Luke 10:9

KJV

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} heal {G2323} the sick {G772} that are therein {G1722}{G846}, and {G2532} say {G3004} unto them {G846}, The kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} is come nigh {G1448} unto {G1909} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Heal the sick there, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you.’

Berean Standard Bible

Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’

American Standard Version

and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:9 encapsulates a foundational instruction from Jesus to the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples He commissioned, highlighting the inseparable connection between compassionate action and authoritative proclamation in the advance of God's reign. This verse mandates that the disciples not only perform acts of healing, demonstrating the tangible power of God, but also declare the profound truth that the Kingdom of God has drawn near, signifying its immediate presence and accessibility through Jesus Christ. It underscores a holistic ministry approach where divine power validates the spiritual message, preparing hearts and minds for the Lord's imminent arrival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct command within Jesus' specific commission of the seventy (or seventy-two) disciples in [Luke 10:1-24](/luke/10-1-24 "Luke 10 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two"). Following His initial instructions regarding their travel, reliance on hospitality, and the urgency of the harvest ([Luke 10:1-8](/luke/10-1-8 "Luke 10:1-8 - Instructions for the Seventy-Two")), Jesus outlines their primary tasks upon entering any town. The command to heal and proclaim the Kingdom is not merely a suggestion but a core component of their divinely appointed mission, serving as a powerful sign to authenticate their message and prepare the way for Jesus' own arrival. This mission parallels the earlier sending of the twelve disciples in [Luke 9:1-6](/luke/9-1-6 "Luke 9:1-6 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve"), demonstrating a consistent pattern of Kingdom advance through both word and deed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first-century Jewish context, the concept of the "Kingdom of God" (or "Kingdom of Heaven" in Matthew) was central to messianic expectations. While many anticipated a political, earthly kingdom that would overthrow Roman rule, Jesus consistently redefined it as a spiritual reality that was breaking into the present through His ministry, manifesting in power over disease, demons, and sin. Healing was a recognized sign of God's presence and activity, often associated with the coming of the Messiah (e.g., [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Healing in the Messianic Age")). For the disciples to perform such acts, particularly in Jesus' name, would have been a profound validation of their divine authority and the truth of their message, aligning with prophetic expectations and challenging prevailing notions of God's reign.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 10:9 contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **the immediacy and accessibility of the Kingdom of God**. The phrase "is come nigh unto you" signifies that God's sovereign rule is not a distant future hope but a present, breaking-in reality, made available through Jesus and His representatives. Secondly, it highlights **healing as a tangible sign of the Kingdom's power**. Physical restoration serves as undeniable evidence of God's active presence and authority, authenticating the disciples' spiritual message and demonstrating the holistic nature of God's redemptive work, which addresses both physical and spiritual brokenness. This aligns with Jesus' own ministry, where healing often accompanied His teaching and served as a sign of His messianic identity ([Luke 7:20-22](/luke/7-20-22 "Luke 7:20-22 - Jesus' Response to John the Baptist's Disciples")). Finally, the verse underscores **divine authority and empowerment** bestowed upon the disciples. Their ability to heal and proclaim was not inherent but a direct manifestation of God's power working through them, emphasizing that the advance of the Kingdom is God's work, not merely human effort ([Luke 9:1](/luke/9-1 "Luke 9:1 - Jesus Gives Authority to the Twelve")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heal (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** From the same root as *therapōn* (an attendant, servant), this verb literally means "to wait upon menially" and, by extension, "to relieve (of disease)" or "to cure." In this context, it signifies the act of restoring health and wholeness to the sick, demonstrating compassionate service and divine power. It implies a comprehensive care that goes beyond mere physical alleviation, pointing to the holistic nature of God's redemptive work.
* **is come nigh (Greek, _engízō'_):** Derived from *engys* (near), this verb means "to make near," or reflexively, "to approach," "to be at hand," or "to draw nigh." The perfect tense used here ("is come nigh," *ēngiken*) indicates a completed action with ongoing results, emphasizing that the Kingdom of God has not merely approached but has actually arrived and is now present and accessible. It conveys a sense of immediacy and tangible reality.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** From *basileus* (king), this noun refers to "royalty," "rule," or "a realm." It denotes God's active, sovereign reign and kingship, not merely a geographical territory. In the New Testament, it refers to God's dynamic rule breaking into human history through Jesus, encompassing both a present spiritual reality and a future consummated reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And heal the sick that are therein":** This is the first imperative, emphasizing a compassionate action. The disciples are commanded to actively engage with the suffering in the towns they enter, bringing physical restoration. This healing is not merely a humanitarian act but a powerful demonstration of God's presence and authority, serving as a visible sign that prepares hearts for the subsequent message. It highlights a ministry that addresses tangible human needs.
* **"and say unto them":** This is the second imperative, emphasizing verbal proclamation. Following the demonstration of power through healing, the disciples are to articulate the spiritual truth. The "and" (Greek *kai*) links these two actions inextricably, indicating that the deed provides the context and credibility for the word. The message is not to be assumed but clearly declared.
* **"The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.":** This is the core message the disciples are to declare. The "Kingdom of God" refers to God's active, sovereign rule. The verb "is come nigh" (perfect tense of *engízō*) signifies that this divine reign has not merely approached but has arrived and is now present and accessible, particularly through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "unto you" emphasizes the personal and immediate relevance of this truth to the hearers, inviting them to respond to God's present reign.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 10:9 employs several significant literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the immediate pairing of "heal the sick" and "say unto them." This places action and word side-by-side, emphasizing that the Kingdom of God is manifested not only through verbal proclamation but also through tangible acts of power and compassion. The healing serves as a **sign** or **symbol** of the Kingdom's inbreaking reality, demonstrating its power over the brokenness of the world. The **imperative mood** used for both "heal" and "say" highlights the authoritative nature of Jesus' commission, underscoring that these are not suggestions but direct commands central to the disciples' mission. Furthermore, the phrase "The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you" functions as a **proclamation**, a formal and authoritative declaration of a profound theological truth, designed to elicit a response from the hearers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:9 profoundly shapes our understanding of the Kingdom of God and the nature of Christian ministry. It reveals that the Kingdom is not merely a future hope but a present reality that has "drawn near" through Jesus Christ, manifesting in power and grace. This "already but not yet" dynamic means that while the Kingdom will be fully consummated in the future, its effects are discernible now through the Spirit's work. The verse also establishes a crucial paradigm for holistic ministry, where acts of compassion and power (healing) are intrinsically linked to the verbal proclamation of the Gospel. The physical healing serves as a tangible sign, authenticating the spiritual message and demonstrating God's comprehensive concern for humanity. This integrated approach reflects God's desire to restore humanity in its entirety—spirit, soul, and body—and underscores that true evangelism often involves both speaking truth and demonstrating love through action.

* [Matthew 10:7-8](/matthew/10-7-8 "Matthew 10:7-8 - Jesus' Instructions to the Twelve"): "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give."
* [Acts 8:6-7](/acts/8-6-7 "Acts 8:6-7 - Philip's Ministry in Samaria"): "And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed."
* [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy"): "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:9 provides enduring principles for believers and the Church today, calling us to a dynamic and holistic engagement with the world. Just as the seventy were sent out to prepare the way for Jesus, we are called to be His ambassadors, demonstrating and declaring the reality of God's Kingdom. This means our witness should never be confined to mere words but should be accompanied by tangible acts of love, compassion, and justice that reflect the heart of God. Whether through acts of service, care for the marginalized, or seeking to bring healing in various forms (physical, emotional, societal), our actions can powerfully authenticate the message of the Gospel. We are reminded that the Kingdom of God is not a distant theological concept but a present, active reality that brings transformation wherever it is proclaimed and embodied. This requires us to step out in faith, relying not on our own strength but on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, trusting that God's power will accompany His truth, making His Kingdom known and accessible to those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can my life and actions serve as a tangible sign that "the Kingdom of God is come nigh" to those around me?**
* **How can I better integrate acts of compassion and service with the verbal proclamation of the Gospel in my daily interactions?**
* **What specific areas of "sickness" (physical, emotional, spiritual, societal) in my community or sphere of influence might God be calling me to address with His Kingdom power?**
* **How does my understanding of God's present Kingdom influence my hope and prayer for the future consummation of His reign?**

### FAQ
**Why is healing so important in this mission?**

Answer: Healing is crucial because it serves as a tangible, undeniable sign of God's active power and presence. In the biblical worldview, sickness and disease are often seen as manifestations of the brokenness introduced by sin. Therefore, healing demonstrates God's power over the effects of sin and evil, authenticating the message that the Kingdom of God—God's righteous and restorative reign—has indeed "come nigh." It provides visible proof that God is at work, validating the disciples' authority and opening hearts to the spiritual truth they proclaim. Jesus Himself frequently used healing as a sign of His messianic identity and the inbreaking of His Kingdom, as seen in [Luke 7:20-22](/luke/7-20-22 "Luke 7:20-22 - Jesus' Response to John the Baptist's Disciples").

**What does "the kingdom of God is come nigh" truly mean for us today?**

Answer: "The kingdom of God is come nigh" means that God's sovereign rule and reign, once primarily anticipated, has been inaugurated and made accessible through Jesus Christ. It is a present reality, not just a future hope. For us today, it means that God's power, presence, and redemptive purposes are actively at work in the world. We live in the "already but not yet" of the Kingdom: it has arrived in Jesus, but it has not yet reached its full consummation. This truth empowers believers to live under God's rule now, experiencing His righteousness, peace, and joy ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")), and participating in its ongoing advance through mission, evangelism, and acts of love and justice, anticipating its glorious future fulfillment.

**Does this mean all believers should be able to heal the sick today?**

Answer: While Luke 10:9 describes a specific commission for the seventy, the New Testament indicates that spiritual gifts, including gifts of healing, are distributed by the Holy Spirit among believers for the common good of the Church and for the advance of the Kingdom ([1 Corinthians 12:9](/1_corinthians/12-9 "1 Corinthians 12:9 - Gifts of Healing")). Not every believer will have the gift of healing, but all believers are called to participate in the holistic mission of the Kingdom, which includes caring for the sick and proclaiming the Gospel. We are all called to pray for the sick, trusting in God's power to heal, whether through miraculous intervention, medical means, or the natural restorative processes He has ordained. The core principle remains: the demonstration of God's love and power should accompany the proclamation of His Kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and prototype in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. The seventy disciples' mission to heal and proclaim the Kingdom was a direct extension of Jesus' own work, serving to prepare the way for His personal arrival in towns and villages. Jesus Himself was the embodiment of the Kingdom of God drawing near; His entire ministry was characterized by powerful acts of healing that demonstrated His divine authority over sickness, sin, and death, coupled with the authoritative proclamation that "the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel" ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus' Proclamation of the Kingdom")). He is the ultimate Healer, bringing not only physical restoration but also spiritual wholeness and reconciliation to God. The disciples, empowered by His authority and later by the Holy Spirit, continued this Christ-centered mission, making known the one through whom the Kingdom had truly arrived. Thus, Luke 10:9 points us to Jesus as the inaugurator and perfect manifestation of God's Kingdom, and to the Church's ongoing call to carry forward His holistic ministry until His glorious return ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 3:2

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

John 3:5

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Acts 28:7

In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

Acts 28:10

Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded [us] with such things as were necessary.

Luke 10:11

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Matthew 10:7

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 10:8

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.