King James Version

What Does Mark 1:34 Mean?

Mark 1:34 in the King James Version says “And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, be... — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. to speak: or, to say that they knew him

Mark 1:34 · KJV


Context

32

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

33

And all the city was gathered together at the door.

34

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. to speak: or, to say that they knew him

35

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

36

And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Christ healed 'many' (not all who came, emphasizing His sovereign selection) and cast out demons, demonstrating authority over both physical and spiritual realms. His command that demons not speak reveals His rejection of testimony from unholy sources, even when true. Christ will not advance His kingdom through alliance with darkness, showing the absolute separation between light and darkness in spiritual warfare.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish exorcism in the first century often involved elaborate rituals and incantations. Christ's simple command and complete success demonstrated supernatural authority. Demons' knowledge of Christ's identity reflected their spiritual perception, but their testimony was unacceptable to the holy God.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Christ refuse the testimony of demons even when they spoke truth about His identity?
  2. How does Christ's healing of 'many' rather than all remind us of divine election and sovereignty?

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

ἐθεράπευσεν2 of 20

he healed

G2323

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

πολλὰ3 of 20

many

G4183

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

κακῶς4 of 20

sick

G2560

badly (physically or morally)

ἔχοντας5 of 20

that were

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ποικίλαις6 of 20

of divers

G4164

motley, i.e., various in character

νόσοις7 of 20

diseases

G3554

a malady (rarely figuratively, of moral disability)

καὶ8 of 20

And

G2532

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

δαιμόνια9 of 20

devils

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

πολλὰ10 of 20

many

G4183

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

ἐξέβαλεν11 of 20

cast out

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

καὶ12 of 20

And

G2532

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

οὐκ13 of 20

not

G3756

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

ἤφιεν14 of 20

suffered

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

λαλεῖν15 of 20

to speak

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

τὰ16 of 20
G3588

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

δαιμόνια17 of 20

devils

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

ὅτι18 of 20

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ᾔδεισαν19 of 20

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

αὐτόν20 of 20

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 Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 1:34 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 Mark 1:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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