Luke Chapter 11 · Verse 14
And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸ
it
G846
αὐτὸ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 20
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
κωφός
dumb
G2974
κωφός
dumb
Strong's:
G2974
Word #:
8 of 20
blunted, i.e., (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
9 of 20
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κωφός
dumb
G2974
κωφός
dumb
Strong's:
G2974
Word #:
16 of 20
blunted, i.e., (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
First-century Palestinian Judaism recognized demon possession as real and practiced exorcism, though success was rare and methods often involved elaborate incantations, formulas, and rituals. Jewish exorcists invoked names of angels or Solomon's authority. Jesus' exorcisms were immediate, authoritative, and accomplished by His word alone—no rituals, incantations, or mediators. This unique authority provoked both amazement and suspicion, leading His opponents to accuse Him of demonic collusion rather than acknowledge His divine power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' immediate, authoritative deliverance contrast with contemporary spiritual warfare methods that rely on formulas and techniques?
- Why do miracles sometimes provoke hostile rejection rather than faith, as seen in the varied responses to this exorcism?
- What does the restoration of speech symbolize about the gospel's power to free those whom Satan has silenced?
Analysis & Commentary
And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. Luke introduces the Beelzebub controversy with a specific miracle: Jesus exorcising a demon that caused muteness (κωφός, kōphos—deaf or mute). The imperfect tense "was casting out" (ἦν ἐκβάλλων, ēn ekballōn) suggests ongoing action or perhaps that observers watched the process. The demon is described as "dumb" (κωφόν, kōphon), having rendered its victim unable to speak—a physical manifestation of spiritual bondage.
When the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. The immediate restoration of speech (ἐλάλησεν ὁ κωφός, elalēsen ho kōphos) provided undeniable proof of genuine deliverance. The crowd's response—"wondered" (ἐθαύμασαν, ethaumasan, they marveled)—reflects astonishment at the miraculous. This sets the stage for two divergent reactions: some attribute Jesus' power to Beelzebub (v. 15), while others demand additional signs (v. 16). The miracle demonstrates Christ's authority over the demonic realm and previews the kingdom's arrival where Satan's works are destroyed (1 John 3:8).