Luke 9:39
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Luke 9:39
39 And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.
Chapter Context
Luke 9 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, faith, salvation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-62: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 9:39
39 And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.
Analysis
And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. The father describes his son's torment: pneuma (πνεῦμα, "spirit")—a demon, not epilepsy alone. The verb lambanei (λαμβάνει, "takes" or "seizes") indicates violent possession. The phrase he suddenly crieth out (exaiphnēs krazei, ἐξαίφνης κράζει) describes unpredictable screaming. The verb sparassei (σπαράσσει, "tears" or "convulses") indicates violent convulsions, and meta aphrou (μετὰ ἀφροῦ, "with foam") describes foaming at the mouth—symptoms associated with grand mal seizures.
The phrase bruising him hardly departeth from him (mogis apochōrei ap autou syntribon auton, μόγις ἀποχωρεῖ ἀπ᾿ αὐτοῦ συντρίβον αὐτόν) reveals the demon's malicious intent—mogis means "with difficulty" or "scarcely," syntribon means "crushing" or "bruising." The demon clings tenaciously, causing maximum damage before releasing. This is Satan's character—he comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). The detailed medical description emphasizes the severity and validates the supernatural nature of the affliction.
Historical Context
Ancient physicians recognized epilepsy (called the 'sacred disease') but lacked effective treatments. Demonic possession could manifest with symptoms resembling epilepsy, mental illness, or other conditions—but the spiritual component required spiritual authority to address. Jesus distinguished between natural disease and demonic affliction, healing both. The Gospels record Jesus healing epilepsy without exorcism (Matthew 4:24) and casting out demons without convulsions. This case involved both—a spirit causing seizure-like symptoms. The father's description to Jesus parallels modern parents describing children's medical emergencies—desperate, detailed, seeking any help available. Jesus' immediate, complete healing demonstrated kingdom authority over physical and spiritual bondage.
Reflection
- How does the demon's violent, destructive behavior toward the boy illustrate Satan's ultimate purpose toward all humanity?
- What does Jesus' authority over both demonic spirits and their physical manifestations teach about His comprehensive lordship?
- In what ways should the father's detailed description of his son's suffering inform our prayers—specific, honest, desperate?
Word Studies
- Spirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma) G4151 - Spirit, wind, breath