King James Version

What Does Luke 9:42 Mean?

Luke 9:42 in the King James Version says “And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the... — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

Luke 9:42 · KJV


Context

40

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

41

And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

42

And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

43

And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

44

Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. The phrase as he was yet a coming (eti de proserchomenou autou, ἔτι δὲ προσερχομένου αὐτοῦ) indicates the demon attacked as the boy approached Jesus—a final violent assault. The verb errhēxen (ἔρρηξεν, "threw down" or "dashed down") and synesparaxen (συνεσπάραξεν, "tore" or "convulsed violently") describe the demon's fury. Satan rages most violently when deliverance is imminent—despairing malice.

Jesus' response was authoritative: epetimēsen (ἐπετίμησεν, "rebuked")—the same verb used to calm the storm (8:24), indicating sovereign command. He addressed the unclean spirit (tō pneumati tō akathartō, τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ)—morally impure, defiling. Jesus healed the child (iasato ton paida, ἰάσατο τὸν παῖδα)—addressing both demonic and physical damage—and delivered him again to his father (apedōken auton tō patri autou, ἀπέδωκεν αὐτὸν τῷ πατρὶ αὐτοῦ). The verb apedōken (gave back) echoes Elijah restoring the widow's son (1 Kings 17:23)—Jesus as greater than Elijah.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The demon's violent final attack as the boy approached Jesus reflects spiritual warfare reality—Satan opposes most fiercely when deliverance nears. Ancient exorcisms often involved prolonged rituals, but Jesus' rebuke was immediate and complete. Mark's account adds that Jesus commanded, "Come out of him, and enter no more into him" (Mark 9:25)—permanent deliverance. The phrase "delivered him again to his father" emphasizes restoration—the boy was returned to family and community, whole and free. This foreshadows Christ's greater work—delivering captives from Satan's power and restoring them to the Father (Colossians 1:13, Luke 15:24). Early Christians facing demonic opposition took courage—Jesus' authority is absolute and final.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Satan often attack most violently when deliverance is nearest, and how should this prepare Christians for spiritual warfare?
  2. What does Jesus' immediate, complete exorcism teach about His authority compared to elaborate human rituals and techniques?
  3. How does Jesus 'delivering him again to his father' point to the gospel's ultimate purpose of reconciling us to God the Father?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ἔτι1 of 28

yet

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

δὲ2 of 28

And

G1161

but, and, etc

προσερχομένου3 of 28

a coming

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

αὐτοῦ4 of 28

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

ἔῤῥηξεν5 of 28

down

G4486

to "break," "wreck" or "crack", i.e., (especially) to sunder (by separation of the parts; g2608 being its intensive (with the preposition in compositi

αὐτοῦ6 of 28

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

τὸ7 of 28
G3588

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

δαιμόνιον8 of 28

the devil

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

καὶ9 of 28

and

G2532

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

συνεσπάραξεν·10 of 28

tare

G4952

to rend completely, i.e., (by analogy) to convulse violently

ἐπετίμησεν11 of 28

rebuked

G2008

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

δὲ12 of 28

And

G1161

but, and, etc

13 of 28
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς14 of 28

Jesus

G2424

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

τῷ15 of 28
G3588

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

πνεύματι16 of 28

spirit

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

τῷ17 of 28
G3588

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

ἀκαθάρτῳ18 of 28

the unclean

G169

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

καὶ19 of 28

and

G2532

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

ἰάσατο20 of 28

healed

G2390

to cure (literally or figuratively)

τὸν21 of 28
G3588

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

παῖδα22 of 28

the child

G3816

a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy), a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specially, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a

καὶ23 of 28

and

G2532

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

ἀπέδωκεν24 of 28

again

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

αὐτοῦ25 of 28

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

τῷ26 of 28
G3588

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

πατρὶ27 of 28

father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

αὐτοῦ28 of 28

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 9:42 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 9:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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