Luke 4:36

And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word [is] this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

And {G2532} they were {G1096} all {G1909}{G3956} amazed {G2285}, and {G2532} spake {G4814} among {G4314} themselves {G240}, saying {G3004}, What {G5101} a word {G3056} is this {G3778}! for {G3754} with {G1722} authority {G1849} and {G2532} power {G1411} he commandeth {G2004} the unclean {G169} spirits {G4151}, and {G2532} they come out {G1831}.

They were all astounded and said to one another, "What kind of teaching is this? Why, he gives orders with power and authority to the unclean spirits, and they come out!"

All the people were overcome with amazement and asked one another, “What is this message? With authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”

And amazement came upon all, and they spake together, one with another, saying, What is this word? for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

Commentary

Luke 4:36 KJV captures the profound awe and discussion among the people who witnessed Jesus' miraculous power in the synagogue at Capernaum. This verse highlights their astonishment at His unique authority over evil spirits, a display unlike anything they had ever seen.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' dramatic encounter with a man possessed by an unclean spirit in the synagogue. Jesus had just cast out a demon with a simple command, demonstrating His divine power and immediate obedience from the spiritual realm. The people's reaction in verse 36 is a direct response to this astonishing event, which occurred after Jesus had been teaching with an authority that had already captivated them (Luke 4:32). The scene sets the stage for Jesus' ministry of healing and deliverance throughout Galilee.

Key Themes

  • The Unprecedented Authority of Jesus: The people were amazed because Jesus commanded evil spirits directly, and they obeyed. This was not through incantations or rituals, but through an inherent power. His authority was unlike that of the traditional scribes or teachers, a point also noted in Mark 1:27 and Matthew 7:29.
  • Divine Power Over Spiritual Forces: The phrase "with authority and power" underscores that Jesus possessed both the right (authority) and the ability (power) to subdue demonic entities. This event clearly showed His supremacy over the forces of darkness, a key aspect of His mission to establish God's kingdom.
  • Astonishment and Recognition: The crowd's amazement signifies their recognition that something extraordinary, indeed divine, was at work. They instinctively understood that this power over "unclean spirits" was a sign of a unique relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "authority" is exousia (ἐξουσία), which implies inherent right, legitimate power, or jurisdiction. Jesus' authority was not delegated by human institutions but stemmed from His divine nature.
  • The word for "power" is dunamis (δύναμις), referring to miraculous power, inherent ability, or might. It's the root of the English word "dynamite," suggesting explosive, effective power. Together, exousia and dunamis emphasize both the right and the capability Jesus possessed.
  • "Unclean spirits" (πνεύματα ἀκάθαρτα - pneumata akatharta) is a common New Testament term for demonic entities, often associated with moral and ritual impurity. Jesus' command over them signifies His purification and restoration of humanity from spiritual defilement.

Practical Application

Luke 4:36 serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' absolute sovereignty. For believers today, this verse offers assurance that:

  • Jesus' Authority Remains: The same authority and power displayed over evil spirits in Capernaum are still active today. Believers can find comfort and strength in knowing that Christ has triumphed over all spiritual adversaries (Colossians 2:15).
  • Trust in His Word: The people recognized the power in "What a word is this!" Jesus' commands are not empty but carry divine effectiveness. We can trust in His spoken word and His promises.
  • Confidence in Spiritual Warfare: While believers are called to put on the full armor of God, our ultimate victory rests on the already established authority of Jesus Christ over all principalities and powers.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 4:32

    And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

  • 1 Peter 3:22

    Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

  • 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 12:23

    And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?

  • Acts 19:12

    So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

  • Acts 19:16

    And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

  • Luke 10:17

    ¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
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