King James Version

What Does Luke 6:19 Mean?

Luke 6:19 in the King James Version says “And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.”

Luke 6:19 · KJV

Context

17

And he came down with them, and stood in the plain , and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

18

And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

19

And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

20

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

21

Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Power of Christ's Healing Presence

This remarkable verse captures a mass healing event that demonstrates Jesus's divine power and compassion. The Greek word ὄχλος (ochlos, "multitude") emphasizes the large crowd pressing around Jesus. The phrase "sought to touch him" uses ἐζήτουν ἅπτεσθαι (ezētoun haptesthai), indicating earnest, determined effort to make physical contact.

The most striking element is the phrase "virtue out of him," translating δύναμις (dynamis), meaning "power" or "ability." This is the root of our word "dynamite," suggesting explosive, transformative energy. This wasn't magical power requiring ritual or formula, but divine healing power flowing from Christ's person. The use of "virtue" in the KJV beautifully captures both power and moral excellence united in Christ.

The phrase "healed them all" (ἰᾶτο πάντας, iato pantas) is comprehensive—no one seeking healing was turned away. This demonstrates that Christ's power was sufficient for every need and every person. The passage shows healing power emanating from Jesus continuously, not requiring conscious effort on His part for each individual miracle.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This event occurs during Jesus's Galilean ministry, likely on the plain near Capernaum after He chose the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-17). The crowd included people from diverse regions: Judaea, Jerusalem, Tyre, and Sidon (coastal Phoenician cities). This geographic diversity shows Jesus's fame spreading beyond Jewish territories into Gentile areas. In first-century Jewish culture, physical touch was considered a means of transmitting both ritual impurity and divine blessing. The woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48) later demonstrated similar faith by touching Jesus's garment. Ancient medical practice was limited, making Jesus's healings particularly dramatic and significant. The crowd's behavior reflects the Mediterranean cultural pattern of pressing around important figures, though typically not with such desperation. The gathering of such diverse peoples presages the gospel's eventual spread to all nations, demonstrating that Christ's healing power transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the physical manifestation of healing power from Jesus teach us about the nature of His divine presence?
  2. How does the crowd's desperate pursuit of Jesus contrast with contemporary approaches to seeking God?
  3. In what ways do we need to "touch" Jesus today, and what does faith-filled contact with Christ look like in our time?
  4. Why did Jesus allow His power to flow freely to heal all who came, and what does this reveal about God's heart?
  5. How should the comprehensive nature of Christ's healing ("healed them all") shape our expectations when we pray for others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

πάντας2 of 15

“the whole”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὁ3 of 15
G3588

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

ὄχλος4 of 15

“multitude”

G3793

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

ἐζήτει5 of 15

“sought”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

ἅπτεσθαι6 of 15

“to touch”

G680

properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)

αὐτοῦ7 of 15

“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

ὅτι8 of 15

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δύναμις9 of 15

“virtue”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

παρ'10 of 15

“out”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

αὐτοῦ11 of 15

“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

ἐξήρχετο12 of 15

“there went”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

καὶ13 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

ἰᾶτο14 of 15

“healed”

G2390

to cure (literally or figuratively)

πάντας15 of 15

“the whole”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

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 6:19 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 6:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 14:36Mark 3:10Acts 5:15-16Mark 5:30Mark 6:56Matthew 9:20-21

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