King James Version

What Does Luke 8:2 Mean?

Luke 8:2 in the King James Version says “And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,”

Luke 8:2 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass afterward , that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

2

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

3

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

4

And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Luke uniquely records women's prominent role in supporting Jesus' ministry. The Greek participle tetherapeumenai (τεθεραπευμέναι, perfect passive, "having been healed") emphasizes completed action with continuing results: these women remained in transformed states. The dual mention of pneumatōn ponērōn (πνευμάτων πονηρῶν, "evil spirits") and astheneiōn (ἀσθενειῶν, "infirmities/weaknesses") distinguishes demonic oppression from physical ailments, though overlap existed.

Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils—Mary from Magdala (fishing town on Galilee's western shore) is identified by her most dramatic transformation. The phrase aph' hēs daimonia hepta exelēlythei (ἀφ' ἧς δαιμόνια ἑπτὰ ἐξεληλύθει, "from whom seven demons had gone out") uses the perfect tense indicating permanent deliverance. The number seven suggests complete or severe possession, not literal counting. This Mary is never identified with the sinful woman of Luke 7:36-50 (common but erroneous tradition). Her deliverance produced devoted discipleship—she appears at the crucifixion (Luke 23:49) and resurrection (Luke 24:10), making her the first resurrection witness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Judaism, women rarely traveled with rabbis, making this detail remarkable. Respectable rabbis avoided public interaction with women to prevent scandal. Jesus' inclusion of women disciples violated social conventions, demonstrating the kingdom's radical nature. Women couldn't serve as legal witnesses in Jewish courts, yet Jesus entrusted them with gospel proclamation. Demon possession was widely recognized in the ancient world, though symptoms overlapped with epilepsy, mental illness, and other conditions. Seven demons indicates exceptionally severe affliction. Mary Magdalene's prominence in all four Gospels, especially as resurrection witness, establishes her historical importance. Her financial support (implied by v. 3) suggests she possessed independent means, unusual for women but not unknown in Greco-Roman society.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' radical inclusion of women disciples, especially those with scandalous pasts like demon possession, demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel to overthrow social hierarchies?
  2. What does Mary Magdalene's transformation from severe demon possession to devoted disciple and first resurrection witness teach about God's ability to use the most broken people for His greatest purposes?
  3. In what ways does Luke's careful identification of these women by name combat the historical erasure of women's contributions to early Christianity?

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

γυναῖκές2 of 20

“women”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

τινες3 of 20

“certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἧς4 of 20

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἦσαν5 of 20

“had been”

G2258

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

τεθεραπευμέναι6 of 20

“healed”

G2323

to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)

ἀφ'7 of 20

“of”

G575

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

πνευμάτων8 of 20

“spirits”

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

πονηρῶν9 of 20

“evil”

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

καὶ10 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

ἀσθενειῶν11 of 20

“infirmities”

G769

feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty

Μαρία12 of 20

“Mary”

G3137

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

ἡ13 of 20
G3588

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

καλουμένη14 of 20

“called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

Μαγδαληνή15 of 20

“Magdalene”

G3094

a female magdalene, i.e., inhabitant of magdala

ἀφ'16 of 20

“of”

G575

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

ἧς17 of 20

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δαιμόνια18 of 20

“devils”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

ἑπτὰ19 of 20

“seven”

G2033

seven

ἐξεληλύθει20 of 20

“went”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

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 8:2 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 8:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 16:9Mark 15:40-41Matthew 27:55-56John 19:25Luke 23:49Acts 1:14

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