And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.
And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. The phrase as he was yet a coming (eti de proserchomenou autou, ἔτι δὲ προσερχομένου αὐτοῦ) indicates the demon attacked as the boy approached Jesus—a final violent assault. The verb errhēxen (ἔρρηξεν, "threw down" or "dashed down") and synesparaxen (συνεσπάραξεν, "tore" or "convulsed violently") describe the demon's fury. Satan rages most violently when deliverance is imminent—despairing malice.
Jesus' response was authoritative: epetimēsen (ἐπετίμησεν, "rebuked")—the same verb used to calm the storm (8:24), indicating sovereign command. He addressed the unclean spirit (tō pneumati tō akathartō, τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ)—morally impure, defiling. Jesus healed the child (iasato ton paida, ἰάσατο τὸν παῖδα)—addressing both demonic and physical damage—and delivered him again to his father (apedōken auton tō patri autou, ἀπέδωκεν αὐτὸν τῷ πατρὶ αὐτοῦ). The verb apedōken (gave back) echoes Elijah restoring the widow's son (1 Kings 17:23)—Jesus as greater than Elijah.
Historical Context
The demon's violent final attack as the boy approached Jesus reflects spiritual warfare reality—Satan opposes most fiercely when deliverance nears. Ancient exorcisms often involved prolonged rituals, but Jesus' rebuke was immediate and complete. Mark's account adds that Jesus commanded, "Come out of him, and enter no more into him" (Mark 9:25)—permanent deliverance. The phrase "delivered him again to his father" emphasizes restoration—the boy was returned to family and community, whole and free. This foreshadows Christ's greater work—delivering captives from Satan's power and restoring them to the Father (Colossians 1:13, Luke 15:24). Early Christians facing demonic opposition took courage—Jesus' authority is absolute and final.
Questions for Reflection
Why does Satan often attack most violently when deliverance is nearest, and how should this prepare Christians for spiritual warfare?
What does Jesus' immediate, complete exorcism teach about His authority compared to elaborate human rituals and techniques?
How does Jesus 'delivering him again to his father' point to the gospel's ultimate purpose of reconciling us to God the Father?
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Analysis & Commentary
And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. The phrase as he was yet a coming (eti de proserchomenou autou, ἔτι δὲ προσερχομένου αὐτοῦ) indicates the demon attacked as the boy approached Jesus—a final violent assault. The verb errhēxen (ἔρρηξεν, "threw down" or "dashed down") and synesparaxen (συνεσπάραξεν, "tore" or "convulsed violently") describe the demon's fury. Satan rages most violently when deliverance is imminent—despairing malice.
Jesus' response was authoritative: epetimēsen (ἐπετίμησεν, "rebuked")—the same verb used to calm the storm (8:24), indicating sovereign command. He addressed the unclean spirit (tō pneumati tō akathartō, τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ)—morally impure, defiling. Jesus healed the child (iasato ton paida, ἰάσατο τὸν παῖδα)—addressing both demonic and physical damage—and delivered him again to his father (apedōken auton tō patri autou, ἀπέδωκεν αὐτὸν τῷ πατρὶ αὐτοῦ). The verb apedōken (gave back) echoes Elijah restoring the widow's son (1 Kings 17:23)—Jesus as greater than Elijah.