Mark 1:32

KJV

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} at {G1096} even {G3798}, when {G3753} the sun {G2246} did set {G1416}, they brought {G5342} unto {G4314} him {G846} all {G3956} that were {G2192} diseased {G2560}, and {G2532} them that were possessed with devils {G1139}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That evening after sundown, they brought to Yeshua all who were ill or held in the power of demons,

Berean Standard Bible

That evening, after sunset, people brought to Jesus all who were sick and demon-possessed,

American Standard Version

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were sick, and them that were possessed with demons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:32 vividly portrays the immense popular response to Jesus's early ministry in Capernaum. Following a day of authoritative teaching and miraculous healings, the entire town converged upon Him at sunset, bringing all who suffered from physical ailments and demonic oppression. This scene powerfully underscores Jesus's divine authority over sickness and evil spirits, His boundless compassion for humanity, and the desperate need for His transformative power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a whirlwind day of ministry for Jesus in Capernaum. Mark's Gospel emphasizes Jesus's authority from the outset, first through His teaching in the synagogue, which astonished the crowds because He taught "as one that had authority, and not as the scribes" ([Mark 1:22](/mark/1-22 "Mark 1:22 - Jesus's Authoritative Teaching")). This was swiftly followed by the dramatic exorcism of an unclean spirit in the synagogue, further solidifying His unique power and spreading His fame "immediately throughout all the region round about Galilee" ([Mark 1:28](/mark/1-28 "Mark 1:28 - Jesus Casts Out an Unclean Spirit")). Directly before the scene in verse 32, Jesus had moved from the synagogue to Simon Peter's house, where He healed Peter's mother-in-law of a fever, who then immediately served them ([Mark 1:29-31](/mark/1-29-31 "Mark 1:29-31 - Healing Peter's Mother-in-Law")). Thus, Mark 1:32 is the culmination of a day marked by extraordinary displays of divine power, setting the stage for the widespread public demand for Jesus's healing touch.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "at even, when the sun did set" is crucial for understanding the timing of this event. In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath day officially ended at sunset on Saturday. During the Sabbath, strict prohibitions were in place against various forms of work, including carrying burdens, traveling long distances, and engaging in certain types of healing, particularly if it was not life-threatening. The people of Capernaum, respecting these Mosaic laws, waited until the Sabbath formally concluded before bringing their sick and demon-possessed loved ones to Jesus. This demonstrates their deep reverence for the law, even as their desperate need and burgeoning faith in Jesus's power compelled them to act the moment it was permissible. Capernaum itself was a bustling fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, a strategic location that allowed news of Jesus's miracles to spread rapidly throughout the region.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 1:32 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus's Unrivaled Authority** over all forms of suffering, whether physical illness or spiritual oppression. The sheer number of people brought to Him testifies to a widespread recognition of His unique power, far surpassing that of any conventional healer or religious leader. Secondly, the verse underscores **Jesus's Profound Compassion** for humanity. Despite an undoubtedly exhausting day of ministry, Jesus does not turn anyone away, demonstrating His tireless willingness to minister to the desperate and suffering. This aligns with the broader theme of Jesus's ministry as one of mercy and restoration, as seen in other healing narratives throughout [Mark's Gospel](/mark/1 "The Gospel of Mark"). Thirdly, the specific timing of the event, at the **End of the Sabbath**, subtly introduces the theme of Jesus's relationship to the Mosaic Law. While the people waited for the Sabbath to end, Jesus would later challenge rigid interpretations of Sabbath laws, asserting that "the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - The Sabbath Made for Man")). Finally, the explicit mention of "them that were possessed with devils" affirms the **Reality of Spiritual Warfare** and Jesus's absolute dominion over demonic forces, a recurring motif in Mark's portrayal of Jesus as the strong man who binds the strong man ([Mark 3:27](/mark/3-27 "Mark 3:27 - Binding the Strong Man")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **even (Greek, _ópsios'_):** This word refers to the late part of the day, specifically the afternoon or nightfall. Its use here precisely marks the transition from the Sabbath day to the new day, indicating the cultural and religious significance of the timing. The people waited until the Sabbath officially ended at sunset to bring their sick, demonstrating their adherence to the law before seeking Jesus's healing.
* **diseased (Greek, _kakōs'_):** Literally meaning "badly" or "grievously," this adverb describes the state of those who were suffering physically. It encompasses a wide range of ailments, from minor sicknesses to severe illnesses, indicating the comprehensive nature of the suffering brought to Jesus. This term highlights the pervasive human experience of physical brokenness that Jesus came to address.
* **possessed with devils (Greek, _daimonízomai'_):** This term, a middle voice form, means "to be exercised by a daemon" or "to be under the influence of demons." It distinctly refers to individuals afflicted by evil spirits, differentiating their condition from purely physical illnesses. The presence of such individuals underscores the spiritual battle Jesus was engaged in, demonstrating His authority not only over physical ailments but also over the forces of darkness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at even, when the sun did set":** This phrase establishes the precise timing of the event, marking the end of the Sabbath day. It signifies the moment when Jewish law permitted activities like carrying the sick and seeking healing, which were restricted on the Sabbath. This detail highlights the people's respect for the law even as their desperation for Jesus's power grew.
* **"they brought unto him all that were diseased":** This clause describes the general populace bringing those suffering from various physical ailments to Jesus. The word "all" (Greek, _pâs_) suggests a vast multitude, indicating the widespread nature of sickness and the collective hope placed in Jesus as the Great Healer. It emphasizes the comprehensive scope of Jesus's healing ministry.
* **"and them that were possessed with devils":** This second category of individuals brought to Jesus specifically refers to those afflicted by demonic forces. This inclusion underscores Jesus's unique authority over the spiritual realm, distinguishing Him from ordinary healers. It highlights the dual nature of human suffering—physical and spiritual—both of which Jesus came to conquer.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 1:32 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils," suggesting that virtually the entire town, or at least a significant portion, gathered at Peter's door. This exaggeration emphasizes the overwhelming need and the widespread recognition of Jesus's power. **Symbolism** is present in the "sunset," which not only marks the end of the Sabbath but also metaphorically represents the dawning of a new era—one where the light of Christ's healing and deliverance breaks through the darkness of human suffering and spiritual oppression. The vivid imagery of the crowd converging on Jesus's location creates a sense of **Urgency** and **Drama**, highlighting the immediate and pressing demand for His ministry. Furthermore, the **Juxtaposition** of physical illness ("diseased") and spiritual affliction ("possessed with devils") underscores the comprehensive nature of Jesus's redemptive work, demonstrating His authority over both the material and immaterial realms of human existence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:32 serves as a powerful testament to Jesus's multifaceted ministry, revealing Him as the divine physician and deliverer. It underscores the pervasive brokenness of humanity—both physically and spiritually—and highlights the desperate need for a Savior who possesses ultimate authority over all forms of suffering and evil. The scene demonstrates Jesus's boundless compassion, as He tirelessly ministers to the masses, embodying God's loving desire to restore and heal His creation. This gathering at sunset also foreshadows the universal appeal of the Gospel, where people from all walks of life, burdened by various afflictions, are drawn to the liberating power of Christ. It paints a picture of the kingdom of God breaking into the world, bringing light and healing to those in darkness.

* [Matthew 4:23-24](/matthew/4-23-24 "Matthew 4:23-24 - Jesus Heals Many")
* [Luke 4:40-41](/luke/4-40-41 "Luke 4:40-41 - Jesus Heals Many at Sunset")
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Mark 1:32 offers profound encouragement and a timeless invitation for believers today. Just as the people of Capernaum, burdened by every conceivable physical and spiritual ailment, flocked to Jesus, we are likewise called to bring our entire selves—our sicknesses, our anxieties, our spiritual struggles, and our deepest needs—to Him. This verse reminds us that Jesus is not only capable but also profoundly willing to meet us in our brokenness. His compassion is undiminished, and His power remains absolute. We are encouraged to approach Him with the same urgency and faith demonstrated by the crowds, knowing that no problem is too great for His healing touch and liberating power. It challenges us to reflect on areas of our lives where we might be holding back from His complete sovereignty and to consider how we might bring others, like the people of Capernaum, into His healing presence through prayer, witness, and service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "diseases" or "demons" (spiritual burdens, anxieties, or habits) in your own life or the lives of those you love do you need to bring to Jesus today?**
* **How does Jesus's tireless compassion in this verse encourage you in times of personal suffering or exhaustion?**
* **In what ways does this passage challenge your understanding of Jesus's authority over both physical and spiritual realms?**

### FAQ

**Why did the people wait until "even, when the sun did set" to bring the sick to Jesus?**

Answer: The timing was crucial because it marked the official end of the Sabbath day. According to Jewish law, many activities, including carrying burdens (like sick people) and extensive healing, were prohibited on the Sabbath. The people, out of respect for the law, waited until sunset on Saturday, when the Sabbath concluded, to bring their sick and demon-possessed loved ones to Jesus. This demonstrates their adherence to religious customs while simultaneously highlighting their urgent faith in Jesus's healing power. This detail is also seen in [Luke 4:40](/luke/4-40 "Luke 4:40 - Healing at Sunset").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:32, with its depiction of Jesus's comprehensive healing and deliverance ministry, powerfully foreshadows His ultimate redemptive work on the cross and His ongoing reign as Lord. The crowds bringing "all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils" to Jesus points to the universal scope of human brokenness—physical, spiritual, and moral—which only Christ can fully address. His power over sickness and demons in Capernaum was not merely a display of miraculous ability but a tangible manifestation of the kingdom of God breaking into a fallen world, signaling the defeat of sin, sickness, and Satan. The New Testament consistently portrays Jesus as the one who came "to destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")) and who bore our infirmities and carried our diseases ([Matthew 8:17](/matthew/8-17 "Matthew 8:17 - He Took Our Infirmities")). His healing ministry in Mark 1:32 is a microcosm of His greater mission: to offer spiritual healing and eternal life through His atoning sacrifice, ultimately conquering death itself ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, Death")). Through His resurrection, Jesus secured victory over all the powers of darkness and offers complete restoration to all who believe, fulfilling the deepest longings expressed by the desperate crowds in Capernaum.

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 8:16

When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with [his] word, and healed all that were sick:

Luke 4:40

Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

Matthew 4:24

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Mark 3:2

And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.

Mark 1:21

And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.