Luke 6:18

KJV

And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they that were vexed {G3791} with {G5259} unclean {G169} spirits {G4151}: and {G2532} they were healed {G2323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who were troubled with unclean spirits were being healed;

Berean Standard Bible

They had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, and those troubled by unclean spirits were healed.

American Standard Version

and they that were troubled with unclean spirits were healed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:18 succinctly captures a profound aspect of Jesus' early Galilean ministry, highlighting His divine authority and compassionate power. It describes the continuous influx of people suffering from various ailments, specifically noting those oppressed by "unclean spirits," and affirms that all who came to Him were miraculously healed. This verse serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' comprehensive redemptive work, encompassing both physical restoration and spiritual liberation, setting the stage for His subsequent teachings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 6:18 is strategically placed within Luke's narrative, immediately following Jesus' pivotal selection of the twelve apostles in [Luke 6:12-16](/luke/6-12-16 "Luke 6:12-16 - Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles") and preceding the extensive teaching known as the Sermon on the Plain, which begins in [Luke 6:20](/luke/6-20 "Luke 6:20 - The Beatitudes"). This arrangement underscores that Jesus' authoritative teaching was not merely theoretical but was powerfully validated by His miraculous deeds. The verse functions as a bridge, demonstrating the immense draw of Jesus' ministry—people were coming not just to hear His words but also to experience His tangible power over disease and demonic oppression, as noted in [Luke 6:17](/luke/6-17 "Luke 6:17 - The Great Multitude Gathers"). This sequence emphasizes that Jesus' authority extended over all realms: choosing His inner circle, commanding spiritual forces, and teaching with divine wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In 1st-century Judea, understanding of disease was often intertwined with spiritual beliefs. Physical and mental afflictions were frequently attributed to demonic influence or divine judgment. Medical knowledge was rudimentary, making widespread healing a rare and astounding phenomenon. The presence of "unclean spirits" was a recognized and feared reality, causing significant social and personal distress. Jesus' ability to effortlessly cast out these spirits, as well as heal various diseases, would have been seen as a clear sign of divine power and a fulfillment of messianic expectations. The crowds gathering from "all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon" ([Luke 6:17](/luke/6-17 "Luke 6:17 - The Great Multitude Gathers")) indicates the vast geographical reach of His reputation and the pervasive human need for deliverance and healing across diverse regions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Unquestionable Authority**, particularly over the forces of evil. His ability to cast out "unclean spirits" demonstrates His divine power and His mission to dismantle the works of the devil, a theme echoed in [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Jesus' Deep Compassion and Holistic Healing**. Jesus' ministry was not solely about teaching; it was a practical demonstration of God's love through relieving suffering, addressing both physical ailments and spiritual bondage. This comprehensive healing points to the restoration of humanity to its intended state. Lastly, the verse underscores the **Widespread Need for Deliverance and Jesus' Consistent Response**. The continuous influx of people seeking healing and freedom from oppression illustrates the pervasive nature of human suffering and Jesus' unwavering, powerful, and accessible ministry to meet those needs.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **vexed (Greek, _ochléō'_):** This word, G3791, indicates being "mobbed" or, by implication, "harassed" or "afflicted." It vividly portrays the intense distress and torment experienced by those under the influence of malevolent spiritual entities. It suggests a state of being overwhelmed and tormented by an external, hostile force, not merely a mild annoyance but a profound and debilitating oppression.
* **unclean (Greek, _akáthartos'_):** G169, derived from a negative particle and a word meaning "cleansed," signifies "impure." In this context, it specifically refers to demonic spirits, highlighting their moral and spiritual defilement. These spirits are inherently antithetical to God's holiness and bring defilement and disorder wherever they exert influence, making their expulsion a necessary act of spiritual cleansing and restoration.
* **healed (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** G2323 means "to wait upon menially," but specifically in this context, "to relieve (of disease)" or "to cure." The use of the imperfect tense in the original Greek (etherapeuonto) indicates a continuous or repeated action. Jesus was not just healing a few individuals; He was continually healing them as they were brought to Him, signifying the ongoing and pervasive nature of His compassionate ministry of restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they that were vexed with unclean spirits":** This clause identifies a specific category of people among the multitude who came to Jesus. The phrase "vexed with unclean spirits" (KJV) or "those afflicted by unclean spirits" (NIV) points to individuals suffering from demonic oppression. This affliction was not merely psychological but involved a tangible spiritual torment that manifested in various forms of suffering, often physical, mental, or emotional. The presence of these spirits indicates a realm of spiritual warfare that Jesus directly confronted.
* **"and they were healed.":** This concise declaration reveals Jesus' immediate and complete victory over the forces of evil and disease. The passive voice ("they were healed") emphasizes that Jesus was the agent of healing, demonstrating His inherent power. The imperfect tense, as noted in the Key Word Analysis, implies a continuous process: as people came, they were continually being healed, underscoring the vastness of the need and the boundless nature of Jesus' power and compassion. This healing encompassed deliverance from demonic torment and restoration to wholeness.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:18, though brief, employs several significant literary techniques. The most prominent is **Conciseness**, where a vast and continuous ministry of healing and deliverance is summarized in a single, impactful sentence. This brevity serves to emphasize the sheer volume of people healed and the effortless nature of Jesus' power. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the state of being "vexed with unclean spirits"—a condition of torment and bondage—and the immediate outcome of being "healed," which signifies freedom and restoration. This contrast highlights Jesus' redemptive power. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the essence of Jesus' active, compassionate ministry of power before transitioning into His teaching ministry, reinforcing the idea that His words were backed by undeniable divine authority. The **Imperfect Tense** of "were healed" (etherapeuonto) also acts as a literary device, conveying the ongoing, continuous nature of Jesus' healing work, suggesting a constant stream of individuals receiving deliverance, rather than a single, isolated event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:18 profoundly connects to the broader theological narrative of God's redemptive work. Jesus' authority over "unclean spirits" and His widespread healing ministry are not merely acts of compassion but clear demonstrations of the inbreaking of God's Kingdom. This verse illustrates that the Messiah's arrival inaugurates a new era where the dominion of darkness is confronted and overcome. It underscores God's deep concern for human suffering, both physical and spiritual, and His active intervention to restore wholeness. The power displayed here foreshadows Jesus' ultimate victory over sin, death, and all the forces of evil through His crucifixion and resurrection, establishing His reign as the sovereign Lord who brings complete liberation.

* [Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16-17 "Matthew 8:16-17 - Jesus Heals Many at Evening")
* [Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - He Bore Our Sicknesses")
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed with the Holy Spirit and Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:18 serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus' authority over all forms of evil and suffering remains absolute. For believers today, this verse offers profound assurance: no spiritual oppression is too great, no sickness too severe, for the power of Christ. It encourages us to approach Jesus with our needs, trusting in His compassion and His ability to deliver and heal. This passage also challenges us to consider our own role in extending Christ's ministry. Just as Jesus brought freedom and healing, so are His followers called to be agents of His compassion in a hurting world. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Church is commissioned to confront spiritual darkness, pray for the sick, and demonstrate God's love tangibly, reflecting the holistic nature of Jesus' ministry. It reminds us that our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic encounter with a living Lord who continues to set captives free and bring restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to recognize Jesus' authority over "unclean spirits" or oppressive forces, whether spiritual, emotional, or habitual?**
* **How does Jesus' continuous ministry of healing in Luke 6:18 encourage me to persist in prayer for healing and deliverance for myself and others?**
* **How can I, as a follower of Christ, participate in His ongoing ministry of bringing freedom and healing to those around me, both physically and spiritually?**
* **What does Jesus' compassion for the "vexed" teach me about my own posture towards those who are suffering or marginalized?**

### FAQ

**What exactly are "unclean spirits" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "Unclean spirits" (Greek: _pneumaton akatharton_) refer to malevolent spiritual entities, commonly understood as demons, that are inherently impure and opposed to God's holiness. In the biblical worldview, these spirits could oppress individuals, causing various forms of physical, mental, and spiritual suffering, including illness, madness, and moral corruption. Jesus' consistent ability to cast them out, as seen throughout the Gospels (e.g., [Mark 1:23-27](/mark/1-23-27 "Mark 1:23-27 - Jesus Casts Out an Unclean Spirit")), demonstrated His divine authority and the breaking in of God's Kingdom, where the power of evil is overthrown.

**Does this verse imply that all sickness is caused by demonic oppression?**

Answer: No, Luke 6:18 does not imply that all sickness is caused by demonic oppression. While it specifically mentions those "vexed with unclean spirits" being healed, Luke's Gospel, like the other Gospels, also records Jesus healing people from a wide variety of diseases and physical ailments that are not explicitly linked to demonic influence (e.g., the leper in [Luke 5:12-13](/luke/5-12-13 "Luke 5:12-13 - Jesus Heals a Leper"), Peter's mother-in-law with a fever in [Luke 4:38-39](/luke/4-38-39 "Luke 4:38-39 - Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law")). This verse highlights Jesus' comprehensive healing ministry, which addressed both physical illness and spiritual bondage, recognizing that human suffering can stem from various sources.

**Does Jesus still heal and deliver people from spiritual oppression today?**

Answer: Yes, Christian theology affirms that Jesus' power and compassion are not limited to His earthly ministry. The New Testament teaches that Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, continues to heal and deliver people today. The authority He demonstrated in Luke 6:18 was passed on to His disciples ([Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over All the Power of the Enemy")), and the Church is called to continue this ministry ([Mark 16:17-18](/mark/16-17-18 "Mark 16:17-18 - Signs Following Believers")). While the manifestations and frequency may vary, the core belief is that God remains sovereign over sickness and spiritual oppression, and prayer for healing and deliverance is a vital part of the Christian faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:18, with its vivid portrayal of Jesus' authority over "unclean spirits" and His comprehensive healing ministry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah who came to destroy the works of the devil and inaugurate the Kingdom of God. His power over demons and disease was not merely a display of miraculous ability but a tangible demonstration that the "strong man" (Satan) was being bound by one stronger ([Matthew 12:28-29](/matthew/12-28-29 "Matthew 12:28-29 - Kingdom of God Has Come")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus triumphed definitively over all principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), disarming them and leading them captive. His healing ministry foreshadowed the complete restoration of creation and humanity from the effects of sin and the curse. Ultimately, the liberation from "unclean spirits" points to the spiritual freedom purchased by Christ, who delivers us from the domain of darkness and transfers us into His own Kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")), making Him the ultimate Healer and Deliverer for all eternity.

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

Acts 5:16

There came also a multitude [out] of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Matthew 17:15

Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

Matthew 15:22

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, [thou] Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.