Luke 4:35
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπετίμησεν
rebuked
G2008
ἐπετίμησεν
rebuked
Strong's:
G2008
Word #:
2 of 25
to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 25
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 25
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξ
out of
G1537
ἐξ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 25
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 25
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ῥίψαν
had thrown
G4496
ῥίψαν
had thrown
Strong's:
G4496
Word #:
13 of 25
to fling (properly, with a quick toss, thus differing from g0906, which denotes a deliberate hurl; and from ????? (see in g1614), which indicates an e
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 25
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
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπ'
out of
G575
ἀπ'
out of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
21 of 25
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
22 of 25
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
Cross References
Luke 4:41And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.Luke 4:39And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.Matthew 8:26And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
Historical Context
Ancient exorcism accounts (both Jewish and pagan) describe elaborate rituals, incantations using divine names, and often physical harm to the possessed person. Josephus describes exorcists using roots, rings, and lengthy formulas. Jesus' simple command contrasts starkly—He speaks with inherent authority, needing no rituals or formulas. His refusal of demonic testimony maintains messianic secrecy until the appointed time. The demon's violent but ultimately harmless exit demonstrates Jesus' complete control—He both expels evil and protects the victim, showing both power and compassion.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus refuse the demon's accurate testimony about His identity?
- What does Jesus' simple command (versus elaborate exorcism rituals) reveal about His inherent authority?
- How does Jesus' protection of the man during the violent exorcism demonstrate both power over evil and compassion for victims?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. Jesus' response is authoritative and brief. The verb epetimēsen (ἐπετίμησεν, rebuked) indicates stern command, the same word used for rebuking storms (8:24) and fever (4:39). Phimōthēti (φιμώθητι, be muzzled/silenced) is a strong imperative—literally "be muzzled" like a dangerous animal. Jesus refuses the demon's testimony despite its accuracy, maintaining control over how His identity is revealed.
And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. The demon's violent exit—rhipsan auton eis to meson (ῥίψαν αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ μέσον, throwing him into the midst)—demonstrates demonic malice and Jesus' restraining power. The phrase mēden blapsas auton (μηδὲν βλάψας αὐτόν, having hurt him not at all) shows Jesus' compassion and authority. Unlike typical exorcisms where demons harmed victims during expulsion, Jesus protected the man completely.