Luke 4:36
And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
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
ἐγένετο
they were
G1096
ἐγένετο
they were
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
2 of 25
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἐπὶ
all
G1909
ἐπὶ
all
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 25
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς
among
G4314
πρὸς
among
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 25
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 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
Τίς
What
G5101
Τίς
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
11 of 25
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
a word
G3056
λόγος
a word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
13 of 25
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
οὗτος
is this
G3778
οὗτος
is this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
14 of 25
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὅτι
! for
G3754
ὅτι
! for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
15 of 25
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐξουσίᾳ
authority
G1849
ἐξουσίᾳ
authority
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
17 of 25
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δυνάμει
power
G1411
δυνάμει
power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
19 of 25
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκαθάρτοις
the unclean
G169
ἀκαθάρτοις
the unclean
Strong's:
G169
Word #:
22 of 25
impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))
πνεύμασιν
spirits
G4151
πνεύμασιν
spirits
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
23 of 25
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Cross References
Luke 4:32And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.1 Peter 3:22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.Mark 7:37And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.Mark 1:27And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.Matthew 9:33And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
Historical Context
First-century Jewish exorcists used elaborate rituals, incantations, and divine names to attempt casting out demons (see Acts 19:13-16 for failed exorcism attempts). Jesus' simple command with immediate effect was unprecedented and shocking. His authority over demons fulfilled messianic expectations—the Messiah would defeat evil and establish God's kingdom. Each exorcism demonstrated the kingdom's breaking into the present, evil's power being broken, Satan's kingdom falling. The combination of teaching authority (v. 32) and spiritual authority (v. 36) validated Jesus' claims about His identity.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' effortless command over demons reveal about His divine identity and authority?
- How do Jesus' exorcisms demonstrate the kingdom of God breaking into the present and evil's power being defeated?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
After Jesus casts out a demon, people marvel: 'What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.' The combination of 'authority' (Greek 'exousia,' ἐξουσία) and 'power' (Greek 'dynamis,' δύναμις) describes Jesus' complete dominion over evil spirits. He doesn't negotiate or struggle—He commands, and demons obey instantly. This demonstrates His deity and messianic identity—only God possesses absolute authority over evil. The crowd recognizes something unprecedented—Jesus' word alone accomplishes what others achieve through lengthy rituals or formulas (if at all).