Luke 9:42

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:42 presents a powerful display of Jesus' inherent authority and profound compassion, occurring immediately after His Transfiguration. As Jesus descends from the mountain, He encounters a boy suffering from severe demonic oppression, whom His disciples had been unable to heal. In a dramatic confrontation, the evil spirit unleashes a final, violent attack on the child, but Jesus swiftly and authoritatively rebukes the demon, completely healing the boy and fully restoring him to his father. This pivotal moment underscores Christ's absolute dominion over spiritual forces and His holistic redemptive power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This miraculous healing occurs at a critical juncture in Luke's Gospel, directly following the [Transfiguration of Jesus](/luke/9-28-36 "Luke 9:28-36 - The Transfiguration of Jesus"). Jesus, Peter, James, and John descend from the mountain to find the remaining disciples in a state of helplessness, unable to cast out a demon from a boy brought to them by his desperate father ([Luke 9:37-40](/luke/9-37-40 "Luke 9:37-40 - Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy")). The father's lament and the disciples' failure set the stage for Jesus' immediate and decisive intervention, highlighting His unique authority compared to His followers at this stage of their training. The event also serves as a stark contrast to the glory witnessed on the mountain, immediately plunging Jesus back into the reality of human suffering and spiritual warfare, emphasizing the practical outworking of His divine power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st-century Jewish world, illnesses and afflictions were often attributed to demonic influence, and exorcism was a recognized practice, though often performed with incantations or rituals. This cultural understanding meant that a demon-possessed individual was not merely sick but under the direct, malevolent control of an evil spirit, leading to social stigma and isolation for the afflicted and their families. The failure of the disciples would have been a significant public embarrassment, further emphasizing the perceived power of the demon and the inadequacy of human efforts. Jesus' method, however, was distinct: He did not use elaborate rituals but commanded with inherent authority, demonstrating a new paradigm of spiritual power that transcended contemporary practices and expectations. The public setting of this encounter, as Jesus descends from the mountain, would have amplified the impact of both the disciples' failure and Jesus' subsequent triumph.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 9:42 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it emphatically demonstrates [Jesus' absolute authority](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Jesus' Authority Over Demons") over all spiritual forces, a theme consistently highlighted from the beginning of His ministry. Unlike the disciples, Jesus' command is immediate and effective, showcasing His divine nature and inherent power. Secondly, the passage underscores the [destructive reality of spiritual warfare](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare"), portraying the physical and emotional devastation caused by demonic oppression. The boy's violent convulsions ("threw him down, and tare him") vividly illustrate the tangible suffering inflicted by evil. Finally, the verse profoundly illustrates [Jesus' compassion and His mission of holistic restoration](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement"). He doesn't merely cast out the demon but also "healed the child, and delivered him again to his father," signifying a complete restoration of the child's physical well-being, his family relationship, and his dignity. This holistic approach is central to Luke's portrayal of Jesus' ministry, which consistently emphasizes care for the marginalized and afflicted.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **devil (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term (G1140) refers to a demonic being, an evil spirit. In this context, it highlights the malevolent, supernatural entity directly responsible for the boy's suffering. It is not merely an illness but an active, personal force of evil.
* **rebuked (Greek, _epitimáō'_):** The verb (G2008) signifies a strong, authoritative command or censure, often used by Jesus to silence or control supernatural forces or even natural elements. It denotes an exercise of inherent power and authority, not a request or an appeal, but a direct order that must be obeyed.
* **healed (Greek, _iáomai'_):** This word (G2390) means to cure or make whole, whether literally (physically) or figuratively. Here, it emphasizes the complete restoration of the child's physical health and well-being after the demon's departure, signifying Jesus' power to bring about not just deliverance but also full recovery.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as he was yet a coming":** This clause sets the scene, indicating that the dramatic event unfolds immediately as Jesus and His inner circle descend from the Mount of Transfiguration and approach the crowd where the other disciples and the afflicted boy are waiting. It highlights the immediacy of the confrontation.
* **"the devil threw him down, and tare [him]":** This vivid description portrays the demon's final, violent, and desperate act of resistance as Jesus approaches. The Greek words convey a sense of being "thrown down" (G4486, _rhḗgnymi_) and "torn" or "convulsed violently" (G4952, _sysparássō_), indicating severe physical spasms, seizures, and a last-ditch attempt by the evil spirit to maintain its hold and inflict maximal damage.
* **"And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit":** This is the pivotal moment of divine intervention. Jesus does not engage in a struggle or a lengthy ritual but speaks a direct, authoritative command (G2008, _epitimáō_) to the "unclean spirit" (G169, _akáthartos_ G4151, _pneûma_). This terse command demonstrates His absolute and inherent dominion over all demonic forces, which must obey His voice.
* **"and healed the child":** Following the demon's expulsion, Jesus immediately addresses the physical aftermath of the oppression. The healing (G2390, _iáomai_) is not a separate act of compassion but an integral part of the deliverance, signifying a complete restoration of the boy's health, which had been ravaged by the demonic presence.
* **"and delivered him again to his father":** This final phrase emphasizes the holistic nature of Jesus' work. Beyond spiritual deliverance and physical healing, Jesus restores the child to his rightful place within his family (G3816, _paîs_ G3962, _patḗr_). The word "delivered" (G591, _apodídōmi_) implies giving back or restoring, highlighting the reestablishment of normal life and relationship, a powerful testament to Jesus' compassion and the completeness of His redemptive work.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:42 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The narrative uses **Contrast** to highlight Jesus' supreme authority against the backdrop of the disciples' impotence. The demon's violent, convulsive actions against the boy are sharply contrasted with Jesus' calm, authoritative rebuke, emphasizing the qualitative difference in their power. **Dramatic Irony** is present as the disciples, fresh from their own successful exorcisms (Luke 9:1), are now unable to cast out this particular demon, setting the stage for Jesus to demonstrate His unique power. The boy's suffering, described with visceral detail ("threw him down, and tare him"), serves as **Pathos**, evoking strong empathy and underscoring the severity of the demonic oppression and the profound need for divine intervention. Finally, the entire scene functions as **Symbolism**, with the demon representing the forces of evil and chaos that afflict humanity, and Jesus' swift, complete victory symbolizing His ultimate triumph over all forms of darkness and His ability to bring comprehensive restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:42 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christ's power and His redemptive mission. It unequivocally asserts Jesus' absolute sovereignty over the spiritual realm, demonstrating that He is not merely a healer or a prophet, but the Son of God with inherent authority to command even the most violent of evil spirits. This event underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the tangible suffering it inflicts, while simultaneously offering the hope of complete deliverance and restoration through Christ. Jesus' holistic approach—rebuking the spirit, healing the body, and restoring family relationships—reveals His compassion and His desire for humanity's total well-being, reflecting the comprehensive nature of His salvation.

* [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits"): "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."
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus' Ministry of Healing and Deliverance"): "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."
* [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Purpose of Christ's Coming"): "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:42 offers powerful reassurance and a vital lesson for believers navigating a world still marked by suffering and spiritual opposition. This passage reminds us that no situation, however dire, violent, or seemingly insurmountable, lies beyond the reach of Jesus' power and compassion. When we encounter personal struggles, spiritual attacks, or the suffering of loved ones that defy human solutions or leave us feeling helpless, this account calls us to turn to Christ, who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth. His immediate and complete intervention for the boy demonstrates that He is not only able to deliver from spiritual bondage but also to bring holistic healing and restoration to every aspect of our lives—physical, emotional, and relational. It encourages us to approach Him with unwavering faith, knowing that His desire is to bring wholeness and peace, even in the face of the enemy's most violent assaults.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' immediate and authoritative response to the demon's attack challenge my understanding of His power in the face of overwhelming difficulties?**
* **In what areas of my life or the lives of those I care about do I need to trust Jesus for complete healing and restoration, beyond just deliverance from immediate problems?**
* **Considering the disciples' failure before Jesus' intervention, what does this passage teach me about the limits of human effort versus the necessity of divine power in spiritual matters?**

### FAQ

**Why did the demon throw the boy down and tear him as Jesus approached?**

Answer: The demon's violent reaction—throwing the boy down and causing him to convulse ("tare him")—was a desperate, last-ditch act of resistance against Jesus' approaching presence and authority. It was a final display of its malevolent power and a futile attempt to maintain its hold on the child before being expelled. This dramatic outburst serves to highlight the severity of the demonic oppression and to underscore the immense power of Jesus, before whom even the most entrenched evil spirits must ultimately yield. It is a common pattern in the Gospels for demons to react violently when confronted by Christ's divine authority, as seen in other exorcism accounts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:42 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the broader redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who came to destroy the works of the devil and establish His kingdom. The dramatic deliverance of the boy from demonic oppression foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over the powers of darkness, sin, and death. Just as Jesus decisively "rebuked the unclean spirit" and brought complete restoration to the child, so too did He, through His death and resurrection, triumph over all principalities and powers, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). His healing of the boy's physical body points to His role as the Great Physician who heals not only our spiritual brokenness but also our physical infirmities, and ultimately promises a resurrected, perfected body ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Our Transformed Bodies")). Furthermore, by "delivering him again to his father," Jesus demonstrates His mission to reconcile humanity to God, our heavenly Father, restoring broken relationships and bringing us into His family through adoption ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption as Sons")). This single act of deliverance in Luke 9:42 is a microcosm of the comprehensive redemption that Christ accomplished for all who believe, overcoming the enemy and bringing us into abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Christ's Purpose for Abundant Life")).

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

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.