Luke 4:41

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} devils {G1140} also {G2532} came {G1831} out of {G575} many {G4183}, crying out {G2896}, and {G2532} saying {G3004},{G3754} Thou {G4771} art {G1488} Christ {G5547} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}. And {G2532} he rebuking {G2008} them suffered {G1439} them {G846} not {G3756} to speak {G2980}: for {G3754} they knew {G1492} that he {G846} was {G1511} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

also demons came out of many, crying, "You are the Son of God!" But, rebuking them, he did not permit them to say that they knew he was the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

Demons also came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But He rebuked the demons and would not allow them to speak, because they knew He was the Christ.

American Standard Version

And demons also came out from many, crying out, and saying, Thou art the Son of God. And rebuking them, he suffered them not to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:41 vividly portrays Jesus' profound authority over the spiritual realm as demons are expelled from many individuals, simultaneously confessing His divine identity as "Christ the Son of God." This verse not only underscores the pervasive nature of demonic oppression in the world Jesus entered but also highlights His deliberate control over the timing and manner of His messianic revelation, as He silences the demons, refusing to allow their testimony to validate His person or mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a remarkable day of ministry for Jesus in Capernaum, following His powerful teaching in the synagogue (Luke 4:31-32) where He cast out an unclean spirit with astonishing authority (Luke 4:33-36). Immediately prior, Luke recounts Jesus' healing of Simon's mother-in-law of a high fever (Luke 4:38-39), which then led to a multitude of sick and demon-possessed people being brought to Him at sunset (Luke 4:40). Luke 4:41 serves as a summary statement, emphasizing the widespread nature of His exorcism ministry that evening, distinct from the individual case in the synagogue. It sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent departure to preach in other towns, indicating that His mission was not confined to one location but was expansive (Luke 4:42-44).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly in Galilee, was deeply aware of spiritual forces, both benevolent and malevolent. Illness and various afflictions were often attributed to demonic influence, and exorcism was a recognized, though often ineffectual, practice. The presence of "devils" (demons) coming out of "many" reflects the prevalent belief in and experience of demonic oppression. The title "Christ the Son of God" would have resonated with Jewish messianic expectations, though often misunderstood in political or nationalistic terms. Jesus' actions challenged the existing spiritual hierarchies and demonstrated a power far surpassing that of contemporary exorcists or religious leaders, who typically invoked God's name, whereas Jesus commanded with inherent authority.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 4:41 contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully establishes [Jesus' supreme authority](/luke/4-32 "Luke 4:32 - Jesus' Authoritative Teaching") over all creation, including the spiritual realm, a theme consistently demonstrated throughout [His ministry](/luke/4 "Luke 4 - Jesus' Ministry Begins"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **demonic recognition** of Jesus' true identity, contrasting sharply with the often-misguided or slow understanding of His human contemporaries. The demons, supernatural beings, inherently knew He was the [Messiah, the Son of God](/luke/9-20 "Luke 9:20 - Peter's Confession of Christ"). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies the **Messianic Secret**, a recurring motif where Jesus deliberately controls the revelation of His identity. By silencing the demons, Jesus prevents a premature or misunderstood proclamation of His messiahship, ensuring that His mission is defined by His own terms, culminating in His suffering, death, and resurrection, rather than by sensational displays of power or a politically charged understanding of the Messiah (cf. [Mark 1:24-25](/mark/1-24-25 "Mark 1:24-25 - Jesus Silences the Demon")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term refers to a demonic being or an evil spirit, distinct from _diabolos_ (Satan). The use of the plural "devils" (KJV) or "demons" (modern translations) emphasizes that Jesus' authority extended over a multitude of malevolent spiritual entities, not just singular cases. Their expulsion signifies the inbreaking of God's kingdom and the subjugation of the forces of darkness under Jesus' divine power.
* **rebuking (Greek, _epitimáō'_):** This verb signifies a strong command, a severe warning, or a silencing. It denotes an authoritative act of censure or prohibition. When Jesus "rebuked" the demons, He was not merely scolding them but exercising direct, decisive, and inherent authority to silence and control them. This same word is used when Jesus commanded the wind and waves to be still ([Luke 8:24](/luke/8-24 "Luke 8:24 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) or when He rebuked Peter ([Matthew 16:22](/matthew/16-22 "Matthew 16:22 - Jesus Rebukes Peter")).
* **knew (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, often used in past tenses, implies a deep, inherent, and certain knowledge, not merely a superficial understanding. The demons "knew" Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, not through deduction or observation, but through an intrinsic recognition of His divine nature. Their knowledge was not salvific but a recognition born of fear and subjugation, acknowledging the power that would ultimately defeat them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God."**: This clause describes the widespread and dramatic nature of Jesus' exorcism ministry. The demons, recognizing Jesus' supreme authority, were compelled to exit their human hosts. Their "crying out" indicates distress and compulsion, while their confession, "Thou art Christ the Son of God," is a profound, albeit forced, declaration of Jesus' true identity, acknowledging His messianic role and divine sonship. This confession is ironic, as those who are inherently evil speak ultimate truth about Jesus.
* **"And he rebuking [them] suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ."**: This second clause reveals Jesus' intentional control over the revelation of His identity. Despite the demons' accurate confession, Jesus "rebuked" and "suffered them not to speak." This silencing was not because their statement was false, but precisely because "they knew that he was Christ." Jesus did not want His messiahship proclaimed by demonic sources, nor did He want His mission to be misunderstood as merely a display of power or a political uprising, which a public declaration by demons might have fueled. His authority extended not only to casting them out but also to controlling their speech.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 4:41 employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the malevolent spiritual beings, the "devils" or demons, are the ones who accurately identify Jesus as "Christ the Son of God," a truth often missed or misunderstood by human observers. This highlights the supernatural nature of Jesus' identity and the inherent recognition of it by spiritual forces. **Antithesis** is also present in the contrast between the demons' compelled confession of truth and Jesus' deliberate silencing of that truth. This underscores Jesus' sovereignty not only over spiritual beings but also over the timing and manner of His own revelation. The **repetition** of "Christ" at the beginning and end of the verse emphasizes Jesus' messianic identity as the central point of contention and recognition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:41 powerfully affirms Jesus' absolute sovereignty over the spiritual realm, demonstrating that His kingdom is breaking into the world with power, dismantling the dominion of darkness. The demons' recognition of Jesus as "Christ the Son of God" underscores His unique divine nature and messianic office, confirming that He is indeed the promised deliverer. However, Jesus' decision to silence them reveals a crucial aspect of His redemptive strategy: the timing and nature of His messianic revelation were under His divine control, preventing misunderstanding and ensuring that His mission would culminate in the cross and resurrection, not merely in sensational displays of power. This act of silencing also teaches that while truth may be spoken by unexpected sources, God does not rely on or endorse the testimony of evil for His purposes.

* [Mark 1:34](/mark/1-34 "Mark 1:34 - Jesus' Authority Over Demons")
* [Acts 19:15](/acts/19-15 "Acts 19:15 - Demonic Recognition of Jesus")
* [James 2:19](/james/2-19 "James 2:19 - Demons Believe and Tremble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 4:41 serves as a profound reassurance for believers today, affirming that Jesus Christ possesses ultimate and unchallenged authority over all spiritual forces of evil. In a world where spiritual warfare is a reality, this verse reminds us that we do not face the powers of darkness alone or without a champion. Jesus' power is not diminished; He remains sovereign over every demonic entity and every oppressive spiritual influence. Furthermore, Jesus' strategic silencing of the demons teaches us important lessons about divine timing and the nature of truth. It reminds us that God's purposes unfold according to His perfect will, not through sensationalism or premature declarations. We are called to trust in His sovereignty, to rely on His power when facing spiritual opposition, and to discern the source of truth, knowing that even accurate statements can come from unholy origins. Our confidence rests not in the recognition of evil spirits, but in the revealed truth of God's Word and the Holy Spirit's testimony.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' authority over demons in this passage strengthen your faith in His power over all spiritual forces you might encounter today?**
* **What does Jesus' decision to silence the demons teach us about the importance of divine timing and the proper way to proclaim His truth?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to seek or accept validation from sources that, though they may speak truth, are not aligned with God's kingdom?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus not allow the demons to speak, even though they were speaking the truth about His identity?**

Answer: Jesus silenced the demons for several crucial reasons, primarily related to the "Messianic Secret" and the integrity of His mission. First, Jesus did not want His divine identity and messianic role proclaimed by demonic sources. The testimony of evil spirits, even if accurate, would have tainted the purity of His message and potentially led to misunderstanding or misinterpretation of His mission. Second, a public declaration by demons could have fueled popular expectations of a political or military Messiah, diverting attention from His true purpose of spiritual redemption through suffering and sacrifice. Jesus sought to control the timing and nature of His revelation, ensuring that people understood His messiahship through His teachings, miracles, and ultimately, His death and resurrection, rather than through sensationalistic or premature announcements (see [Mark 8:29-33](/mark/8-29-33 "Mark 8:29-33 - Peter's Confession and Jesus' Rebuke")). His authority extended not only to casting out demons but also to commanding their silence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 4:41 is a powerful demonstration of Christ's ultimate victory over the forces of darkness, foreshadowing His complete triumph on the cross and through His resurrection. The expulsion of "devils" from "many" is a tangible manifestation of the inbreaking of God's kingdom, where the dominion of Satan is being systematically dismantled by the presence and power of the King. Jesus, as "Christ the Son of God," is revealed as the one whose authority is inherent and absolute, not derived. This authority culminates in His atoning death, where He disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His silencing of the demons, who knew His identity, underscores that His messianic mission was not about sensationalism or political uprising, but about a deeper, spiritual deliverance achieved through humility and sacrifice. Ultimately, this verse points to Jesus as the conquering King who came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Purpose of Christ's Coming")), establishing a new covenant where believers are liberated from the power of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Deliverance from Darkness")). His present reign ensures that all spiritual opposition is ultimately subject to His sovereign will, and His final return will bring about the complete and eternal subjugation of every foe ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil's Final Doom")).

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 1:34

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.

James 2:19

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Acts 16:17

The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

Acts 16:18

And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Luke 4:34

Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, [thou] Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

Luke 4:35

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.

Mark 3:11

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