Luke 4:33

KJV

And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} in {G1722} the synagogue {G4864} there was {G2258} a man {G444}, which had {G2192} a spirit {G4151} of an unclean {G169} devil {G1140}, and {G2532} cried out {G349} with a loud {G3173} voice {G5456},

Complete Jewish Bible

In the synagogue there was a man who had an unclean demonic spirit, who shouted in a loud voice,

Berean Standard Bible

In the synagogue there was a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon. He cried out in a loud voice,

American Standard Version

And in the synagogue there was a man, that had a spirit of an unclean demon; and he cried out with a loud voice,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:33 presents a dramatic confrontation in the Capernaum synagogue where Jesus, having just taught with unparalleled authority, encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit. The demon, recognizing Jesus' divine identity and power, cries out in a loud voice, setting the stage for Jesus' immediate and authoritative expulsion of the evil entity, thereby demonstrating His supreme dominion over the forces of darkness at the outset of His public ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' authoritative teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum, where the crowds were astonished because His word was "with authority" ([Luke 4:32](/luke/4-32 "Luke 4:32 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching")). The healing of the demon-possessed man serves as the first recorded miracle in Luke's Gospel, directly validating the authority of Jesus' teaching. It is part of a series of early miracles in Capernaum, including the healing of Peter's mother-in-law ([Luke 4:38-39](/luke/4-38-39 "Luke 4:38-39 - Healing Peter's Mother-in-Law")) and many others ([Luke 4:40-41](/luke/4-40-41 "Luke 4:40-41 - Jesus Heals Many")). This sequence establishes Jesus' identity not just as a profound teacher, but as the Messiah with divine power over all creation, including the spiritual realm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Synagogues were central to Jewish life in the 1st century, serving as places of worship, teaching, and community gathering. Capernaum, a bustling fishing town on the Sea of Galilee, became Jesus' base of operations in Galilee, making it a significant setting for His early ministry. The Jewish worldview of the time acknowledged the reality of spiritual beings, both good and evil, and the concept of demonic possession was well understood, though often attributed to various causes. The presence of an "unclean devil" in a synagogue, a place dedicated to God, highlights the pervasive nature of spiritual darkness and its infiltration even into sacred spaces, underscoring the urgent need for divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** This incident powerfully introduces several key themes that permeate Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Foremost is **Jesus' unparalleled authority over evil spirits**, immediately validating His claim to be the Son of God and the bringer of God's Kingdom. The demon's involuntary confession and subsequent expulsion demonstrate that Jesus' power is not merely human but divine, capable of confronting and conquering spiritual opposition. Another theme is the **reality of spiritual warfare**, portraying a cosmic conflict between God's light and the forces of darkness. Jesus' ministry is depicted as an invasion of God's Kingdom into a world held captive by evil, bringing freedom and healing, as foreshadowed in passages like [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord"). Finally, the event emphasizes the **confrontation of light and darkness**, where Jesus' holy presence exposes and provokes the evil that seeks to remain hidden, forcing it into the open for decisive defeat. This dynamic is a recurring motif in the Gospels, illustrating that the arrival of the Messiah inevitably brings a clash with the powers of this age, as seen throughout [Jesus' ministry](/luke/4 "Luke 4 - Jesus' Ministry Begins").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** This term refers to a human being, emphasizing that the possessed individual was a person, not merely a vessel for the demon. It highlights the tragic reality of human vulnerability to spiritual oppression, making Jesus' act of liberation all the more significant as a restoration of human dignity and freedom.
* **unclean (Greek, _akáthartos'_):** Derived from a negative particle and a word meaning "cleansed," this adjective signifies impurity—not just ceremonial, but profoundly moral and spiritual defilement. It describes the inherent nature of the demonic spirit as morally corrupt, defiling, and antithetical to God's holiness. The use of "unclean" underscores the spiritual pollution that Jesus, as the Holy One, confronts and purifies.
* **devil (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term, more accurately translated as "demon" or "evil spirit," refers to a malevolent spiritual being, distinct from Satan (the Devil, _diabolos_). These are fallen angels or spiritual entities that serve the purposes of evil, seeking to oppress and destroy humanity. Luke's use of this specific term clarifies the nature of the entity Jesus confronts, emphasizing its malevolent, non-human origin and intent.
* **cried out (Greek, _anakrázō'_):** This verb means "to scream up" or "to cry aloud," indicating a sudden, involuntary, and often desperate or violent vocal outburst. In this context, it conveys the demon's immediate, uncontrollable, and public reaction to Jesus' presence, a sign of its terror and forced acknowledgment of Jesus' superior power and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the synagogue there was a man,"**: This clause establishes the setting and the primary human subject. The synagogue, a place of religious instruction and worship, serves as a poignant backdrop for the manifestation of spiritual darkness. The presence of "a man" emphasizes the human element of suffering and the target of demonic oppression, making the subsequent liberation a profoundly compassionate act.
* **"which had a spirit of an unclean devil,"**: This phrase identifies the nature of the man's affliction. He was not merely ill, but "had" (Greek: _echō_, indicating possession or holding) a "spirit of an unclean devil." This specifies that the possessing entity was a malevolent, defiling spiritual being. The term "unclean" highlights its moral corruption and opposition to God's holiness, while "devil" (demon) identifies its non-human, evil nature. This clarifies that Jesus is confronting a supernatural evil, not a physical ailment.
* **"and cried out with a loud voice,"**: This describes the demon's immediate and dramatic reaction to Jesus. The "loud voice" (Greek: _phōnē megalē_) signifies a public, undeniable outburst, revealing the demon's distress and involuntary recognition of Jesus' presence and authority. This outcry is not a sign of the demon's strength, but rather its forced confession and desperate attempt to assert itself before being overcome. It underscores the profound impact Jesus' presence had on the spiritual realm.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account in [Luke 4:33](/luke/4-33 "Luke 4:33 - Jesus Casts Out a Demon") effectively employs several **literary devices**. **Dramatic Irony** is evident as the demon, an agent of darkness, immediately recognizes Jesus' divine identity ("the Holy One of God" in the subsequent verse, [Luke 4:34](/luke/4-34 "Luke 4:34 - The Demon's Recognition")), even before many human observers fully grasp who He is. This highlights the spiritual realm's acute awareness of Jesus' true nature. The loud, public outcry of the demon functions as **Foreshadowing**, signaling the intense spiritual conflict that will characterize Jesus' ministry and ultimately culminate in His triumph over all evil powers. Furthermore, the scene presents a stark **Contrast** between the "unclean" spirit and Jesus, who is implicitly presented as the embodiment of holiness and purity, bringing light into the dark corners of human existence, even within a sacred space. The demon's "loud voice" also serves as **Hyperbole** to emphasize the intensity and public nature of the confrontation, drawing immediate attention to Jesus' authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:33 serves as a foundational declaration of Jesus' absolute sovereignty over the spiritual realm. The immediate and involuntary reaction of the "unclean devil" to Jesus' presence underscores that divine authority is not merely a matter of teaching or moral example, but of inherent power capable of dismantling the strongholds of evil. This event establishes that Jesus' ministry is fundamentally about the inauguration of God's Kingdom, which directly confronts and overcomes the kingdom of darkness. It reveals that the spiritual battle is real, but also that victory is assured through Christ. The defiling nature of the "unclean" spirit contrasts sharply with Jesus' holiness, demonstrating His power to purify and liberate those held captive by spiritual forces, bringing true freedom and restoration.

* [Mark 1:23-24](/mark/1-23-24 "Mark 1:23-24 - The Unclean Spirit in the Synagogue")
* [Acts 19:15-16](/acts/19-15-16 "Acts 19:15-16 - The Sons of Sceva and the Evil Spirit")
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:33 offers profound reassurance and practical guidance for believers navigating a world still marked by spiritual darkness. It reminds us that Jesus Christ possesses ultimate authority over all demonic forces, and His victory over them is complete and decisive. This truth empowers us to live without fear of spiritual oppression, knowing that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" ([1_john/4-4](/1_john/4-4 "1 John 4:4 - Greater is He in You")). The incident also calls us to spiritual discernment, recognizing that evil can manifest in various forms, even in seemingly sacred or respectable contexts. It highlights the importance of relying on Jesus' name and authority in prayer and spiritual warfare, understanding that our battles are not against "flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" ([ephesians/6-12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - The Spiritual Battle")). Ultimately, this passage encourages us to walk in the freedom Christ has secured, proclaiming His triumph and living lives that reflect His light in a world still in need of liberation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' immediate confrontation with the demon in the synagogue challenge our understanding of spiritual warfare in everyday life?**
* **What does the demon's "loud voice" reveal about the nature of evil and its involuntary submission to divine authority?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, practically live out the truth of Jesus' authority over spiritual forces in our own lives and communities?**
* **How does this event inform our prayers for those who may be experiencing spiritual oppression or bondage?**

### FAQ

**What does "unclean devil" mean, and why is this description significant?**

Answer: The term "unclean devil" (Greek: _pneuma akathartou daimoniou_) refers to a malevolent spiritual being that is morally and spiritually defiling. The descriptor "unclean" (Greek: _akáthartos_) is crucial because it signifies more than just physical impurity; it denotes a state of spiritual corruption and opposition to God's holiness. This highlights the inherent nature of the demonic realm as antithetical to God's purity and truth. The significance lies in showing that Jesus' authority extends not just over physical ailments or human sin, but specifically over the spiritual forces of evil that seek to defile and enslave humanity. His ability to cast out such a spirit demonstrates His divine power to cleanse and liberate, bringing purity and freedom where there was defilement and bondage.

**Why did the demon cry out with a loud voice upon encountering Jesus?**

Answer: The demon's loud outcry was a manifestation of its immediate and involuntary recognition of Jesus' divine identity and overwhelming authority. As seen in the subsequent verse, [Luke 4:34](/luke/4-34 "Luke 4:34 - The Demon's Recognition"), the demon knew exactly who Jesus was ("the Holy One of God") and perceived Him as a threat to its dominion. The "loud voice" (Greek: _phōnē megalē_) signifies a public and dramatic reaction, not of defiance, but of terror and forced acknowledgment of a superior power. It was a desperate, involuntary confession of Jesus' messianic authority, confirming His divine nature to the onlookers and underscoring the profound impact His presence had on the spiritual realm. This public display served to validate Jesus' authority to the crowds who had just heard Him teach with such power ([Luke 4:32](/luke/4-32 "Luke 4:32 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:33, detailing Jesus' authoritative encounter with an unclean spirit, powerfully foreshadows His ultimate mission and Christ-centered fulfillment. This initial confrontation in the Capernaum synagogue is a microcosm of the larger cosmic battle Jesus came to win. The demon's immediate recognition and terror illustrate that Jesus is indeed the "stronger man" ([Luke 11:21-22](/luke/11-21-22 "Luke 11:21-22 - The Strong Man Parable")) who invades Satan's domain to plunder his captives. This act of casting out a demon is a tangible demonstration that the Kingdom of God has arrived, bringing liberation from the dominion of darkness, as prophesied in [Isaiah 49:24-25](/isaiah/49-24-25 "Isaiah 49:24-25 - Captives Released"). Jesus' authority over the "unclean devil" points directly to His redemptive work on the cross, where He disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). His victory over this demon in the synagogue is a down payment on the ultimate defeat of sin, death, and the devil, culminating in His resurrection and ascension, securing eternal freedom for all who believe ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Thus, this early miracle is not merely a display of power, but a vital step in the unfolding narrative of Christ's triumph over all forces hostile to God, bringing about the new creation.

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

Mark 1:23

¶ And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,