Luke Chapter 10 · Verse 9

Authorized King James Version

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And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θεραπεύετε heal G2323
θεραπεύετε heal
Strong's: G2323
Word #: 2 of 16
to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)
τοὺς G3588
τοὺς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐν that are therein G1722
ἐν that are therein
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 4 of 16
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
αὐτοῖς unto them G846
αὐτοῖς unto them
Strong's: G846
Word #: 5 of 16
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
ἀσθενεῖς the sick G772
ἀσθενεῖς the sick
Strong's: G772
Word #: 6 of 16
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 7 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγετε say G3004
λέγετε say
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 8 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς unto them G846
αὐτοῖς unto them
Strong's: G846
Word #: 9 of 16
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
Ἤγγικεν is come nigh G1448
Ἤγγικεν is come nigh
Strong's: G1448
Word #: 10 of 16
to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach
ἐφ' unto G1909
ἐφ' unto
Strong's: G1909
Word #: 11 of 16
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ὑμᾶς you G5209
ὑμᾶς you
Strong's: G5209
Word #: 12 of 16
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεία The kingdom G932
βασιλεία The kingdom
Strong's: G932
Word #: 14 of 16
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 15 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ of God G2316
θεοῦ of God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 16 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis & Commentary

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. Jesus couples miraculous power with proclamation. The command therapeuete tous en autē astheneis (θεραπεύετε τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ ἀσθενεῖς, "heal the sick that are therein") uses the present imperative for continuous action—make healing a consistent practice. The term therapeuō (θεραπεύω) means to serve, care for, or heal, from which we derive "therapy."

The proclamation follows: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you (Ēngiken eph' hymas hē basileia tou Theou, Ἤγγικεν ἐφ' ὑμᾶς ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ). The perfect tense ēngiken (ἤγγικεν, "has come near") indicates completed action with ongoing results—God's kingdom has arrived and now stands at the door. This is the core gospel message: God's reign is breaking into history through Jesus Christ. Healing demonstrates the kingdom's power over sickness and Satan's dominion.

Word and deed combine in authentic witness. Healing validates the message and demonstrates God's compassion. This pattern continues in Acts: apostles performed signs and wonders confirming gospel proclamation (Acts 2:43, 5:12, 14:3). The kingdom of God (basileia tou Theou, βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ) is central to Jesus' teaching—God's sovereign rule restoring creation, defeating evil, and bringing salvation.

Historical Context

First-century Palestine was filled with sickness, demon possession, and physical affliction. Medical care was primitive and expensive. Jesus' healing ministry demonstrated messianic credentials (Isaiah 35:5-6, 61:1-2) and revealed God's compassion. The disciples' healing authority proved they represented Jesus. Miracles were 'signs' (σημεῖα, sēmeia) pointing to spiritual reality—God's kingdom breaking Satan's power. The early church continued this ministry: Peter healed the lame man (Acts 3), Philip performed miracles in Samaria (Acts 8), Paul healed on his journeys (Acts 14:8-10).

Questions for Reflection