Luke 6:19

KJV

And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed [them] all.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the whole {G3956} multitude {G3793} sought {G2212} to touch {G680} him {G846}: for {G3754} there went {G1831} virtue {G1411} out {G3844} of him {G846}, and {G2532} healed {G2390} them all {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the whole crowd was trying to touch him, because power kept going out from him, healing everyone.

Berean Standard Bible

The entire crowd was trying to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all.

American Standard Version

And all the multitude sought to touch him; for power came forth from him, and healed them all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:19 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry, vividly portraying the immense need of the gathered crowds and the boundless, inherent power of Christ to meet that need. It describes how a vast multitude, driven by desperation and hope, actively sought physical contact with Jesus, believing in His capacity to heal. The verse then affirms that divine power, described as "virtue," emanated from Him, resulting in the complete healing of everyone who came to Him, demonstrating His universal compassion and authority over all affliction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Luke's narrative immediately following the selection of the twelve apostles ([Luke 6:12-16](/luke/6-12-16 "Luke 6:12-16 - Selection of the Twelve Apostles")) and the commencement of Jesus' significant "Sermon on the Plain" ([Luke 6:17-49](/luke/6-17-49 "Luke 6:17-49 - The Sermon on the Plain")). Having established His authoritative teaching and chosen His core disciples, Luke transitions to a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine authority through miraculous healing. The preceding verses ([Luke 6:17-18](/luke/6-17-18 "Luke 6:17-18 - Jesus Heals Many")) set the scene, detailing the diverse origins of the crowd—from Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal regions of Tyre and Sidon—all drawn by the dual desire to hear His teaching and be healed. Verse 19 serves as the climactic summary of this healing outpouring, illustrating the direct and immediate outcome of the multitude's active pursuit of Jesus.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Palestine, illness and disease were often viewed through a spiritual lens, frequently attributed to sin or demonic influence. Medical understanding was rudimentary, and effective cures were rare, leading people to seek divine intervention or the aid of spiritual healers. The widespread reputation of Jesus as a miracle worker, particularly one who healed all manner of diseases and cast out demons, would have traveled quickly, drawing vast crowds from across geographical and social divides. The act of "touching" a revered figure for healing was not uncommon in ancient cultures, reflecting a belief in the transference of power or blessing through physical contact. This context highlights the desperation and earnest hope of the people, who saw in Jesus their only recourse for relief from suffering, a hope rooted in the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah who would bring healing and restoration, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Healing in the Messianic Age").

* **Key Themes:** Luke 6:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Central is the theme of **Divine Authority and Power**, manifested in Jesus' ability to heal all who came to Him, underscoring His unique identity as the Son of God. This healing power, referred to as "virtue" (Greek: _dynamis_), is not merely a moral quality but a tangible, inherent divine energy. Another prominent theme is **Compassion and Inclusivity**, as Jesus "healed them all," demonstrating His boundless mercy and willingness to extend His grace to everyone, regardless of their background or the nature of their affliction. This universal healing foreshadows the expansive nature of the Kingdom of God, open to all who respond in faith. Finally, the "whole multitude sought to touch him" highlights the theme of **Active Faith and Seeking**, even if rudimentary, as the people's earnest pursuit and belief in Jesus' capacity to heal were prerequisites for receiving His transformative touch. This echoes the broader call to seek God with all one's heart, as encouraged in [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sought (Greek, _zētéō'_):** From G2212, this verb means "to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)." In this context, it denotes an active, earnest pursuit by the multitude, indicating their strong desire and intention to find Jesus and experience His power. It implies more than casual curiosity; it suggests a determined effort to draw near to Him for a specific purpose.
* **virtue (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** From G1411, this significant term derives from δύναμαι, meaning "force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)." It is the root of English words like "dynamic" and "dynamite." Here, "virtue" does not refer to moral goodness but to an inherent, active, and miraculous divine power or energy that emanated from Jesus, capable of producing supernatural effects, specifically healing.
* **healed (Greek, _iáomai'_):** From G2390, this is a middle voice verb meaning "to cure (literally or figuratively); heal, make whole." It signifies a complete restoration to health, encompassing not just the cessation of symptoms but a holistic making whole. The use of this verb emphasizes the effectiveness and completeness of Jesus' work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the whole multitude sought to touch him":** This clause emphasizes the overwhelming number of people ("the whole multitude," G3956 _pâs_ and G3793 _óchlos_, indicating a vast, undifferentiated crowd) and their collective, determined action. Their "seeking to touch him" (G2212 _zētéō_ and G680 _háptomai_) signifies a desperate, active pursuit, reflecting a belief that physical proximity or contact with Jesus would bring about healing. This act of seeking and touching was an expression of their rudimentary, yet potent, faith and hope.
* **"for there went virtue out of him":** This explanatory clause (introduced by "for," G3754 _hóti_) reveals the source and mechanism of the healing. It was not merely a passive wish or a placebo effect, but a tangible, active "virtue" (G1411 _dýnamis_ – divine, miraculous power) that "went out" (G1831 _exérchomai_) from Jesus. This implies an active, intentional, or inherent outflow of divine energy from His person, confirming His unique, supernatural nature as the fount of all healing power.
* **"and healed [them] all":** This final clause highlights the comprehensive and universal nature of Jesus' healing work. The phrase "healed them all" (G2390 _iáomai_ and G3956 _pâs_) underscores that no one was turned away, and every individual who sought Him received complete restoration. This demonstrates Jesus' boundless compassion, His unlimited capacity, and His absolute authority over all forms of sickness and affliction, leaving no one unhealed.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:19 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The phrase "the whole multitude" employs **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the vast, almost uncountable number of people drawn to Jesus, conveying the overwhelming impact of His ministry. The use of "virtue" for divine power is a form of **Metonymy**, where a quality (virtue) stands for the inherent power or essence of Jesus' being. The act of "touching him" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just physical contact but an act of desperate faith and belief in Jesus' healing capacity, a tangible expression of their desire to connect with the source of power. The complete healing of "them all" is an example of **Totalization**, stressing the comprehensive and absolute nature of Jesus' power and compassion, leaving no one untouched by His restorative work. This scene also serves as a **Theophany**, a visible manifestation of God's presence and power, as Jesus' healing acts reveal His divine nature and authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:19 provides a profound theological statement about the person and power of Jesus Christ. It unequivocally asserts His divine authority over all sickness and disease, portraying Him as the ultimate source of healing and wholeness. The "virtue" emanating from Him is not a limited resource but an inexhaustible wellspring of divine _dynamis_, demonstrating that His power is inherent, not derived. This passage underscores God's active involvement in human suffering, revealing a compassionate God who draws near to His people in their brokenness. It also highlights the principle that while God's power is sovereign, human seeking and faith, however expressed, often precede the experience of His miraculous intervention. The universal scope of "healed them all" points to God's non-discriminatory love and His desire for the complete restoration of humanity, foreshadowing the comprehensive nature of salvation offered through Christ.

* [Mark 5:30](/mark/5-30 "Mark 5:30 - Jesus Perceives Power Gone Out") – Jesus perceives that "virtue" (dynamis) has gone out of Him when the woman with the issue of blood touches His garment, paralleling the concept of power emanating from Him.
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus with Power") – Peter preaches that "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power [dynamis]: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him," affirming the divine source of Jesus' healing ministry.
* [Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16-17 "Matthew 8:16-17 - Jesus Heals Many and Fulfills Prophecy") – This passage describes Jesus healing "all that were sick" and explicitly links His healing ministry to the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:4, "Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:19 offers enduring encouragement and a profound challenge for contemporary believers. It reminds us that Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever, possesses an inexhaustible wellspring of divine power, a "virtue" capable of addressing every human need—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Just as the multitude in Luke's day pressed in to touch Him, we are invited to draw near to Christ with expectant faith, believing that His power is still available to heal, restore, and make whole. This passage calls us to move beyond passive observation to active seeking, to bring our deepest needs and our most desperate prayers before the One who has demonstrated boundless compassion and unlimited capacity to heal "all." It compels us to trust in His sovereignty and goodness, even when healing manifests in ways we don't anticipate, knowing that His ultimate purpose is our wholeness in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the "whole multitude sought to touch him" reveal about the nature of human desperation and the hope that Jesus inspires?**
* **How does the concept of "virtue" (divine power) going out from Jesus inform your understanding of His person and ministry?**
* **In what areas of your life—physical, emotional, or spiritual—are you currently seeking Jesus' "virtue" to bring healing and wholeness?**
* **How does the fact that Jesus "healed them all" deepen your trust in His compassion and willingness to meet your needs?**

### FAQ
**What does "virtue" mean in this verse, and is it different from moral virtue?**

Answer: In Luke 6:19, "virtue" (Greek: _dýnamis_, G1411) does not refer to moral excellence or goodness in the way we typically use the word "virtue" today. Instead, it signifies inherent power, strength, or miraculous ability. It's the same root word from which we get "dynamic" or "dynamite." In this context, it describes a tangible, divine energy or force that emanated from Jesus, enabling Him to perform miracles and heal. It underscores that Jesus' healing was not merely a psychological effect but a supernatural outflow of His divine nature, as seen also in [Mark 5:30](/mark/5-30 "Mark 5:30 - Jesus Perceives Power Gone Out") when He perceived that "virtue is gone out of me" after the woman with the issue of blood touched His garment.

**Why did the multitude seek to "touch" Jesus for healing?**

Answer: The act of "touching" Jesus was a common expression of faith and desperation in the ancient world, reflecting a belief that physical contact with a holy or powerful person could transmit healing or blessing. In the Gospels, touching is often a conduit for Jesus' power, as seen in numerous healing accounts. It symbolized a tangible connection to the source of power and a deep conviction in His ability to heal. For the multitude, it was an active step of faith, however rudimentary, demonstrating their belief that proximity to Jesus and physical contact would bring the desired restoration. This is similar to the woman with the issue of blood who believed that merely touching Jesus' garment would make her well ([Luke 8:44](/luke/8-44 "Luke 8:44 - Woman Touches Jesus' Garment")).

**Does Jesus still heal today, and how can we experience His "virtue"?**

Answer: Yes, the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")). His power and compassion are undiminished. While physical healing may not always manifest in the exact same way as in the Gospels, God continues to heal through various means, including medical science, prayer, and miraculous intervention according to His sovereign will. We can experience His "virtue" by drawing near to Him in faith through prayer, studying His Word, participating in Christian community, and trusting in His unfailing love and power for our holistic well-being—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. The ultimate healing He offers is spiritual transformation and eternal life, which is available to all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:19, with its vivid portrayal of Jesus' boundless healing power, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in physical restoration but in the comprehensive salvation He accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection. The "virtue" (Greek: _dýnamis_) that flowed from Jesus to heal every physical ailment foreshadows the infinitely greater power that flowed from Him on the cross to heal the deepest spiritual malady of humanity: sin. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would bear our sicknesses and carry our pains ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - He Bore Our Sicknesses")), a prophecy Matthew explicitly connects to Jesus' healing ministry ([Matthew 8:17](/matthew/8-17 "Matthew 8:17 - Jesus Fulfills Isaiah's Prophecy")). However, the ultimate fulfillment of this bearing of infirmities is found in His atoning sacrifice, where "by whose stripes ye were healed" ([1-peter/2-24](/1-peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")), referring primarily to spiritual healing from sin. Jesus, the Great Physician, did not just mend broken bodies; He came to reconcile broken humanity to a holy God, offering eternal wholeness. His earthly ministry of healing was a tangible signpost, pointing to His ultimate mission to conquer sin, death, and the devil, thereby offering a more profound and lasting healing for the human soul. The comprehensive healing of "them all" in Luke 6:19 is a beautiful microcosm of the universal scope of the gospel, inviting all people to come to the One who has power to save and to make all things new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Make All Things New")).

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 14:36

And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Mark 3:10

For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.

Acts 5:15

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

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.

Mark 6:56

And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

Mark 5:30

And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

Matthew 9:20

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind [him], and touched the hem of his garment: