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.
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}.
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;
At sunset, all who were ill with various diseases were brought to Jesus, and laying His hands on each one, He healed them.
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.
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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.
Luke 4:40 vividly portrays the overwhelming demand for Jesus' healing power and His boundless compassion during His early ministry in Capernaum. This verse highlights a pivotal moment where Jesus fully demonstrates His divine authority over sickness and disease, touching and restoring every person brought to Him.
Context
This event immediately follows Jesus' powerful teaching and miraculous healings in the synagogue of Capernaum, including the healing of Simon Peter's mother-in-law and the casting out of a demon from a man. The phrase "when the sun was setting" is significant. In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath ended at sunset. During the Sabbath, travel and carrying burdens (including the sick) were restricted. As soon as the sun dipped below the horizon, people were free to bring their ailing loved ones to Jesus, signifying the immense anticipation and belief in His ability to heal that had spread throughout the city.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "laid his hands on every one of them" (Greek: epitheis tas cheiras) was a common practice in ancient Israel, signifying a transfer of blessing, authority, or power. In Jesus' case, it was a direct channel for His healing virtue. The repeated action for "every one" underscores the personal and comprehensive nature of His ministry, not a general group healing, but individual attention to each suffering person.
Practical Application
Luke 4:40 offers enduring encouragement for believers today. Just as people brought their physical ailments to Jesus, we are invited to bring all our "diseases"—our spiritual burdens, emotional wounds, and physical infirmities—to Him. His compassion remains unchanged, and He is still able to heal and restore. This verse reminds us that Jesus is personally concerned with our well-being and is always available to those who seek Him. It teaches us to approach Him with faith, knowing that His power and love are boundless, just as they were for the crowds in Capernaum.