Luke 11:14

KJV

¶ And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he was {G2258} casting out {G1544} a devil {G1140}, and {G2532} it {G846} was {G2258} dumb {G2974}. And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, when the devil {G1140} was gone out {G1831}, the dumb {G2974} spake {G2980}; and {G2532} the people {G3793} wondered {G2296}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He was expelling a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the man who had been mute spoke; and the people were astounded.

Berean Standard Bible

One day Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. And when the demon was gone, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowds were amazed,

American Standard Version

And he was casting out a demon that was dumb. And it came to pass, when the demon was gone out, the dumb man spake; and the multitudes marvelled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:14 vividly portrays Jesus' profound authority and compassionate power as He confronts and expels a demonic spirit that had rendered a man mute. The immediate and complete restoration of the man's speech serves as an undeniable sign of divine intervention, eliciting astonishment from the observing crowds and setting the stage for subsequent debates about the source of Jesus' miraculous power. This event underscores the tangible arrival of God's Kingdom, actively invading and overcoming the dominion of spiritual darkness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This miracle is strategically placed within Luke's narrative, following Jesus' profound teaching on prayer, including the model prayer often called [the Lord's Prayer](/luke/11-1-4 "Luke 11:1-4 - The Lord's Prayer") and the parable of the persistent friend, which emphasizes God's willingness to give good gifts to those who ask ([Luke 11:5-13](/luke/11-5-13 "Luke 11:5-13 - Parable of the Persistent Friend and God's Good Gifts")). The casting out of the demon, therefore, serves as a powerful, tangible demonstration of the very power and responsiveness of the Father that Jesus has just described. It is an immediate answer to prayer, a visible manifestation of God's active presence. Immediately following this miraculous deliverance, Jesus faces the infamous accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons ([Luke 11:15](/luke/11-15 "Luke 11:15 - The Beelzebul Accusation")), leading to a profound discourse on the nature of spiritual authority and the Kingdom of God ([Luke 11:16-28](/luke/11-16-28 "Luke 11:16-28 - Jesus' Response to Accusations and the Blessedness of Hearing God's Word")). This sequence highlights the divisive nature of Jesus' ministry, where undeniable signs of God's power provoke both wonder and fierce opposition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first-century Jewish world, physical ailments, especially those involving speech or hearing, were often attributed to demonic influence or divine judgment. Exorcism was a recognized, though rare and often ineffective, practice among some Jewish groups. However, Jesus' exorcisms were distinct: they were immediate, complete, and performed with an inherent authority that astonished observers, unlike the often laborious and ritualistic attempts of others. The inability to speak (being "dumb" or mute) was a significant disability, isolating individuals from communal life and religious participation, as the spoken word was central to prayer, Torah study, and social interaction. A person restored to speech was not merely healed physically but re-integrated into society and the religious community, a powerful symbol of restoration. The public nature of this miracle, performed before "the people," was crucial for its impact, serving as a public declaration of Jesus' unique power and the inbreaking of God's reign.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically demonstrates **Christ's absolute authority over evil and demonic forces**, a recurring motif in Jesus' ministry that signals the decisive defeat of Satan's kingdom. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **deliverance and holistic restoration**, showing Jesus' concern not only for spiritual bondage but also for its physical manifestations, bringing wholeness to the afflicted. The restoration of speech is particularly significant, symbolizing the opening of communication with God and humanity. Thirdly, the reaction of "the people wondered" underscores the theme of **public witness and the undeniable nature of Jesus' miracles**, which served as irrefutable evidence of His divine identity and mission, even if some would later reject or misinterpret their source, as seen in [Luke 11:15](/luke/11-15 "Luke 11:15 - The Beelzebul Accusation"). This miracle, like others, points to the **inauguration of God's Kingdom**, where the reign of God actively breaks into the world, displacing the dominion of darkness and bringing freedom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **devil (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term refers to a demonic being or evil spirit, distinct from Satan himself (who is _diabolos_). The use of _daimónion_ here emphasizes that Jesus' power extends to all subordinate evil spirits, not just the chief adversary. The presence of such a spirit is directly linked to the man's inability to speak, indicating a spiritual root cause for a physical affliction.
* **casting out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** This verb literally means "to eject," "drive out," or "expel." It conveys a forceful, decisive action, indicating Jesus' inherent authority and power over the demonic realm. It is not a negotiation or a plea, but a command that is immediately obeyed, demonstrating His complete mastery.
* **dumb (Greek, _kōphós'_):** This adjective describes someone who is "blunted" in hearing or speech. In this specific context, as confirmed by the subsequent statement "the dumb spake," it clearly refers to the man's inability to speak, i.e., being mute. The demon's oppression manifested directly in the suppression of the man's vocal abilities.
* **wondered (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** This verb means "to wonder" or "to admire." It describes the people's astonished reaction to the miracle. Their wonder signifies that what they witnessed was beyond ordinary human capability, compelling them to acknowledge the extraordinary nature of Jesus' power, even if they didn't fully grasp its divine source.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb."**: This opening clause immediately establishes the scene and the primary actors: Jesus, engaged in an ongoing act of "casting out" (imperfect tense, suggesting a process or habitual action, though the expulsion itself is instantaneous), and a "devil" or demon that had afflicted a person, specifically rendering them mute. The direct link between the demon and the muteness highlights the spiritual origin of the physical ailment.
* **"And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake;"**: This pivotal phrase describes the immediate and undeniable consequence of the exorcism. The departure of the demon (signified by "gone out") directly and instantaneously results in the restoration of the man's speech ("the dumb spake"). This cause-and-effect relationship powerfully demonstrates Jesus' authority over the demonic realm and His ability to reverse its destructive effects. The man's speaking confirms the complete nature of the deliverance.
* **"and the people wondered."**: The final clause captures the public's reaction. Witnessing such a profound and immediate transformation, the crowds were filled with astonishment and awe. Their "wonder" underscores the miraculous nature of the event, acknowledging that something extraordinary and supernatural had occurred before their very eyes, a testament to Jesus' unique power.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:14 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The primary device is **Miracle**, serving as a concrete manifestation of divine power and authority. This specific miracle, an **Exorcism**, is a dramatic confrontation between the Kingdom of God, embodied by Jesus, and the kingdom of darkness. There is strong **Symbolism** in the restoration of speech; muteness can symbolize spiritual bondage and an inability to praise God or bear witness, while speaking represents freedom, communion, and the ability to declare God's glory. The people's reaction, "and the people wondered," functions as a form of **Public Witness**, emphasizing the undeniable nature of Jesus' work. This wonder also sets up a subtle **Dramatic Irony**, as the very miracle that causes astonishment will immediately precede accusations of demonic alliance, highlighting the blindness of some who witness divine power. The entire episode also serves as **Foreshadowing** of Jesus' ultimate victory over all forces of evil and the complete restoration He will bring.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:14 is a profound theological statement on the active invasion of God's Kingdom into a world held captive by sin and spiritual darkness. This exorcism is not merely an isolated act of healing but a direct confrontation in the cosmic conflict, demonstrating Jesus' divine nature and His mission to dismantle the works of the devil. The immediate restoration of speech signifies God's desire for humanity's holistic liberation—spiritual, physical, and relational. It underscores that true healing often involves addressing the spiritual roots of affliction, and that Jesus' authority extends over every dimension of human suffering. The people's wonder is a natural response to the inbreaking of divine power, inviting reflection on the awe-inspiring reality of God's presence and activity in the world through Christ.

* [Matthew 12:28](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - The Kingdom of God Has Come Upon You")
* [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Authority Over Unclean Spirits")
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed with the Holy Spirit and Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:14 offers profound reassurance and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that Jesus Christ possesses absolute authority over all spiritual darkness and its manifestations, whether in direct demonic oppression, the spiritual roots of addiction, or the various forms of bondage that hinder human flourishing. His power is not diminished, and His compassion remains boundless. This passage calls us to recognize that God's Kingdom is not merely a future hope but a present reality, actively breaking into the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to bring our deepest needs, including those with spiritual dimensions, to the One who delivers and restores. Furthermore, just as the people "wondered," we are invited to cultivate a spirit of awe and discernment, recognizing God's active work around us, even when it is met with skepticism or misunderstanding. This miracle also highlights the importance of spiritual freedom for enabling our voices to be used for God's glory, whether in worship, witness, or advocacy for truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust in Jesus' authority over spiritual darkness and its effects?**
* **How does the immediate restoration of the mute man's speech encourage me about Jesus' power to bring complete healing and deliverance?**
* **What "dumbness" or inability to speak for Christ might I be experiencing, and how can I seek His liberating power?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of wonder and awe at God's active work in the world today, even amidst skepticism?**

### FAQ

**What does "dumb" mean in this verse, and why was the man dumb?**
Answer: In this context, "dumb" (Greek: _kōphós_) means mute or unable to speak. The verse explicitly states that the man's muteness was caused by the demonic spirit within him. When the "devil was gone out," the man "spake," confirming that the demon was directly responsible for suppressing his ability to communicate. This illustrates how demonic oppression can manifest in various physical or mental afflictions, directly impacting human faculties.

**How does this miracle relate to the "Beelzebul accusation" that follows?**
Answer: This miracle directly precipitates the "Beelzebul accusation" in [Luke 11:15](/luke/11-15 "Luke 11:15 - The Beelzebul Accusation"). Jesus' undeniable power to cast out demons, particularly one that caused muteness, was so profound that His critics, unable to deny the miracle itself, resorted to accusing Him of performing it by the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons. This accusation was a desperate attempt to discredit Jesus and His authority, leading to Jesus' powerful refutation about a kingdom divided against itself ([Luke 11:17-23](/luke/11-17-23 "Luke 11:17-23 - Jesus' Parable of the Strong Man")).

**What is the significance of "the people wondered"?**
Answer: The people's "wonder" (Greek: _thaumázō_) signifies their astonishment and awe at the extraordinary nature of the miracle. It indicates that they recognized the event as supernatural and beyond human capability. This public reaction validates the miracle's authenticity and impact, serving as a powerful witness to Jesus' unique authority. While their wonder didn't necessarily equate to full belief in Jesus' divine identity, it certainly demonstrated the undeniable power He wielded.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:14, with its vivid portrayal of Jesus' authority over a demonic spirit that caused muteness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' comprehensive victory over sin, death, and the devil. This exorcism is a powerful preview of the greater spiritual liberation accomplished through Christ's atoning work on the cross and His glorious resurrection. Just as He "cast out" the demon from the mute man, Jesus, through His death and resurrection, decisively triumphed over the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Judgment of This World")) and disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He became flesh to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")) and to "deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Devil's Power")). The restoration of the mute man's speech foreshadows the spiritual restoration and freedom of expression that believers experience in Christ, enabling them to speak forth the praises of God and proclaim the good news of His Kingdom, no longer silenced by the enemy's oppression. Jesus is the Stronger Man ([Luke 11:21-22](/luke/11-21-22 "Luke 11:21-22 - The Stronger Man")) who binds the strong man and plunders his house, ultimately leading to the eternal defeat of Satan himself in the lake of fire ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire")).

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 9:32

As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

Matthew 9:34

But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

Matthew 12:22

¶ Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

Matthew 12:24

But when the Pharisees heard [it], they said, This [fellow] doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

Mark 7:32

And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

Mark 7:37

And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.