Luke 9:42

And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare [him]. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

And {G1161} as he {G846} was {G4334} yet {G2089} a coming {G4334}, the devil {G1140} threw {G4486} him {G846} down {G4486}, and {G2532} tare {G4952} him. And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} rebuked {G2008} the unclean {G169} spirit {G4151}, and {G2532} healed {G2390} the child {G3816}, and {G2532} delivered {G591} him {G846} again {G591} to his {G846} father {G3962}.

Even as the boy was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground and threw him into a fit. But Yeshua rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father.

Even while the boy was approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.

And as he was yet a coming, the demon dashed him down, and tare him grievously. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.

Luke 9:42 vividly captures a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, immediately following His glorious Transfiguration. This verse highlights Jesus' undeniable authority over evil, His deep compassion, and His power to bring complete restoration to those suffering from demonic oppression.

Context

This dramatic encounter takes place as Jesus descends from the Mount of Transfiguration, where He had revealed His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. Upon their return, they find the other disciples struggling to cast out a demon from a boy who was suffering violent seizures. The father had brought his son to the disciples, but they were unable to heal him (Luke 9:40). This failure underscores the severity of the demonic influence and sets the stage for Jesus' powerful intervention, demonstrating that His authority far surpasses that of His followers at this point.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Unrivaled Authority Over Evil: As the boy is brought near, the devil unleashes one final, violent attack, throwing him down and causing severe convulsions ("tare him"). Jesus' response is not one of struggle or incantation but a simple, authoritative "rebuked the unclean spirit." This immediate and powerful command demonstrates His inherent and absolute dominion over all demonic forces, a consistent theme throughout His ministry (Luke 4:36).
  • The Destructive Reality of Demonic Oppression: The description of the boy being "thrown down" and "torn" (from the Greek synesparaxen, indicating violent convulsions or spasms) vividly portrays the physical and spiritual devastation caused by demonic influence. It serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual warfare that exists and the tangible suffering it can inflict.
  • Compassion and Complete Restoration: Beyond merely expelling the demon, Jesus "healed the child, and delivered him again to his father." This act signifies a holistic restoration—not just freedom from the evil spirit, but also physical healing and the restoration of the child's well-being and his relationship with his father. It underscores Jesus' profound compassion for the afflicted and His desire to bring wholeness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "rebuked" is epetimēsen (ἐπετίμησεν), which carries a strong connotation of an authoritative command, often used when Jesus silences or controls natural forces or demonic powers. It's the same authoritative word used when Jesus rebuked the wind and waves, causing them to cease (Luke 8:24). The term "unclean spirit" (pneuma akatharton) emphasizes the defiling and impure nature of these evil entities.

Practical Application

Luke 9:42 offers profound reassurance and a powerful lesson for believers today. It reminds us that no situation, no matter how dire or seemingly insurmountable, is beyond Jesus' power. When we face challenges—whether personal struggles, spiritual attacks, or the suffering of loved ones—that seem to defy human solutions, this verse encourages us to turn to Christ, who possesses all authority. His compassion extends to every area of our lives, and He is able to bring not just relief, but complete healing and restoration. This account powerfully illustrates Christ's purpose to give abundant life, overcoming the destructive work of the enemy.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 7:15

    And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

  • Revelation 12:12

    ¶ Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

  • Mark 1:26

    And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

  • Mark 1:27

    And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine [is] this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

  • 2 Kings 4:36

    And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.

  • Luke 9:39

    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.

  • 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.

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