—spiritual beings recognized what religious leaders missed. Yet mere knowledge without submission brings no salvation—demons believe and tremble (James 2:19) but remain condemned.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Jesus refuse demonic testimony about His identity, even when theologically accurate?
  2. What does demons' accurate knowledge without salvation teach about the difference between intellectual belief and saving faith?
  3. How does Jesus' control over when and how His identity is revealed demonstrate His wisdom in dealing with mixed messianic expectations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
ἐξήρχετο1 of 30

came

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 30

And

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 30

And

G2532

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

δαιμόνια4 of 30

devils

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

ἀπὸ5 of 30

out of

G575

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

πολλῶν6 of 30

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

κράζοντα7 of 30

crying out

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

καὶ8 of 30

And

G2532

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

λέγοντα9 of 30

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

ὅτι10 of 30

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Σὺ11 of 30

Thou

G4771

thou

εἶ12 of 30

art

G1488

thou art

13 of 30
G3588

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

Χριστὸν14 of 30

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

15 of 30
G3588

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

υἱὸς16 of 30

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ17 of 30
G3588

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

θεοῦ18 of 30

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ19 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἐπιτιμῶν20 of 30

he rebuking

G2008

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

οὐκ21 of 30

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἴα22 of 30

them suffered

G1439

to let be, i.e., permit or leave alone

αὐτὸν23 of 30

that he

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

λαλεῖν24 of 30

to speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

ὅτι25 of 30

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ᾔδεισαν26 of 30

they knew

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὸν27 of 30
G3588

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

Χριστὸν28 of 30

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

αὐτὸν29 of 30

that he

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

εἶναι30 of 30

was

G1511

to exist


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 4:41 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 4:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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