Luke 6:18
And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἳ
G3588
οἳ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀχλούμενοι
they that were vexed
G3791
ὀχλούμενοι
they that were vexed
Strong's:
G3791
Word #:
3 of 8
to mob, i.e., (by implication) to harass
ὑπὸ
with
G5259
ὑπὸ
with
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
4 of 8
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
πνευμάτων
spirits
G4151
πνευμάτων
spirits
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 of 8
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
ἀκαθάρτων
unclean
G169
ἀκαθάρτων
unclean
Strong's:
G169
Word #:
6 of 8
impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))
Historical Context
First-century Palestinian Judaism recognized demonic activity as causing various afflictions—physical, mental, and spiritual. Unlike pagan exorcists who used elaborate rituals, incantations, and magical formulas, Jesus cast out demons with simple authoritative commands. The crowds gathering from Tyre, Sidon, and all Judea (v. 17) show Jesus' reputation for delivering the demonized had spread throughout the region. This mass healing foreshadows the greater deliverance Christ would accomplish at the cross, destroying Satan's power (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14-15).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' authority over unclean spirits encourage you in spiritual warfare and the reality of demonic opposition?
- What areas of ongoing torment or harassment in your life need Jesus' healing and delivering power?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed (οἱ ἐνοχλούμενοι ἀπὸ πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων καὶ ἐθεραπεύοντο, hoi enochlumenoi apo pneumatōn akathartōn kai etherapeuonto). The verb enochlumenoi (ἐνοχλούμενοι, from ἐνοχλέω) means to be troubled, harassed, tormented—present passive participle indicating ongoing torment. These weren't merely sick but demonized, harassed by unclean spirits (pneumatōn akathartōn, πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων)—spiritual forces of impurity and corruption.
The simple statement and they were healed (ἐθεραπεύοντο, etherapeuonto—imperfect passive, continuous action) shows Jesus' absolute authority over the demonic realm. Where demons tormented, Jesus brought therapeia (θεραπεία)—healing, restoration, wholeness. This verse demonstrates that Jesus' ministry addresses not only physical illness but spiritual oppression.