King James Version

What Does Luke 9:38 Mean?

Luke 9:38 in the King James Version says “And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.”

Luke 9:38 · KJV

Context

36

And when the voice was past , Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

37

And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.

38

And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

39

And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.

40

And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. The word idou (ἰδού, "behold") draws attention to the urgent scene. A man from the crowd eboēsen (ἐβόησεν, "cried out")—an anguished shout for help. He addresses Jesus as Didaskale (Διδάσκαλε, "Teacher" or "Master") and uses deomai (δέομαι, "I beg" or "beseech"), expressing desperate pleading. The request look upon my son (epiblepsai epi ton huion mou, ἐπιβλέψαι ἐπὶ τὸν υἱόν μου) means "turn your attention to" or "regard with compassion."

The phrase for he is mine only child (hoti monogenēs moi estin, ὅτι μονογενής μοί ἐστιν) uses monogenēs (only-begotten or unique)—the same term describing Jesus as God's only Son (John 3:16). This father's anguish over his only son suffering demonic torment mirrors the Father's anguish at giving His only Son to suffer for sinners. The detail intensifies the tragedy and highlights Jesus' compassion—He knows a father's love for an only son and responds with delivering power.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Mediterranean culture, sons provided economic security, family continuity, and care for aging parents. An only son's affliction threatened the entire family's future. Demonic possession was widely recognized in the ancient world but poorly understood—often confused with epilepsy, mental illness, or divine judgment. Jewish exorcism practices involved elaborate rituals and incantations. Jesus' exorcisms were immediate, authoritative, and complete—demonstrating kingdom power over Satan's realm. This father's public desperation before a large crowd shows the intensity of his suffering and faith that Jesus could help where disciples failed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the father's anguish over his only son's suffering reflect God the Father's love in giving His only Son for our deliverance?
  2. What does the detail that this was an 'only child' add to our understanding of the father's desperation and Jesus' compassion?
  3. In what ways does this father's public cry for help model the kind of desperate, humble faith that moves Jesus to act?

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

ἰδού,2 of 20

“behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἀνὴρ3 of 20

“a man”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἀπὸ4 of 20

“of”

G575

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

τοῦ5 of 20
G3588

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

ὄχλου6 of 20

“the company”

G3793

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

ἀνεβόησεν7 of 20

“cried out”

G310

to halloo

λέγων,8 of 20

“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

Διδάσκαλε9 of 20

“Master”

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

δέομαί10 of 20

“I beseech”

G1189

to beg (as binding oneself), i.e., petition

σου11 of 20

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

ἐπιβλέψον12 of 20

“look”

G1914

to gaze at (with favor, pity or partiality)

ἐπὶ13 of 20

“upon”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸν14 of 20
G3588

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

υἱόν15 of 20

“son”

G5207

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

μου16 of 20

“my”

G3450

of me

ὅτι17 of 20

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

μονογενής18 of 20

“only child”

G3439

only-born, i.e., sole

ἐστιν19 of 20

“he is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

μοί20 of 20

“mine”

G3427

to me

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 9:38 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 9:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 12:10John 4:47Luke 7:12Luke 8:41-42Matthew 15:22Genesis 44:20

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