King James Version

What Does Matthew 17:18 Mean?

Matthew 17:18 in the King James Version says “And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.”

Matthew 17:18 · KJV

Context

16

And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

17

Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

18

And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

19

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart , and said, Why could not we cast him out?

20

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Read Matthew 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Where the disciples failed, Jesus succeeded instantly through simple rebuke (ἐπετίμησεν, epetimēsen). The verb carries authority—not lengthy exorcism rituals but commanding word. The demon "departed" (ἐξῆλθεν, exēlthen, went out) immediately, demonstrating Christ's absolute authority over spiritual forces. No negotiation, no struggle—just sovereign command and instant obedience.

"The child was cured from that very hour" (ἀπὸ τῆς ὥρας ἐκείνης, apo tēs hōras ekeinēs) emphasizes immediacy and completeness. The boy didn't gradually improve but experienced instantaneous restoration. This contrasts with the disciples' impotent attempts and highlights Jesus's unique authority. The cure (ἐθεραπεύθη, etherapeuthē) wasn't merely symptom suppression but complete deliverance—spiritual and physical restoration.

This miracle demonstrates Messianic authority. Jesus doesn't invoke higher power or perform elaborate rituals; He commands directly. His rebuke addresses the root cause (demonic oppression), not just symptoms. This reveals the gospel pattern: where human effort fails utterly, Christ's word accomplishes instantly. He is the stronger man who binds the strong man and plunders his goods (Matthew 12:29). Every demon must flee at His name (Philippians 2:10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism recognized demon possession as reality requiring spiritual authority to overcome. Professional exorcists existed (Acts 19:13-16), often using elaborate formulas, names, and rituals. Jesus's simple command demonstrates superior authority. The crowd witnessing this miracle saw undeniable proof of His Messianic credentials—Isaiah 35:5-6 and 61:1 prophesied that Messiah would heal afflicted and set captives free.

Mark's account adds that Jesus said, "This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting" (Mark 9:29), indicating levels of demonic resistance requiring intensified spiritual warfare. The disciples had authority but lacked the spiritual depth (through prayer/fasting) to exercise it effectively. Church history records that authentic deliverance ministry requires holy living, fervent prayer, and dependence on Christ's authority—not formulas or techniques. The apostolic church cast out demons in Jesus's name (Acts 16:18), continuing His victory over Satan's kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus's instant success through simple rebuke teach about the nature of spiritual authority in ministry?
  2. How does this miracle demonstrate that Satan's power, though real, is infinitely inferior to Christ's authority?
  3. What is the relationship between external authority (given to the disciples) and internal spiritual vitality (maintained through prayer and fasting)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπετίμησεν2 of 19

“rebuked”

G2008

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

αὐτοῦ3 of 19

“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

ὁ4 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 19

“Jesus”

G2424

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

καὶ6 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξῆλθεν7 of 19

“he departed”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ8 of 19

“from”

G575

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

αὐτοῦ9 of 19

“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

τὸ10 of 19
G3588

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

δαιμόνιον11 of 19

“the devil”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

καὶ12 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ἐθεραπεύθη13 of 19

“was cured”

G2323

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

ὁ14 of 19
G3588

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

παῖς15 of 19

“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

ἀπὸ16 of 19

“from”

G575

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

τῆς17 of 19
G3588

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

ὥρας18 of 19

“hour”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἐκείνης19 of 19

“that very”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 17:18 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 Matthew 17:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 9:22Mark 1:34Luke 9:42Matthew 15:28Mark 9:25-27Luke 8:29

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