Luke 6:17

KJV

And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he came down {G2597} with {G3326} them {G846}, and stood {G2476} in {G1909} the plain {G3977}{G5117}, and {G2532} the company {G3793} of his {G846} disciples {G3101}, and {G2532} a great {G4183} multitude {G4128} of people {G2992} out of {G575} all {G3956} Judaea {G2449} and {G2532} Jerusalem {G2419}, and {G2532} from the sea coast {G3882} of Tyre {G5184} and {G2532} Sidon {G4605}, which {G3739} came {G2064} to hear {G191} him {G846}, and {G2532} to be healed {G2390} of {G575} their {G846} diseases {G3554};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he came down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his talmidim was there with great numbers of people from all Y'hudah, Yerushalayim and the coast around Tzor and Tzidon; they had come to hear him and be healed of their diseases.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of His disciples was there, along with a great number of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon.

American Standard Version

and he came down with them, and stood on a level place, and a great multitude of his disciples, and a great number of the people from all Judæa and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:17 vividly portrays Jesus' transition from private prayer and the selection of His twelve apostles to active public ministry, descending to a level plain where a vast and diverse multitude had gathered. This crowd, comprising both His dedicated disciples and a great number of people from across Judaea, Jerusalem, and even the Gentile coastal regions of Tyre and Sidon, had come with a dual purpose: to hear His teachings and to receive healing from their various diseases, underscoring the widespread appeal and holistic nature of His burgeoning ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry: His night-long prayer on the mountain and the subsequent selection of the twelve apostles (as detailed in [Luke 6:12-16](/luke/6-12-16 "Luke 6:12-16 - Jesus Prays and Chooses His Apostles")). Luke 6:17 thus marks a significant shift from this intimate, preparatory period to the public outpouring of His teaching and healing. The descent from the mountain to the "plain" (or level place) sets the stage for what is often referred to as the Sermon on the Plain, which commences in [Luke 6:20](/luke/6-20 "Luke 6:20 - Beginning of the Sermon on the Plain"). This structural arrangement highlights Jesus' intentional movement from strategic spiritual formation with His inner circle to accessible, compassionate engagement with the broader populace. The verse serves as a crucial bridge, illustrating the immediate consequence of His divine appointment of leaders—a massive influx of people seeking Him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Palestine was a land ripe with spiritual and physical needs, where religious teachers (rabbis) and healers were sought after. Jesus' reputation had clearly spread far beyond Galilee, drawing people from the heartland of Judaism (Judaea and Jerusalem) and even from the predominantly Gentile Phoenician cities of Tyre and Sidon. This geographical diversity is highly significant, indicating that Jesus' appeal transcended traditional Jewish boundaries and was reaching into areas considered "unclean" or outside the covenant by many zealous Jews. The presence of such a large and varied crowd underscores the prevailing conditions of widespread sickness, oppression, and spiritual hunger, creating an environment where a figure performing miracles and speaking with authority would naturally attract immense attention. People often traveled significant distances to encounter a prophet or a healer, and the "plain" would have provided an ideal, accessible gathering space for such a large assembly.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 6:17 contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes the **accessibility of Jesus**, as He deliberately descends from the mountain to a level place, making Himself available to everyone, not just His chosen few. This contrasts with the exclusivity of the mountain for prayer and selection, highlighting His compassionate desire to meet people where they are. Secondly, the verse showcases the **universal appeal of Jesus' ministry**. The vast "multitude" (Greek: `óchlos`) drawn from both Jewish and Gentile regions foreshadows the inclusive nature of the Gospel message, which is for "all nations" (as seen in [Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness to All Nations")). Finally, it powerfully illustrates the **holistic nature of Jesus' ministry**, addressing both the spiritual and physical needs of humanity. The crowds came "to hear him" (seeking spiritual truth and guidance) and "to be healed of their diseases" (seeking physical restoration), demonstrating that Jesus' compassion extended to every dimension of human suffering, a theme pervasive throughout His public ministry (e.g., [Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Teaching and Healing Throughout Galilee")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **`καταβαίνω (katabaínō)` - "came down" (Greek, _katabaínō'_):** This verb literally means "to descend" or "to go down." In this context, it signifies a deliberate movement by Jesus from the elevated solitude of the mountain (where He had spent the night in prayer and chosen His apostles, [Luke 6:12-13](/luke/6-12-13 "Luke 6:12-13 - Jesus Prays and Chooses Apostles")) to a lower, more accessible location. The act of "coming down" can be seen as symbolic of divine condescension, where God, in the person of Jesus, humbles Himself to meet humanity in its common sphere. It implies a purposeful outreach and availability, contrasting with the previous private, elevated spiritual activity.
* **`πεδινός (pedinós)` - "plain" (Greek, _pedinós'_):** Derived from a word meaning "ground" or "foot," `pedinós` describes something "level" or "flat." When combined with `τόπος (tópos)` (place), it refers to a "level place" or "plain." This setting is crucial for accommodating the "great multitude" mentioned in the verse. Unlike the more exclusive mountain, the plain represents an open, public, and accessible space where large numbers of people could gather. It symbolizes Jesus' ministry being open and available to all, a stark contrast to the more secluded or hierarchical settings often associated with religious teaching.
* **`ἰάομαι (iáomai)` - "to be healed" (Greek, _iáomai'_):** This verb means "to cure" or "to make whole," referring specifically to physical healing or restoration. Its inclusion here highlights one of the primary motivations for the crowds to seek Jesus. The widespread presence of "diseases" (`νόσος`, _nósos'_) in the ancient world meant that physical suffering was a constant reality. Jesus' ability to `iáomai` (heal) was a tangible demonstration of His divine power and compassion, drawing those desperate for relief from their afflictions. This word emphasizes the practical, restorative aspect of His ministry, addressing immediate human suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he came down with them":** This clause signifies Jesus' deliberate descent from the mountain, accompanied by His newly chosen twelve apostles and other disciples. The movement from the private, elevated place of prayer and selection to a public, accessible location marks a transition in His ministry.
* **"and stood in the plain":** Jesus' action of "standing" implies a posture of authority and readiness to teach or minister. The "plain" (or level place) is a practical setting for a large gathering, symbolizing His accessibility and willingness to engage with the common people on their level, rather than remaining in an elevated or exclusive position.
* **"and the company of his disciples":** This refers to the broader group of followers, beyond the twelve apostles, who consistently accompanied Jesus. Their presence underscores the growing movement around Jesus and their role as witnesses and recipients of His teaching.
* **"and a great multitude of people":** This emphasizes the sheer volume of individuals drawn to Jesus. The term "multitude" (`óchlos`) suggests a vast, diverse crowd, highlighting the widespread impact and popularity of His ministry.
* **"out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon":** This geographical enumeration underscores the remarkable breadth of Jesus' appeal. People came from the central Jewish regions (Judaea and its capital, Jerusalem) and, significantly, from Gentile territories to the northwest (Tyre and Sidon). This demonstrates that Jesus' fame and influence were not confined to Jewish lands but were reaching beyond traditional ethnic and religious boundaries, hinting at the universal scope of the Gospel.
* **"which came to hear him":** This identifies the primary spiritual motivation of the crowd. They sought Jesus' teachings, desiring to listen to His words of truth, wisdom, and authority. This highlights Jesus' role as a divine teacher and prophet.
* **"and to be healed of their diseases":** This identifies the primary physical motivation. Many in the crowd were suffering from various ailments and sought physical restoration from Jesus, recognizing His miraculous power to cure sickness. This emphasizes the compassionate and restorative aspect of His ministry, addressing both spiritual and physical human needs.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:17 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is evident in the movement from the mountain (a place of private prayer and selection) to the plain (a place of public ministry and accessibility), symbolizing Jesus' transition from intimate preparation to widespread engagement. The geographical listing of "all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon" utilizes **Inclusivity** and **Merism**, representing the entirety of the known world from which people were drawn, encompassing both Jewish and Gentile populations. This highlights the universal reach of Jesus' message and power. Furthermore, the dual purpose of the crowd—"to hear him, and to be healed"—demonstrates **Parallelism** and **Dichotomy**, emphasizing the holistic nature of Jesus' ministry, which addresses both spiritual hunger and physical suffering. The phrase "great multitude" is an example of **Hyperbole**, conveying the immense number of people without necessarily implying a precise count, underscoring the overwhelming response to Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:17 is a powerful testament to the incarnate Son of God's compassionate accessibility and universal mission. Jesus' descent from the mountain to the plain is not merely a geographical movement but a profound theological statement: God, in Christ, comes down to humanity's level, making Himself approachable and available to all who seek Him. This act of divine condescension underscores His empathy for suffering humanity and His desire to offer holistic salvation—addressing both the spiritual need for truth and the physical need for healing. The diverse origins of the crowd, including Gentiles from Tyre and Sidon, foreshadow the breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers through the Gospel, revealing God's redemptive plan for all nations. This verse sets the stage for Jesus to minister to a broad spectrum of people, demonstrating that His Kingdom is open to all who come in faith, regardless of their background or condition.

* [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me") - Prophecy of the Messiah's ministry to the poor, brokenhearted, captives, and blind, fulfilled by Jesus' teaching and healing.
* [Matthew 11:5](/matthew/11-5 "Matthew 11:5 - Jesus' Works as Evidence of His Messiahship") - Jesus' response to John the Baptist's disciples, affirming that "the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them," directly reflecting the dual nature of His ministry seen in Luke 6:17.
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and Power") - Peter's summary of Jesus' ministry: "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:17 offers profound insights for contemporary disciples. Just as Jesus descended from the mountain to meet the crowds on the plain, He continues to be an accessible Savior, willing to meet us in the midst of our everyday lives and struggles. This verse invites us to consider the depth of our own needs: are we primarily seeking to "hear Him"—to genuinely listen to and obey His Word, allowing it to transform our minds and hearts? Or are we, like many in the crowd, primarily driven by our physical and emotional "diseases," seeking only relief from immediate suffering? While Jesus certainly cares for our physical well-being, His ultimate desire is to address the deeper spiritual maladies of sin and separation from God. The diverse crowd reminds us that Jesus' invitation is for everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, or past. We are called to approach Him with both our spiritual hunger for truth and our physical burdens, trusting in His holistic compassion and power to heal, teach, and restore. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and openness, recognizing that true transformation comes from both hearing and experiencing the Lord's presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "plain" of your life do you need Jesus to "come down" and meet you today, and how are you making yourself accessible to Him?**
* **What are the primary "diseases" (spiritual, emotional, physical) you are bringing before Jesus, and are you equally eager "to hear Him" as you are to be healed?**
* **How does the diversity of the crowd from Judaea, Jerusalem, Tyre, and Sidon challenge your own understanding of who Jesus' ministry is for?**
* **In what ways can you emulate Jesus' accessibility and holistic care in your interactions with others, addressing both their spiritual and practical needs?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus come down to a "plain" instead of staying on the mountain?**

Answer: Jesus' descent from the mountain to the "plain" (or level place) was a deliberate and symbolic act. The mountain often represents a place of divine encounter, prayer, and revelation (as seen in [Exodus 19:3](/exodus/19-3 "Exodus 19:3 - Moses Ascends Mount Sinai") or [Matthew 17:1](/matthew/17-1 "Matthew 17:1 - The Transfiguration on the Mountain")). By coming down to the plain, Jesus demonstrated His accessibility and willingness to meet the common people where they were. A plain provided a practical, open space for a large multitude to gather, making His teaching and healing ministry available to all, not just a select few. This action underscores His compassionate desire to engage directly with the needs of the masses.

**What is the significance of the crowd coming from Tyre and Sidon?**

Answer: The inclusion of people from Tyre and Sidon is highly significant because these were predominantly Gentile (non-Jewish) Phoenician cities located on the Mediterranean coast. In first-century Jewish society, there was often a strong distinction and sometimes animosity between Jews and Gentiles. The fact that people from these regions traveled to hear and be healed by Jesus highlights the widespread nature of His fame and the universal appeal of His message and power. It foreshadows the inclusive nature of the Gospel, which would eventually extend to all nations, breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile (as described in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Has Broken Down the Dividing Wall")). It demonstrates that Jesus' compassion and power were not limited by ethnic or religious boundaries.

**What does it mean that they came "to hear him, and to be healed"?**

Answer: This phrase reveals the dual purpose for which the diverse multitude sought Jesus, reflecting the holistic nature of His ministry. "To hear him" signifies a desire for spiritual instruction, truth, and guidance. People recognized Jesus as a unique teacher who spoke with authority, unlike the scribes and Pharisees (as noted in [Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Taught as One Having Authority")). "To be healed of their diseases" indicates their desperate need for physical restoration and relief from suffering. Jesus' miraculous healings were tangible demonstrations of God's power and compassion, offering immediate relief to those afflicted. Together, these two motivations highlight that Jesus ministered to the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—addressing both their deepest spiritual longings and their most pressing physical needs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:17, with its depiction of Jesus' descent to the plain to meet a vast, diverse multitude seeking to hear and be healed, is profoundly Christ-centered. It foreshadows the ultimate condescension of the Son of God, who "came down from heaven" (as Jesus Himself states in [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Came Down from Heaven")) to dwell among humanity, taking on flesh (the Incarnation, [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as He descended from the mountain to the plain, Christ humbled Himself, "taking the form of a servant" (as described in [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Humbled Himself")), to be accessible to a broken and suffering world. His ministry of teaching and healing on the plain prefigures His ultimate work on the cross, where He bore the "diseases" of sin and offered spiritual and eternal healing to all who believe. The "great multitude" from "all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon" anticipates the universal scope of the Gospel, demonstrating that Christ's redemptive work is for "whosoever believes in Him" (as proclaimed in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), breaking down the barriers between Jew and Gentile and offering abundant life (as promised in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Came that They May Have Life Abundantly")) to all who come to Him to hear His life-giving Word and receive His transforming grace.

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

Matthew 11:21

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Psalms 103:3

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Matthew 14:14

And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Psalms 107:17

¶ Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

Psalms 107:20

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered [them] from their destructions.

Matthew 12:15

But when Jesus knew [it], he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

Matthew 4:23

¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.