Luke 7:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} in {G1722} that same {G846} hour {G5610} he cured {G2323} many {G4183} of {G575} their infirmities {G3554} and {G2532} plagues {G3148}, and {G2532} of evil {G4190} spirits {G4151}; and {G2532} unto many {G4183} that were blind {G5185} he gave {G5483} sight {G991}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Right then he was healing many people of diseases, pains and evil spirits, and giving sight to many who were blind.

Berean Standard Bible

At that very hour Jesus healed many people of their diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many who were blind.

American Standard Version

In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits; and on many that were blind he bestowed sight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:21 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, demonstrating His divine authority and profound compassion through a comprehensive display of miraculous healings and exorcisms. This verse serves as Jesus' tangible, irrefutable evidence of His messianic identity, offered in direct response to the crucial inquiry from John the Baptist, thereby validating His unique role as the promised Deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Luke's narrative, immediately following John the Baptist's direct inquiry from prison: "Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?" ([Luke 7:19](/luke/7-19 "Luke 7:19 - John the Baptist's Question")). Rather than offering a simple verbal affirmation, Jesus' immediate and comprehensive response is to perform numerous powerful miracles. Luke 7:21 details these specific acts of healing and deliverance, which then form the basis of Jesus' subsequent verbal reply to John's disciples in [Luke 7:22](/luke/7-22 "Luke 7:22 - Jesus' Answer to John's Disciples"), where He explicitly references the blind seeing, the lame walking, the lepers being cleansed, the deaf hearing, the dead being raised, and the poor having the gospel preached to them. Thus, [Luke 7:21](/luke/7-21 "Luke 7:21 - Jesus' Miracles as Proof") is not merely a description of Jesus' power but an integral part of His messianic self-disclosure, providing irrefutable evidence for His identity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, the expectation of the Messiah was deeply intertwined with the prophetic promises of healing, restoration, and deliverance. Illnesses, plagues, and demonic oppression were widespread, often viewed as consequences of sin or the work of malevolent spiritual forces, leading to significant social ostracism and despair. The Jewish people eagerly awaited a Messiah who would not only deliver them politically but also bring an end to suffering and establish God's righteous kingdom. John the Baptist, despite his prophetic role, was imprisoned by Herod Antipas, a situation that might have led to questions about the nature of the Messiah's kingdom—was it purely spiritual, or would it involve earthly liberation? Jesus' actions in [Luke 7:21](/luke/7-21 "Luke 7:21 - Miracles of Healing and Deliverance") directly addressed these deeply held cultural and religious expectations, demonstrating a kingdom that had already begun to break the power of sin, sickness, and spiritual bondage.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 7:21](/luke/7-21 "Luke 7:21 - Jesus' Healing Ministry") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights Jesus' **Divine Authority and Power** over all forms of human brokenness—physical, spiritual, and emotional. His ability to cure "infirmities," "plagues," and "evil spirits," and to restore sight to the blind, showcases His comprehensive dominion. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy**. The miraculous signs Jesus performs are precisely those foretold by prophets like Isaiah, who spoke of a time when "the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped" ([Isaiah 35:5](/isaiah/35-5 "Isaiah 35:5 - The Eyes of the Blind Shall Be Opened")), and when the Spirit of the Lord would anoint one "to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind" ([Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me")). Jesus' actions are thus tangible proof that the messianic age has dawned. Lastly, the verse emphasizes Jesus' profound **Compassion and Accessibility**. His willingness to heal "many" suffering individuals, regardless of their social standing or the nature of their affliction, exemplifies His deep empathy for the afflicted and marginalized, a hallmark of His ministry throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "Luke - The Gospel of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cured (Greek, _therapeúō_):** This verb means "to wait upon menially," but specifically, in this context, "to relieve (of disease)" or "to heal." It implies a careful, attentive ministration that brings about restoration. The choice of this word emphasizes Jesus' active, compassionate engagement with the sick, not merely a detached display of power.
* **plagues (Greek, _mástix_):** Deriving from a root meaning "to whip," this term literally refers to a whip, but figuratively denotes a "scourge" or a severe, often chronic, affliction or disease. This distinguishes "plagues" from general "infirmities," highlighting the severity and often debilitating nature of the conditions Jesus healed. It suggests deep, persistent suffering.
* **evil (Greek, _ponērós_):** This adjective describes something "hurtful," "malignant," or "vicious." When applied to "spirits," it denotes malevolent, morally culpable entities that inflict harm. Jesus' authority over these "evil spirits" underscores His dominion not only over physical ailments but also over the spiritual forces of darkness that cause suffering and oppression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in that same hour he cured many of [their] infirmities and plagues,"**: This clause immediately establishes the urgency and immediacy of Jesus' healing ministry, occurring "in that same hour" as John's disciples arrived. Jesus' actions are not delayed but instantaneous, demonstrating His direct and effective power over a wide range of physical ailments, from general "infirmities" (weaknesses, sicknesses) to more severe and persistent "plagues" (scourges, chronic diseases). The healing is comprehensive, addressing various forms of physical brokenness.
* **"and of evil spirits;"**: This phrase expands the scope of Jesus' authority beyond physical maladies to include deliverance from spiritual oppression. The inclusion of "evil spirits" highlights that Jesus' power extends to the unseen realm, demonstrating His dominion over malevolent spiritual forces that afflict humanity. This aspect of His ministry was crucial in validating His messianic claims, as it showed His ability to confront and conquer the very sources of evil and suffering.
* **"and unto many [that were] blind he gave sight."**: This final clause specifically mentions the restoration of sight to the blind, a miracle with profound symbolic and prophetic significance. Blindness was a common affliction in the ancient world, and its cure was a particularly striking sign of divine intervention and messianic presence, directly fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. The verb "gave sight" (from _charízomai_, meaning "to grant as a favor, gratuitously") emphasizes that this was a gracious gift, not something earned, underscoring Jesus' benevolent and compassionate nature.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 7:21 employs several effective literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the listing of different categories of healing: "infirmities and plagues," "evil spirits," and "unto many that were blind he gave sight." This tripartite structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Jesus' power, covering physical illness, demonic oppression, and specific, prophetically significant disabilities. The phrase "many" suggests **Hyperbole**, indicating a vast number of healings, underscoring the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry and the overwhelming evidence of His divine authority. Furthermore, the act of giving sight to the blind carries profound **Symbolism**, representing not only physical restoration but also spiritual enlightenment and the opening of eyes to the truth of God's kingdom, a common motif in the Gospels.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 7:21 profoundly illustrates the inbreaking of God's kingdom through Jesus, where the forces of sickness, death, and evil are actively being overcome. Jesus' miracles are not mere acts of compassion, but powerful signs that the long-awaited era of divine intervention has arrived, demonstrating God's redemptive purpose to restore all creation. This comprehensive healing ministry reveals a God who is intimately concerned with human suffering in all its forms—physical, emotional, and spiritual—and possesses the power to address it. It affirms that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the one anointed by God to bring liberation and wholeness, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and inaugurating a new reality where God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven.

* [Matthew 11:4-5](/matthew/11-4-5 "Matthew 11:4-5 - Jesus' Answer to John's Disciples")
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and Power")
* [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - The Eyes of the Blind Shall Be Opened")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 7:21 offers enduring encouragement and a profound foundation for faith, reminding us that Jesus possesses ultimate power over every manifestation of human brokenness—whether physical ailment, mental anguish, or spiritual oppression. His compassionate ministry, marked by immediate and comprehensive healing, serves as a timeless testament to God's active desire to bring restoration and wholeness into a fractured world. For believers today, this verse affirms that the same Jesus who healed "many" in that hour is still alive, powerful, and deeply concerned with our suffering. It invites us to bring our deepest needs, our infirmities, our spiritual struggles, and our moments of despair to Him, trusting that His power and love are fully capable of addressing them, offering hope, healing, and deliverance in every circumstance. We are called to embody this same compassion in our own lives, extending care and hope to those who suffer around us, knowing that we serve a God who heals.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' response to John the Baptist's question in this verse challenge or confirm your understanding of who the Messiah is and what His kingdom entails?**
* **In what areas of your life are you experiencing "infirmities," "plagues," or the influence of "evil spirits" (in a broad sense of spiritual opposition or darkness), and how does Jesus' power in this verse offer you hope?**
* **What does Jesus' immediate and comprehensive healing of "many" teach us about His compassion and accessibility to those in need? How might this influence your approach to prayer or ministry?**

### FAQ
**Why did John the Baptist send his disciples to ask Jesus if He was "the one who was to come"?**

Answer: John the Baptist, imprisoned and facing execution, may have been experiencing a moment of doubt or seeking clarification for his disciples' sake. While John had previously identified Jesus as the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), his imprisonment and the non-political nature of Jesus' kingdom may have caused him to question if Jesus was the Messiah he expected, particularly one who would bring immediate judgment and liberation. Jesus' response in [Luke 7:21-22](/luke/7-21-22 "Luke 7:21-22 - Jesus' Miracles and Response to John") was not a rebuke but a powerful demonstration of His messianic identity through signs that directly fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, thereby offering John and his disciples clear, undeniable evidence.

**What is the distinction between "infirmities" and "plagues" as mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: In the KJV, "infirmities" (Greek: _nósos_) generally refers to illnesses, weaknesses, or sicknesses of a more general nature, encompassing various physical ailments. "Plagues" (Greek: _mástix_), on the other hand, denotes more severe, acute, or even chronic scourges or afflictions, often implying a more intense or widespread suffering. The inclusion of both terms indicates the comprehensive nature of Jesus' healing power, addressing a full spectrum of human physical suffering, from common ailments to severe, debilitating diseases.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 7:21, while a powerful demonstration of Jesus' earthly ministry, finds its deepest Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in the physical healings themselves, but in their foreshadowing of His ultimate work on the cross and His ongoing reign. The physical restoration of the blind, the sick, and the demon-possessed points to the spiritual blindness, the plague of sin, and the bondage to evil that humanity suffers. Jesus, the true Physician, came to bear our infirmities and carry our diseases ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - Bearing Our Sicknesses")), ultimately offering a cure for the deepest human malady: sin. His victory over evil spirits prefigures His triumph over Satan and death through His resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The physical sight He gave to the blind symbolizes the spiritual sight He offers to those who are spiritually blind, enabling them to perceive the truth of God's kingdom and the glory of Christ ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts")). Ultimately, Jesus' healing ministry on earth is a down payment and a promise of the complete and final healing that awaits believers in the new heavens and new earth, where there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain, for the former things will have passed away ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")), all made possible by the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 3:10

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

Hebrews 12:6

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

James 5:14

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

James 5:15

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

1 Corinthians 11:30

For this cause many [are] weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

1 Corinthians 11:32

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Psalms 90:7

¶ For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.