Matthew 17:18

KJV

And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} rebuked {G2008} the devil {G1140}; and {G2532} he {G846} departed {G1831} out of {G575} him {G846}: and {G2532} the child {G3816} was cured {G2323} from {G575} that very {G1565} hour {G5610}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, so that from that moment he was healed.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

American Standard Version

And Jesus rebuked him; and the demon went out of him: and the boy was cured from that hour.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:18 vividly portrays Jesus' absolute and immediate authority over demonic forces, culminating in the complete and instantaneous healing of a demon-possessed boy. This powerful demonstration of divine power follows the disciples' inability to cast out the demon, highlighting Jesus' unique sovereignty and the efficacy of His command in delivering those afflicted by spiritual oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic resolution to the narrative immediately following the [Transfiguration of Jesus](/matthew/17-1-8 "Matthew 17:1-8 - The Transfiguration"). Upon descending from the mountain, Jesus is met by a desperate father whose son is severely afflicted by a demon, causing violent seizures and often endangering his life by throwing him into fire or water. Crucially, the father had first brought his son to Jesus' disciples, but they proved powerless to cast out the demon ([Matthew 17:16](/matthew/17-16 "Matthew 17:16 - Disciples' Failure")). Jesus' subsequent rebuke of the demon and the boy's instant cure directly contrast with the disciples' failure, setting the stage for their later questioning of Jesus regarding their inability ([Matthew 17:19](/matthew/17-19 "Matthew 17:19 - Disciples' Question")). The entire episode underscores the theme of faith, or lack thereof, as the determining factor in spiritual power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st-century Jewish world, the belief in demons and their ability to afflict individuals was widespread. Illnesses, especially those involving seizures, mental distress, or unusual physical symptoms, were often attributed to demonic possession. Exorcism was a recognized practice, though often involving elaborate rituals, incantations, or specific remedies. Jesus' method, however, was strikingly different: a simple, authoritative command. This stark contrast would have been highly significant to His contemporaries, demonstrating a unique and unparalleled divine authority not seen in other exorcists of the time. The setting, just after the Transfiguration, places this event at a crucial point in Jesus' ministry, emphasizing His divine nature and power before His journey to Jerusalem and the cross.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 17:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically demonstrates [Jesus' unquestionable authority](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Spirits") over all spiritual forces, including demons, establishing Him as the sovereign Son of God. Secondly, it highlights the theme of [divine healing and deliverance](/luke/4-40 "Luke 4:40 - Jesus Heals Many") showcasing Jesus' compassion and power to restore wholeness immediately and completely. Thirdly, by contrasting with the disciples' failure, the passage implicitly emphasizes the critical importance of [faith for effective ministry](/matthew/17-20 "Matthew 17:20 - Faith as a Mustard Seed"), a theme Jesus explicitly addresses in the subsequent verses. This event serves as a practical illustration of the kingdom of God breaking into the present reality, confronting and overcoming the kingdom of darkness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rebuked (Greek, _epitimáō'_):** From G2008, meaning "to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish; by implication, forbid." This word signifies a stern, authoritative command, not a plea or a request. Jesus' "rebuke" is a direct exercise of His inherent power, compelling the demon to obey without question or struggle, highlighting His divine sovereignty over evil spirits.
* **devil (Greek, _daimónion'_):** From G1140, referring to "a dæmonic being; by extension a deity." In the New Testament, this term consistently refers to evil spirits or demons, distinct from Satan (the chief devil). The use of _daimónion_ here specifies the nature of the entity afflicting the boy: a malevolent spiritual being under the dominion of Satan, yet utterly subject to Jesus' authority.
* **cured (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 denotes a complete and thorough healing or restoration to health. The child was not merely relieved of symptoms but fully restored, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Jesus' miraculous intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus rebuked the devil;":** This clause reveals Jesus' direct and authoritative confrontation with the demonic entity. The word "rebuked" (G2008, _epitimáō_) is crucial, indicating a powerful, commanding utterance that tolerates no opposition. Jesus does not engage in a lengthy struggle or ritual; His word alone carries the force to subdue the spiritual adversary. This immediately establishes His unique and supreme authority over the forces of darkness.
* **"and he departed out of him:":** This clause describes the immediate and undeniable effect of Jesus' rebuke. The demon (referred to by "he") instantly obeys the command and exits the boy. The Greek word for "departed" (G1831, _exérchomai_) emphasizes a definitive exit, signifying that the demon was expelled completely, not merely suppressed or temporarily quieted. This demonstrates the irresistible power inherent in Jesus' command.
* **"and the child was cured from that very hour.":** This final clause confirms the comprehensive and instantaneous nature of the healing. The boy, previously suffering from severe, life-threatening symptoms, was "cured" (G2323, _therapeúō_), meaning fully restored to health. The phrase "from that very hour" (G1565, _ekeînos_ and G5610, _hṓra_) underscores the immediacy and permanence of the miracle, leaving no room for doubt about the completeness of the deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 17:18 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Authority**, demonstrated through Jesus' direct "rebuke" of the demon, which immediately yields the desired result. This contrasts sharply with the disciples' prior failure, creating a **Dramatic Contrast** that highlights Jesus' unique power. The instantaneous nature of the demon's departure and the child's complete healing, "from that very hour," functions as **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** to emphasize the absolute and comprehensive nature of Jesus' miracle. This immediate restoration also serves as a form of **Narrative Climax**, providing a swift and decisive resolution to the preceding tension of the father's desperation and the disciples' helplessness. The entire scene is a classic **Exorcism Narrative**, a common motif in the Gospels, which consistently portrays Jesus' dominion over the spiritual realm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 17:18 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Jesus' power and the reality of spiritual warfare. It affirms Jesus as the ultimate authority over all creation, including the unseen realm of demonic forces. His ability to simply "rebuke" a demon and achieve immediate, complete deliverance underscores His divine nature and His mission to dismantle the works of the devil. This event serves as a powerful assurance that in Christ, there is ultimate victory over evil, and that His kingdom is one of healing, restoration, and freedom from oppression. The immediate and complete cure points to the holistic salvation offered by Jesus, addressing not only spiritual bondage but also its physical manifestations.

* [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."
* [Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Jesus' Authority to Cast Out Demons") - "And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out."
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - God Anointed Jesus with Power") - "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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 17:18 offers enduring hope and practical guidance for believers today. It reminds us that the power of Jesus is not diminished by time or distance; the same authority He wielded over demons and disease two millennia ago is still active and available. For those who feel oppressed, whether by spiritual attacks, overwhelming addictions, or seemingly incurable illnesses, this verse points to Jesus as the ultimate source of deliverance and healing. It encourages us to bring our most desperate situations to Him, trusting in His sovereign power to intervene where human efforts fail. Furthermore, understanding the context of the disciples' failure prompts us to examine our own faith. It challenges us to cultivate a deeper, more unwavering reliance on God, recognizing that true spiritual power flows from a vibrant, intimate relationship with Him, rather than from our own strength or methods.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to experience Jesus' "rebuke" and deliverance from spiritual oppression or persistent struggles?**
* **How does the immediate and complete healing of the boy encourage your faith regarding seemingly impossible situations?**
* **What might prevent us, like the disciples, from exercising the authority and power that Jesus has given to His followers?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper, more unwavering faith that trusts in Jesus' authority over all things?**

### FAQ

**What does "rebuked the devil" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Matthew 17:18, "rebuked the devil" (Greek: _epitimáō_ the _daimónion_) signifies Jesus' authoritative command to the demon. It's not a gentle request or a prayer, but a stern, forceful order that compels the evil spirit to depart immediately. This highlights Jesus' inherent divine authority and power over all spiritual forces, demonstrating that demons are utterly subject to His word. This is a consistent pattern throughout the Gospels, where Jesus often casts out demons with a simple, direct command, as seen in [Mark 1:25](/mark/1-25 "Mark 1:25 - Jesus Rebukes an Unclean Spirit").

**Why were the disciples unable to cast out the demon, while Jesus could?**

Answer: The preceding and subsequent verses in Matthew 17 provide the answer. The disciples' inability stemmed from their "little faith" ([Matthew 17:20](/matthew/17-20 "Matthew 17:20 - Faith as a Mustard Seed")). Jesus explains that with even a small amount of genuine faith, they could move mountains. He also mentions that "this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting" ([Matthew 17:21](/matthew/17-21 "Matthew 17:21 - The Power of Prayer and Fasting")), implying that certain spiritual strongholds require a deeper level of spiritual discipline and reliance on God. Jesus, as the Son of God, possessed perfect faith and inherent divine authority, enabling Him to accomplish what His disciples, at that moment, could not.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:18 is a profound demonstration of Christ's ultimate victory over the powers of darkness, foreshadowing His triumph on the cross and His ongoing reign. The immediate and complete deliverance of the boy from demonic oppression points to Jesus as the true deliverer, 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")). His authoritative rebuke, which needed no elaborate ritual or struggle, reveals His inherent divine nature and His supreme authority over all creation, including the spiritual realm. This event is a microcosm of the greater salvation He offers: liberation from the bondage of sin and death, and restoration to wholeness. Just as the child was "cured from that very hour," believers in Christ experience a definitive break from the dominion of darkness, being "delivered... from the power of darkness, and... translated... into the kingdom of his dear Son" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Ultimately, this miracle assures us that in Christ, we have access to the same power that cast out demons, enabling us to live in the freedom and victory secured by His finished work on Calvary ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Frees from the Fear of Death")).

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 9:22

But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Acts 16:18

And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Mark 5:8

For he said unto him, Come out of the man, [thou] unclean spirit.

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.

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.

Luke 4:36

And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word [is] this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.