Luke 9:39

KJV

And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, lo {G2400}, a spirit {G4151} taketh {G2983} him {G846}, and {G2532} he suddenly {G1810} crieth out {G2896}; and {G2532} it teareth {G4682} him {G846} that he foameth {G876} again {G3326}, and {G2532} bruising {G4937} him {G846} hardly {G3425} departeth {G672} from {G575} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What happens is this: a spirit seizes him, and suddenly it lets out a shriek and throws him into convulsions with foaming at the mouth; and only with difficulty will it leave him. It’s destroying him!

Berean Standard Bible

A spirit keeps seizing him, and he screams abruptly. It throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It keeps mauling him and rarely departs from him.

American Standard Version

and behold, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth, and it hardly departeth from him, bruising him sorely.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:39 offers a harrowing depiction of a young boy's torment under the oppressive grip of a demonic spirit, encountered by the disciples immediately following Jesus' Transfiguration. The verse vividly portrays the spirit's violent manifestations—sudden cries, convulsive tearing, foaming at the mouth, and severe bruising—culminating in its difficult and reluctant departure, underscoring the intense suffering inflicted and the formidable nature of the spiritual battle at hand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a pivotal narrative in Luke's Gospel, occurring immediately after Jesus' glorious [transfiguration on the mountain](/luke/9-28-36 "Luke 9:28-36 - The Transfiguration of Jesus"). While Jesus, Peter, James, and John were experiencing a profound revelation of divine glory, the other disciples remained below, confronted by a desperate father whose son was afflicted by a demonic spirit. Luke 9:39 specifically details the boy's severe symptoms, setting the stage for the disciples' inability to cast out the demon (as revealed in [Luke 9:40](/luke/9-40 "Luke 9:40 - Disciples' Failure to Cast Out the Demon")) and Jesus' subsequent powerful intervention. This juxtaposition of divine glory and intense demonic suffering highlights the stark contrast between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness, emphasizing the urgent need for Christ's authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, afflictions such as those described in Luke 9:39 were often attributed to demonic possession. While modern medicine might diagnose some of these symptoms as epilepsy or other neurological conditions, the worldview of the time understood them as direct manifestations of malevolent spiritual entities. The Jewish people, particularly, had a strong belief in the existence of demons and their capacity to torment individuals. Exorcism was practiced, though often with limited success by those without divine authority. This cultural understanding informs the narrative, presenting the boy's suffering not merely as a physical ailment but as a spiritual bondage requiring supernatural deliverance. The public nature of such afflictions also brought shame and ostracization upon the afflicted and their families.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 9:39 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Demonic Oppression and the Reality of Evil**, showcasing the destructive power of spiritual forces that seek to enslave and harm humanity. The vivid description emphasizes the tangible suffering caused by these unseen entities. Furthermore, it sets the stage for the theme of **Christ's Supreme Authority Over All Powers**, as the disciples' failure to deliver the boy (mentioned in [Luke 9:40](/luke/9-40 "Luke 9:40 - Disciples' Failure to Cast Out the Demon")) contrasts sharply with Jesus' immediate and effortless command over the spirit in [Luke 9:42](/luke/9-42 "Luke 9:42 - Jesus Heals the Boy"). This event serves as a powerful demonstration that only Christ possesses the ultimate power to conquer the forces of darkness, fulfilling the prophecies of a Messiah who would [destroy the works of the devil](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, meaning "a current of air, i.e. breath... by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul... or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit." In this context, _pneûma_ clearly denotes a malevolent, superhuman entity—an evil spirit or demon—that has taken possession of the boy, indicating an external, intelligent, and hostile force.
* **teareth (Greek, _sparássō'_):** From G4682, meaning "to mangle, i.e. convulse with epilepsy." This word vividly describes the violent, convulsive seizures inflicted upon the boy by the spirit. It conveys a sense of tearing, rending, or violent agitation, emphasizing the severe physical distress and lack of control experienced by the victim.
* **bruising (Greek, _syntríbō'_):** From G4937, meaning "to crush completely, i.e. to shatter (literally or figuratively)." This term highlights the severe physical impact of the spirit's attacks, suggesting that the boy was being crushed or severely injured by the force of the convulsions. It underscores the destructive and debilitating nature of the demonic oppression, leaving the boy physically battered.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, lo, a spirit taketh him":** This opening clause immediately draws attention to the supernatural cause of the boy's affliction. The interjection "lo" (Greek: _idoú_) serves to emphasize the sudden and dramatic nature of the spirit's manifestation. The word "taketh" (Greek: _lambánō_) implies a forceful seizure or capture, indicating that the spirit has gained control over the boy, possessing him against his will.
* **"and he suddenly crieth out":** This describes the immediate and involuntary reaction of the boy to the spirit's onset. The "suddenly" (Greek: _exaíphnēs_) highlights the abruptness and unexpectedness of the attacks, while "crieth out" (Greek: _krázō_) suggests a loud, perhaps agonizing, scream or shriek, indicative of intense pain or terror.
* **"and it teareth him that he foameth again":** This clause vividly portrays the violent physical symptoms. "Teareth him" (Greek: _sparássō_) describes severe, convulsive movements, akin to epileptic seizures, where the body is violently contorted. The phrase "that he foameth again" (Greek: _aphrós_ with _metá_) describes frothing at the mouth, a common symptom associated with such intense convulsions, further emphasizing the severity and visible distress of the boy's condition.
* **"and bruising him hardly departeth from him":** This final part of the verse reveals the spirit's destructive impact and its stubborn resistance to leaving. "Bruising him" (Greek: _syntríbō_) indicates that the violent tearing and convulsions are causing physical injury, leaving the boy battered and wounded. The phrase "hardly departeth from him" (Greek: _mógis apochōréō_) signifies that the spirit leaves with great difficulty and reluctance, suggesting a powerful and tenacious hold, and hinting at the immense spiritual power required to dislodge it.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:39 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the intense suffering and the formidable nature of the demonic affliction. **Vivid Imagery** is paramount, as the description of the boy's "suddenly crieth out," "teareth him," "foameth again," and "bruising him" creates a graphic and disturbing mental picture of his torment. This sensory detail immerses the reader in the horrific reality of the situation. The use of **Pathos** is strong, as the detailed account of the boy's suffering evokes deep pity and sympathy from the audience, highlighting the tragic consequences of spiritual bondage. Furthermore, the passage uses **Personification** by attributing deliberate, violent actions ("taketh," "teareth," "bruising," "departeth") to the "spirit," emphasizing its malevolent agency and intelligent will rather than simply describing an impersonal force. The phrase "hardly departeth from him" also suggests a **Struggle** or **Conflict**, personifying the spirit's reluctance to release its victim, thereby underscoring the spiritual battle at play.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:39 is a stark reminder of the reality and destructive power of evil in the world, manifesting not only spiritually but also with tangible physical and emotional consequences. It underscores the biblical truth that humanity is vulnerable to spiritual forces of darkness, which seek to oppress and destroy. This verse sets the stage for the demonstration of Christ's unparalleled authority over all such powers, highlighting that true deliverance comes only through Him. It calls believers to acknowledge the spiritual dimension of suffering and to rely fully on the sovereign power of God, who alone can overcome the works of the enemy. The inability of the disciples to cast out this spirit, as seen in the subsequent verses, serves to magnify Christ's unique dominion and the necessity of His direct intervention.

* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")
* [James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil")
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober, Be Vigilant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:39 confronts us with the raw reality of spiritual warfare and the profound suffering it can inflict. In a world that often seeks purely naturalistic explanations for all phenomena, this passage challenges us to consider the spiritual dimension of human experience, including affliction. It reminds us that not all suffering is merely physical or psychological; some may indeed have spiritual roots, requiring spiritual solutions. For believers, this verse serves as a powerful call to humility and dependence on Christ. Just as the disciples found themselves powerless in the face of this particular evil, we too will encounter situations beyond our own strength or understanding. It compels us to cultivate a deeper faith, to rely not on our own abilities or methods, but on the supreme authority of Jesus Christ, who has already triumphed over all the powers of darkness. Our response to such overwhelming challenges should be to turn to Him in fervent prayer and unwavering trust, knowing that He alone possesses the power to deliver and heal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vivid description of the boy's suffering in Luke 9:39 challenge or confirm your understanding of spiritual warfare?**
* **In what areas of your life or the world around you do you perceive the destructive influence of spiritual forces, and how does this verse encourage you to respond?**
* **Considering the disciples' initial failure and Jesus' subsequent intervention, what does this passage teach you about the limits of human ability and the absolute necessity of Christ's power in spiritual battles?**

### FAQ
**Was the boy in Luke 9:39 suffering from epilepsy or demonic possession?**

Answer: While the symptoms described in Luke 9:39—convulsions, foaming at the mouth, sudden cries, and bruising—are consistent with what modern medicine would diagnose as epileptic seizures, the biblical narrative explicitly attributes the affliction to a "spirit" (Greek: _pneûma_), which is clearly understood as a malevolent, demonic entity. In the ancient world, there was no sharp distinction between physical illness and spiritual oppression; many conditions were seen as the direct result of demonic activity. The text presents this as a case of genuine demonic possession, where a spiritual entity was causing physical manifestations. Jesus' subsequent interaction confirms this, as He commands the spirit to leave, not merely healing a physical ailment. This highlights the comprehensive nature of Christ's power, extending over both physical infirmity and spiritual bondage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:39, with its stark portrayal of demonic oppression, powerfully sets the stage for the ultimate display of Christ's redemptive work. The boy's torment—the sudden cries, the violent tearing, the foaming, and the bruising—is a visceral illustration of the devastating effects of sin and the dominion of Satan over humanity. In this context, Jesus' intervention (though detailed in subsequent verses) is not merely a miraculous healing but a profound demonstration of His messianic authority. He is the one who has come to [destroy the works of the devil](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil"), to liberate those held captive by the enemy. The Cross, though not explicitly mentioned here, is the ultimate fulfillment of this power, where Christ, through His death and resurrection, disarmed and triumphed over all spiritual principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He became flesh and blood so that through death He might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Thus, the deliverance of the boy in Luke 9:39 foreshadows the complete and final victory of Christ over all evil, offering hope and freedom to all who are oppressed by the powers of darkness.

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 9:26

And [the spirit] cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

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 9:20

And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

Mark 5:4

Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any [man] tame him.

Mark 5:5

And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

Luke 8:29

(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

Revelation 9:11

And they had a king over them, [which is] the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon.