Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him. The phrase dynontos de tou hēliou (δύνοντος δὲ τοῦ ἡλίου, the sun setting) marks the end of Sabbath restrictions. People had waited until Sabbath ended (sunset Saturday) to carry their sick to Jesus. The phrase poikilais nosois (ποικίλαις νόσοις, various diseases) emphasizes the diversity of conditions—Jesus healed all types of illness.
And he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. The phrase heni hekastō autōn (ἑνὶ ἑκάστῳ αὐτῶν, each one of them) emphasizes Jesus' personal attention to each individual. Despite the crowds, He took time to lay hands on each person individually. The verb etherapeuen (ἐθεράπευεν, healed) is imperfect tense, indicating continuous action—He kept healing, one after another, showing both power and compassion.
Historical Context
Sabbath law prohibited carrying burdens (Jeremiah 17:21-22, Nehemiah 13:19), so people waited until sunset (when Sabbath officially ended) to transport their sick to Jesus. This created a massive healing service at Peter's house as crowds converged after sunset. Jesus' willingness to minister to each person individually, despite exhaustion from teaching and earlier miracles, demonstrates His compassion and tireless service. The laying on of hands was a gesture of blessing and identification, showing Jesus' personal involvement in each healing. This marathon healing session revealed both Jesus' supernatural power (no human could sustain such ministry) and His shepherd's heart.
Questions for Reflection
What does the crowd waiting until sunset reveal about their commitment to both Sabbath law and seeking Jesus?
How does Jesus' individual attention to each sick person (despite massive crowds) demonstrate His compassion and concern for individuals?
What does Jesus' tireless healing ministry teach about His divine nature and servant heart?
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Analysis & Commentary
Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him. The phrase dynontos de tou hēliou (δύνοντος δὲ τοῦ ἡλίου, the sun setting) marks the end of Sabbath restrictions. People had waited until Sabbath ended (sunset Saturday) to carry their sick to Jesus. The phrase poikilais nosois (ποικίλαις νόσοις, various diseases) emphasizes the diversity of conditions—Jesus healed all types of illness.
And he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. The phrase heni hekastō autōn (ἑνὶ ἑκάστῳ αὐτῶν, each one of them) emphasizes Jesus' personal attention to each individual. Despite the crowds, He took time to lay hands on each person individually. The verb etherapeuen (ἐθεράπευεν, healed) is imperfect tense, indicating continuous action—He kept healing, one after another, showing both power and compassion.