Luke 4:35

KJV

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} rebuked {G2008} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Hold thy peace {G5392}, and {G2532} come {G1831} out of {G1537} him {G846}. And {G2532} when the devil {G1140} had thrown {G4496} him {G846} in {G1519} the midst {G3319}, he came {G1831} out of {G575} him {G846}, and hurt {G984} him {G846} not {G3367}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Yeshua rebuked it: "Be quiet, and come out of him!" The demonic spirit threw the man down in the middle of the crowd and came out of him, having done him no harm.

Berean Standard Bible

But Jesus rebuked the demon. “Be silent!” He said. “Come out of him!” At this, the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without harming him.

American Standard Version

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst, he came out of him, having done him no hurt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:35 vividly portrays Jesus' unparalleled authority over evil spirits. In the synagogue at Capernaum, a man possessed by an unclean spirit cries out, recognizing Jesus as "the Holy One of God." Jesus immediately silences and commands the demon to depart. Despite the demon's violent reaction, throwing the man to the ground, the man is left unharmed, demonstrating Jesus' complete power to deliver and protect. This incident underscores the divine nature of Jesus' mission and His absolute dominion over the forces of darkness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful exorcism occurs early in Jesus' public ministry as recorded by Luke. It immediately follows Jesus' return to Galilee, His rejection in Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30), and His arrival in Capernaum. Luke 4:31-32 sets the stage by noting that Jesus taught in the synagogue with "authority" and "power," unlike the scribes. The demon's outburst in Luke 4:33-34, identifying Jesus as "the Holy One of God," serves as a demonic confirmation of Jesus' divine identity and authority, preceding any human recognition. The subsequent healing of Simon's mother-in-law (Luke 4:38-39) and other healings (Luke 4:40-41) further establish Jesus' ministry of power and compassion, all flowing from the authority first demonstrated in this exorcism.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly in Galilee, was deeply steeped in a worldview that acknowledged the reality of spiritual forces, both benevolent and malevolent. Illness, misfortune, and unusual behavior were often attributed to demonic influence. Exorcism was practiced by some Jewish healers, but typically involved elaborate rituals, incantations, or the use of specific names. Jesus' method, however, stands in stark contrast: He casts out the demon with a simple, direct, and authoritative command, without any ritual or struggle. This immediate and effortless expulsion of the demon would have been astonishing to those present, highlighting His unique power. Capernaum, a bustling fishing town on the Sea of Galilee, served as a significant center for Jesus' early ministry, making this public display of power particularly impactful.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 4:35 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **Jesus' Divine Authority and Power** over all creation, including spiritual forces. His word alone is sufficient to command demons, demonstrating His unique status as the Son of God. This authority is not just over spirits but extends to teaching, as noted in [Luke 4:32](/luke/4-32 "Luke 4:32 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching"). Another key theme is **Jesus' Mission of Deliverance and Liberation**. He comes to set the captives free, not just from sin but from physical and spiritual oppression, as foreshadowed in His Nazareth sermon (cf. [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). The demon's recognition of Jesus as "the Holy One of God" also highlights the theme of **Demonic Knowledge and Opposition**, yet their ultimate subservience to Christ's power. Finally, the detail that the man was "hurt him not" emphasizes Jesus' **Compassion and Wholeness**, ensuring that His deliverance brings complete restoration without further harm.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rebuked (Greek, _epitimáō'_):** This verb signifies a strong, authoritative command to silence or censure, often with the implication of forbidding or restraining. It is not merely a scolding but an exercise of superior power to bring something under control. In this context, Jesus' rebuke is a direct assertion of His divine authority over the demon, compelling its submission.
* **Hold thy peace (Greek, _phimóō'_):** Literally meaning "be muzzled" or "be silenced," this imperative command is forceful and absolute. It implies not just a cessation of speech but a complete suppression of the demon's activity and power to interfere. Jesus is not engaging in a dialogue or negotiation; He is shutting down the demonic presence entirely, rendering it powerless to speak or act against His will.
* **devil (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term refers to a demonic being or evil spirit, distinct from Satan (the Devil) himself, though under his dominion. The use of _daimónion_ here indicates a malevolent spiritual entity that possesses and oppresses individuals, highlighting the reality of spiritual warfare and the direct confrontation between Jesus and the forces of evil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Hold thy peace, and come out of him."":** This opening clause immediately establishes Jesus' active and decisive role. His "rebuke" (G2008, _epitimáō_) is a powerful, authoritative command, not a request. The dual imperative, "Hold thy peace" (G5392, _phimóō_, literally "be muzzled") and "come out of him" (G1831, _exérchomai_), demonstrates Jesus' absolute control over the demon. He silences its testimony, preventing it from revealing His identity prematurely or disrupting His ministry, and simultaneously commands its expulsion. This highlights Jesus' sovereignty over the spiritual realm.
* **"And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him,":** This part describes the demon's violent, yet ultimately futile, resistance. The demon (G1140, _daimónion_) responds to Jesus' command by "throwing" (G4496, _rhíptō_, meaning to fling or toss with sudden motion) the man "in the midst" (G3319, _mésos_, indicating a public, central place, likely the synagogue floor). This act is a final, desperate display of its malevolent power, intended to cause harm or fear. However, despite this violent outburst, the demon is forced to obey Jesus' command, immediately coming "out of" (G1537, _ek_) the man.
* **"and hurt him not.":** This crucial concluding phrase emphasizes Jesus' protective power and the complete nature of His deliverance. Despite the demon's violent "throwing" (G4496, _rhíptō_), the man was "not hurt" (G984, _bláptō_, meaning to injure or hinder). This detail assures the reader that Jesus' power is not only sufficient to cast out evil but also to protect the one being delivered from any lasting damage or injury inflicted by the departing spirit. It underscores the restorative and compassionate nature of Jesus' ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 4:35 is rich with **Dramatic Irony**, as the demon, an agent of darkness, recognizes Jesus' divine identity as "the Holy One of God" (Luke 4:34) before many human characters do. This forced confession serves to underscore Jesus' true nature from an unexpected source. The passage also employs **Contrast**, juxtaposing the violent, destructive nature of the demon ("thrown him in the midst") with the calm, authoritative, and ultimately protective power of Jesus ("hurt him not"). Jesus' commands utilize the **Imperative Mood** ("Hold thy peace," "come out"), highlighting His absolute authority and the immediate, non-negotiable nature of His divine will. The demon's act of throwing the man can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing the chaotic and destructive power of evil, which is ultimately rendered impotent by Christ's sovereign command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal event in Luke's Gospel powerfully establishes Jesus' absolute sovereignty over the forces of evil, a foundational truth for understanding His ministry and divine nature. It demonstrates that Jesus' authority is not merely intellectual or moral, but extends to the spiritual realm, where He confronts and decisively defeats demonic oppression. This confrontation is a microcosm of the larger spiritual warfare that Jesus came to win, ultimately culminating in His triumph over sin and death. The deliverance of the man, unharmed, testifies to Jesus' compassionate care and His ability to bring complete wholeness and liberation. It reveals that the Kingdom of God, embodied in Jesus, is actively invading the domain of darkness, bringing freedom to those enslaved.

* [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")
* [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")
* [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:35 offers profound comfort and a clear call to trust in Jesus' enduring authority. For believers, this passage is a powerful reminder that no spiritual force, no matter how violent or entrenched, can withstand the command of Jesus Christ. In a world that often feels overwhelmed by unseen forces of evil, this verse reassures us that our Savior is supremely powerful and actively engaged in liberating those who are oppressed. It challenges us to recognize the reality of spiritual conflict and to stand firm in the victory Christ has already secured. We are called to rely on His word, which carries inherent power to bring deliverance, healing, and transformation in our lives and in the lives of others. Furthermore, the detail that the man was "hurt him not" speaks to Jesus' protective care; even in the midst of spiritual turmoil, His hand is upon us, ensuring our ultimate safety and wholeness in Him. This should inspire confidence and courage as we face our own battles, knowing that Jesus is our ultimate Deliverer and Protector.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' immediate and authoritative command in this passage challenge my understanding of His power today?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust more fully in Jesus' authority to bring deliverance or healing?**
* **What does the demon's recognition of Jesus as "the Holy One of God" teach me about the nature of spiritual warfare and the identity of Christ?**
* **How can the assurance that Jesus "hurt him not" encourage me when I face difficult or seemingly chaotic spiritual battles?**

### FAQ
**Why did the demon speak to Jesus, and why did Jesus silence it?**

Answer: The demon spoke (Luke 4:34) because it recognized Jesus' true identity as "the Holy One of God." This was not a confession of faith but a desperate attempt to assert some form of knowledge or perhaps to challenge Jesus, or even to prematurely reveal His messianic identity before the appointed time and in a way that could be misunderstood or exploited. Jesus silenced the demon (G5392, _phimóō_, "be muzzled") for several reasons. First, He did not need or desire testimony from evil spirits; their witness would likely discredit His mission or confuse the crowds. Second, silencing the demon demonstrated His absolute authority over it, asserting control rather than engaging in dialogue. Third, it prevented the demon from spreading false information or hindering His ministry. Jesus' priority was to deliver the man, not to debate with the demonic entity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:35 is a powerful microcosm of Christ's entire redemptive work, revealing His ultimate victory over the dominion of darkness. The immediate and effortless expulsion of the demon foreshadows Jesus' decisive triumph over all spiritual principalities and powers, a victory fully realized through His death and resurrection. Just as He commanded the demon to "come out of him" without struggle, so too did He, through His sacrifice on the cross, disarm and make a public spectacle of the demonic forces that held humanity captive, triumphing over them (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The man's deliverance, "hurt him not," points to the complete and restorative salvation that Jesus offers, not merely freedom from sin's penalty but also liberation from its power and the oppression of the evil one. This event is a tangible demonstration of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world, bringing light into darkness and setting the captives free, just as Jesus declared His mission in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement"). Ultimately, this encounter reminds us that Jesus is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His finished work, believers are transferred from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son (cf. [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Transferred to God's Kingdom")), experiencing the reality of His liberating power.

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

Luke 4:41

And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking [them] suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

Luke 4:39

And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

Matthew 8:26

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Matthew 17:18

And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

Mark 3:11

And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

Mark 3:12

And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.

Zechariah 3:2

And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: [is] not this a brand plucked out of the fire?