Luke 4:40

KJV

Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} when the sun {G2246} was setting {G1416}, all {G3956} they that {G3745} had {G2192} any sick {G770} with divers {G4164} diseases {G3554} brought {G71} them {G846} unto {G4314} him {G846}; and {G1161} he laid {G2007} his hands {G5495} on {G2007} every {G1538} one {G1520} of them {G846}, and healed {G2323} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After sunset, all those who had people sick with various diseases brought them to Yeshua, and he put his hands on each one of them and healed them;

Berean Standard Bible

At sunset, all who were ill with various diseases were brought to Jesus, and laying His hands on each one, He healed them.

American Standard Version

And when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:40 presents a vivid scene of Jesus' profound compassion and divine power exercised in Capernaum. As the Sabbath concludes at sunset, a vast multitude brings their sick, afflicted with various diseases, to Jesus. In a remarkable display of personal care and comprehensive authority, Jesus lays His hands on every single individual, healing them all completely. This moment underscores His identity as the Messiah, demonstrating His restorative power over all forms of human suffering and drawing widespread recognition of His ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a series of powerful demonstrations of Jesus' authority in Capernaum. Having taught with unparalleled authority in the synagogue, Jesus then performed a dramatic [exorcism from a man possessed by a demon](/luke/4-33-37 "Luke 4:33-37 - Jesus Casts Out a Demon") and swiftly healed [Simon Peter's mother-in-law of a severe fever](/luke/4-38-39 "Luke 4:38-39 - Jesus Heals Simon's Mother-in-Law"). These miraculous acts, performed publicly and intimately, would have generated immense excitement and belief throughout the city. Luke 4:40 thus serves as the natural culmination of this initial surge of ministry, illustrating the overwhelming response and the widespread recognition of Jesus' power that these preceding events ignited. The passage sets the stage for Jesus' broader Galilean ministry, emphasizing His divine mission to bring healing and liberation, themes that are central to [Luke's Gospel](/luke/4 "Luke 4 - Jesus' Early Ministry in Galilee").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "Now when the sun was setting" is crucial for understanding the scene. In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath, which began at sunset on Friday and ended at sunset on Saturday, was a day of rest (Shabbat). During the Sabbath, various activities were prohibited, including extensive travel and carrying burdens, which would have encompassed transporting the sick. Healing was also a contentious issue, often viewed by religious leaders as "work" forbidden on the Sabbath. As soon as the sun dipped below the horizon, marking the end of the Sabbath, the people were free from these restrictions. The immediate rush of people bringing their sick to Jesus at this precise moment highlights the profound anticipation and desperate hope for healing that had been building throughout the day, as news of Jesus' miracles spread. Capernaum, a bustling fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, served as Jesus' primary base of operations during His Galilean ministry, making it a natural hub for such a widespread gathering.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 4:40 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically showcases **Jesus' Divine Authority and Healing Power**. His ability to heal "divers diseases" (Greek: _poikilais nosois_, meaning 'various' or 'manifold ailments') demonstrates His complete sovereignty over all forms of human suffering and infirmity, underscoring His identity as the promised Messiah. Secondly, the verse highlights Jesus' **Boundless Compassion and Personal Engagement**. The detail that "he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them" emphasizes His personal, individual care for each suffering person, echoing the deep empathy Jesus consistently displayed for the afflicted, as seen in [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds"). Thirdly, this scene depicts the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, particularly concerning the Messiah's role in bearing the infirmities of His people, a theme deeply rooted in Old Testament predictions such as [Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - The Suffering Servant Bears Our Infirmities"). Finally, the sheer volume of people seeking Him out underscores the **Public Testimony and Widespread Recognition** of Jesus' extraordinary power and the burgeoning demand for His ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sun (Greek, _hḗlios'_):** Refers to the celestial body, the sun. In this context, its "setting" marks a specific time—the end of the Sabbath—which is critical for understanding the cultural permission for people to bring their sick to Jesus. The sun's descent symbolizes the transition from the day of rest to the freedom of the new day.
* **setting (Greek, _dýnō'_):** Derived from an obsolete primary word meaning "to sink," this verb precisely describes the action of the sun going down below the horizon. Its use here anchors the narrative firmly in the specific Jewish timekeeping and Sabbath observance, explaining why the crowds waited until this particular moment.
* **every (Greek, _hékastos'_):** This word emphasizes the comprehensive and individual nature of Jesus' healing. It means "each" or "every (one)," highlighting that Jesus did not perform a mass, generalized healing, but rather personally attended to and healed each individual brought before Him, regardless of their specific ailment. This underscores His meticulous care and boundless capacity.
* **healed (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** From a root meaning "to wait upon menially," this verb specifically denotes the act of relieving disease or curing. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it signifies His divine power to restore health and wholeness, not merely alleviate symptoms. The use of this word confirms the complete and effective nature of the healings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when the sun was setting":** This phrase establishes the precise timing of the event, immediately following the conclusion of the Sabbath. It explains why the crowds, eager to bring their sick, waited until this specific moment, as carrying burdens and seeking healing were restricted activities on the Sabbath. The setting sun marks the transition from the sacred day of rest to the ordinary day, allowing for public gatherings and movement.
* **"all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him":** This clause describes the overwhelming response to Jesus' presence and power. "All they that had any sick" indicates a vast number of people, suggesting that virtually every household with an ailing member participated. "Divers diseases" (Greek: _poikílos nósos_) emphasizes the wide variety and severity of illnesses, from chronic conditions to acute ailments, highlighting the comprehensive nature of human suffering brought to Jesus. Their action of "brought them unto him" signifies their faith, hope, and desperate need.
* **"and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them":** This final clause portrays Jesus' personal engagement and the miraculous outcome. "He laid his hands on every one of them" emphasizes Jesus' direct, personal touch and compassion for each individual, rather than a distant or generalized healing. The laying on of hands was a common practice signifying blessing, commissioning, or the transfer of power. Here, it is a conduit for divine healing. The concluding "and healed them" confirms the complete and universal success of His ministry in that moment, demonstrating His absolute authority over all sickness.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 4:40 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Hyperbole** is implied in the phrase "all they that had any sick," suggesting an extraordinarily large number of people, perhaps every household in Capernaum with an ailing member, underscoring the widespread need and Jesus' immense popularity. **Emphasis** is achieved through the repetition of "every one of them," which highlights Jesus' meticulous, personal attention and boundless compassion, ensuring that no one was overlooked. This contrasts with a general, impersonal healing. The act of "laying hands on" carries **Symbolism**, representing a tangible connection, a transfer of divine power, and a personal blessing. It signifies intimacy, authority, and the direct channel through which Jesus' healing virtue flowed, making the miracle deeply personal and impactful for each recipient.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:40 is a profound theological statement about the character of God revealed in Jesus. It portrays Jesus not merely as a miracle worker, but as the compassionate Messiah who embodies God's desire for human wholeness and restoration. His comprehensive healing ministry signifies the breaking in of God's Kingdom, where sickness, a consequence of the fallen world, is overcome by divine power. This passage connects Jesus' physical healings to a broader spiritual reality: His authority over disease points to His ultimate authority over sin and death, the root causes of all human brokenness. The scene foreshadows the comprehensive salvation He would offer, addressing both physical and spiritual infirmities.

* [Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16-17 "Matthew 8:16-17 - Jesus Heals Many at Evening")
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and Power")
* [Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - The Suffering Servant Bears Our Infirmities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:40 offers enduring encouragement and a powerful invitation for believers today. Just as the people of Capernaum brought their physical ailments to Jesus with desperate hope, we are invited to bring all our "diseases"—our spiritual burdens, emotional wounds, relational brokenness, and physical infirmities—to Him. This verse reminds us that Jesus' compassion is not limited by time or circumstance; He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever, still able to heal and restore. His personal engagement, demonstrated by His laying hands on "every one," assures us that He sees our individual suffering and cares deeply for our specific needs. We are called to approach Him with faith, trusting in His boundless power and unwavering love, knowing that He is personally concerned with our well-being and is always available to those who seek Him. This passage encourages us to be persistent in our prayers and to bring our whole selves, in all our brokenness, to the Great Physician.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "diseases" (physical, emotional, spiritual) are you currently carrying that you need to bring to Jesus?**
* **How does Jesus' personal attention to "every one" in this passage encourage you about His care for your individual needs?**
* **In what ways can you demonstrate faith and persistence in seeking Jesus for healing and restoration in your life today?**

### FAQ
**Why did the people wait until the sun was setting to bring their sick to Jesus?**

Answer: The timing was dictated by Jewish Sabbath laws. The Sabbath, a day of rest, began at sunset on Friday and ended at sunset on Saturday. During the Sabbath, activities like carrying burdens (which would include transporting the sick) and performing acts of healing were generally restricted or considered unlawful by many Jewish leaders. As soon as the sun set, marking the official end of the Sabbath, the people were free from these restrictions and immediately brought their sick to Jesus, demonstrating their eagerness and faith in His healing power. This detail highlights the cultural context and the immense anticipation for Jesus' ministry.

**What is the significance of Jesus laying His hands on "every one of them" instead of just healing them with a word?**

Answer: Jesus' act of laying His hands on "every one of them" underscores several significant aspects of His ministry. Firstly, it emphasizes His profound personal compassion and intimate engagement with each suffering individual. He didn't just perform a mass, generalized healing from a distance; He physically touched and ministered to each person, demonstrating His deep care. Secondly, the laying on of hands was a common biblical practice signifying blessing, commissioning, or the transfer of power. In Jesus' case, it was a tangible conduit for His divine healing virtue, making the miracle a personal encounter for each recipient. It also highlights the comprehensive nature of His healing, ensuring that no one was overlooked and that every person received His full attention and restorative power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:40, with its vivid depiction of Jesus' healing ministry, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of His ultimate mission and Christ-centered fulfillment. While the physical healings were miraculous and compassionate acts, they were more than just remedies for temporal ailments; they were tangible signs of the Kingdom of God breaking into a broken world. Jesus, the Great Physician, was not merely addressing symptoms but demonstrating His divine authority over the very consequences of sin and death. His comprehensive healing of "every one" pointed to the universal scope of His redemptive work, which would culminate in His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the ultimate "disease" of sin, offering not just physical restoration but spiritual wholeness and eternal life to all who believe. As [Matthew 8:17](/matthew/8-17 "Matthew 8:17 - Jesus Bears Our Infirmities") states, His healing ministry fulfilled the prophecy that He "took our infirmities and bore our diseases," ultimately by bearing our sins. Thus, the compassion and power displayed in Capernaum find their ultimate expression in the cross, where [by His wounds we are healed](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Have Been Healed"), and in His ongoing role as our sympathetic High Priest who [understands our weaknesses](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest Understands Our Weaknesses") and continues to intercede for us.

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 1:32

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

Mark 1:34

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Matthew 8:16

When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with [his] word, and healed all that were sick:

Matthew 8:17

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare [our] sicknesses.

Mark 5:23

And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: [I pray thee], come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

Luke 7:21

And in that same hour he cured many of [their] infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many [that were] blind he gave sight.

Luke 7:23

And blessed is [he], whosoever shall not be offended in me.