Mark 6:13

KJV

And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed [them].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they cast out {G1544} many {G4183} devils {G1140}, and {G2532} anointed {G218} with oil {G1637} many {G4183} that were sick {G732}, and {G2532} healed {G2323} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

they expelled many demons, and they anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

Berean Standard Bible

They also drove out many demons and healed many of the sick, anointing them with oil.

American Standard Version

And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:13 recounts the practical outworking of the disciples' delegated authority from Jesus, detailing their active ministry of deliverance and healing. Empowered by Christ, they effectively confronted demonic forces, ministered to the physically afflicted through anointing with oil, and restored health to many, thereby demonstrating the tangible arrival and compassionate power of God's kingdom in Galilee.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' commissioning of the twelve disciples, sending them out "two by two" with "authority over unclean spirits" ([Mark 6:7](/mark/6-7 "Mark 6:7 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")). Jesus also provided specific instructions regarding their conduct and reliance on God's provision, including not taking extra provisions for their journey ([Mark 6:8-9](/mark/6-8-9 "Mark 6:8-9 - Instructions for the Disciples")). The preceding verses set the stage for the disciples' first independent mission, emphasizing the divine source of their power and the nature of their itinerant ministry. [Mark 6:12](/mark/6-12 "Mark 6:12 - Disciples Preach Repentance") notes that "they went out and preached that people should repent," and [Mark 6:13](/mark/6-13 "Mark 6:13 - Disciples' Ministry") then illustrates the miraculous signs that accompanied their preaching, confirming their message and demonstrating the kingdom's in-breaking power. This passage serves as a pivotal moment, showcasing the expansion of Jesus' ministry through His empowered followers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Galilee, disease and demonic oppression were widespread and often intertwined in popular understanding. Illness was frequently attributed to spiritual causes or seen as a sign of divine displeasure. Exorcism and healing were not uncommon practices, but the authority and efficacy demonstrated by Jesus and now by His disciples were distinct. The anointing with oil was a common practice in the ancient world, used for medicinal purposes (e.g., soothing wounds, [Luke 10:34](/luke/10-34 "Luke 10:34 - The Good Samaritan")), hygienic purposes, and ceremonial or symbolic acts. In a religious context, oil could symbolize consecration, blessing, or the presence of the Holy Spirit. The disciples' use of oil for the sick, in conjunction with their prayers and the power given by Jesus, likely carried both a practical and a profound spiritual significance, aligning with the holistic approach to human suffering prevalent in Jesus' own ministry.
* **Key Themes:** [Mark 6:13](/mark/6-13 "Mark 6:13 - Disciples' Ministry") powerfully illustrates several key themes central to Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **delegated authority and power** of Jesus. The disciples' ability to perform miracles is not inherent but flows directly from the commission given by Christ, emphasizing His supreme authority over all creation, including spiritual forces and physical ailments. Secondly, the verse underscores the **holistic nature of God's kingdom ministry**, which addresses both spiritual and physical brokenness. The casting out of demons signifies the triumph of God's reign over the forces of evil, while healing the sick demonstrates divine compassion and restoration. This dual emphasis reflects the comprehensive salvation offered by the gospel. Finally, the passage reinforces the theme of **active demonstration of faith and obedience**. The disciples are not passive recipients of power but active participants in God's mission, stepping out in faith to apply the authority they have received, resulting in tangible kingdom impact. This aligns with the broader narrative of Jesus equipping and sending His followers to continue His work, as seen in passages like [Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Gives Authority to the Twelve") and [Luke 9:1](/luke/9-1 "Luke 9:1 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** From G1544, meaning "to eject (literally or figuratively)." This verb conveys a forceful, decisive expulsion, emphasizing the authority with which the disciples confronted and removed demonic entities. It is the same strong verb used to describe Jesus casting out demons, highlighting the continuity of power.
* **devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** From G1140, referring to a "dæmonic being" or "evil spirit." This term specifically denotes malevolent spiritual entities distinct from Satan himself, though under his dominion. The plural "many devils" indicates the widespread nature of demonic oppression that the disciples encountered and overcame.
* **anointed (Greek, _aleíphō'_):** From G218, meaning "to oil (with perfume)." This word indicates the physical act of applying oil. While it can have a ceremonial sense, its primary meaning here points to a practical application, often associated with care for the sick. It suggests a tangible action accompanying their prayer and the power of healing.
* **healed (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** From G2323, meaning "to wait upon menially, i.e. (figuratively) to adore (God), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)." In this context, it specifically refers to the restoration of health, curing physical ailments. The imperfect tense (implied by the KJV "healed [them]" from the Greek imperfect) suggests ongoing, repeated acts of healing, indicating a consistent ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they cast out many devils":** This clause highlights the disciples' direct confrontation with and victory over spiritual forces of evil. The phrase "cast out" (Greek: _exeballon_) is in the imperfect tense, suggesting repeated or continuous action, indicating that this was not a singular event but a consistent part of their ministry. The "many devils" (Greek: _daimonia polla_) underscores the pervasive nature of demonic oppression and the significant impact of the disciples' work in liberating individuals from spiritual bondage, demonstrating the in-breaking of God's kingdom.
* **"and anointed with oil many that were sick":** This segment describes a compassionate act of physical ministry. The imperfect tense of "anointed" (Greek: _ēleiphon_) again implies an ongoing practice. The anointing with oil, as discussed in the context, was a common practice with both medicinal and symbolic overtones, signifying care, comfort, and possibly a spiritual act of faith or consecration in conjunction with prayer for healing. It shows the disciples' concern for the physical well-being of those they encountered.
* **"and healed [them]":** This final clause states the direct, miraculous outcome of their ministry to the sick. The verb "healed" (Greek: _etherapeuon_), also in the imperfect tense, confirms that physical restoration was a consistent and repeated result of their work. This demonstrates the tangible power of God working through the disciples, validating their message and providing immediate relief and restoration to those suffering from illness.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's concise narrative style in [Mark 6:13](/mark/6-13 "Mark 6:13 - Disciples' Ministry") effectively employs **Parallelism** and **Repetition** to emphasize the scope and nature of the disciples' ministry. The structure "cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them" presents three distinct but related actions, each contributing to the overall picture of their empowered mission. The **Repetition** of "many" (G4183, _polýs_) preceding both "devils" and "that were sick" underscores the extensive reach and impact of their work, indicating that their ministry was not isolated but widespread and consistently effective. This highlights the scale of the spiritual and physical brokenness they addressed and the comprehensive nature of the healing and deliverance they brought. The use of the imperfect tense for all three main verbs ("cast out," "anointed," "healed") implies continuous or repeated action, functioning as a form of **Durative Aspect**, conveying that these were ongoing practices rather than isolated incidents. This reinforces the idea of a sustained, active ministry demonstrating the power of God's kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Mark 6:13](/mark/6-13 "Mark 6:13 - Disciples' Ministry") profoundly illustrates the transfer of divine authority from Jesus to His disciples, establishing a pattern for the church's ongoing mission. It reveals that the proclamation of the Gospel is not merely intellectual assent but is often accompanied by tangible demonstrations of God's power over spiritual and physical brokenness. The disciples' actions—casting out demons and healing the sick—were not just acts of compassion but clear signs of the in-breaking of God's kingdom, confronting the dominion of evil and ushering in an era of restoration. This verse underscores the holistic nature of biblical ministry, addressing both the spiritual plight of humanity (demonic oppression) and its physical suffering (sickness), reflecting the comprehensive redemption offered by Christ. The anointing with oil, while having practical and symbolic significance, also points to the role of faith and the Holy Spirit in the process of healing within the early Christian community.

* [Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Gives Authority to the Twelve"): "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."
* [Luke 10:9](/luke/10-9 "Luke 10:9 - Heal the Sick and Proclaim the Kingdom"): "And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."
* [James 5:14-15](/james/5-14-15 "James 5:14-15 - Anointing the Sick"): "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: 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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Mark 6:13](/mark/6-13 "Mark 6:13 - Disciples' Ministry") serves as a powerful reminder that the mission of God's people extends beyond mere words to tangible acts of compassion and power. Just as Jesus empowered His first disciples, He continues to empower believers today through the Holy Spirit to be agents of His kingdom. This verse challenges us to consider the scope of our own ministry and witness. Are we merely speaking about the kingdom, or are we actively demonstrating its reality through prayer for the sick, intercession for the oppressed, and practical acts of love that bring healing and liberation? The disciples' obedience in stepping out in faith, even with limited understanding, resulted in profound impact. This calls us to cultivate a deeper trust in the authority Christ has given us, recognizing that God desires to work through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. It encourages us to pray boldly for miraculous intervention, to engage with the suffering in our communities, and to remember that the presence of the Holy Spirit enables us to confront spiritual darkness and bring God's restorative touch to a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I currently demonstrate the power and compassion of God's kingdom in my daily life?**
* **How might I grow in faith to pray for and participate in physical healing and spiritual deliverance for others?**
* **What forms of "sickness" or "demonic oppression" exist in my community today, and how can the church respond to them with the authority and love of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did the disciples anoint the sick with oil?**

Answer: The anointing with oil in [Mark 6:13](/mark/6-13 "Mark 6:13 - Disciples' Ministry") likely carried multiple layers of meaning. Historically, oil was used for medicinal purposes (e.g., soothing wounds), and it may have served as a practical act of care. Spiritually, oil often symbolized consecration, blessing, or the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in biblical tradition (e.g., anointing kings or priests). In the context of healing, it could have been an outward sign of faith, a symbolic act accompanying prayer, or a means by which divine power was channeled. The practice is later affirmed in [James 5:14-15](/james/5-14-15 "James 5:14-15 - Anointing the Sick"), where elders are instructed to anoint the sick with oil and pray over them, with the promise that "the prayer of faith shall save the sick." This suggests it was an established practice within early Christian ministry, combining practical care with spiritual significance and faith.

**Does this verse imply that all sickness is caused by demons?**

Answer: No, [Mark 6:13](/mark/6-13 "Mark 6:13 - Disciples' Ministry") does not imply that all sickness is caused by demons. The verse clearly distinguishes between "casting out many devils" and "anointing with oil many that were sick, and healed them." While the New Testament acknowledges a connection between some illnesses and demonic activity (e.g., the mute man in [Matthew 9:32-33](/matthew/9-32-33 "Matthew 9:32-33 - Jesus Heals a Mute Man")), it also presents instances of sickness not directly attributed to demons (e.g., Peter's mother-in-law in [Mark 1:30-31](/mark/1-30-31 "Mark 1:30-31 - Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law") or the man born blind in [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1-3 "John 9:1-3 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind")). The disciples' ministry, mirroring Jesus' own, addressed both spiritual oppression and physical ailments, recognizing distinct causes and requiring distinct responses. This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of their delegated authority to confront both categories of human suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Mark 6:13](/mark/6-13 "Mark 6:13 - Disciples' Ministry") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the source and embodiment of all authority and healing. The disciples' ability to cast out demons and heal the sick was not inherent to them but was a direct outflow of the power delegated by Christ, demonstrating that His victory over sin, sickness, and spiritual darkness was already at work. Jesus is the true "stronger man" who binds the "strong man" (Satan) and plunders his house, as seen in [Mark 3:27](/mark/3-27 "Mark 3:27 - Binding the Strong Man"). The disciples' actions foreshadow the comprehensive redemptive work of Christ on the cross, where He triumphed over "principalities and powers" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")) and bore our sicknesses and infirmities ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Bearing Our Griefs and Sorrows"), quoted in [Matthew 8:17](/matthew/8-17 "Matthew 8:17 - Jesus Heals Many")). Their ministry, therefore, was a preview of the kingdom fully inaugurated by Jesus' death and resurrection, where all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), empowering His church to continue His mission until His return. The anointing with oil and the healings point to the Holy Spirit, whom Christ poured out on His church ([Acts 2:17-18](/acts/2-17-18 "Acts 2:17-18 - The Spirit Poured Out")), enabling believers to continue manifesting His compassionate power in the world.

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

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.

Luke 10:17

¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

Mark 6:7

¶ And he called [unto him] the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;