Mark 1:34

And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

And {G2532} he healed {G2323} many {G4183} that were {G2192} sick {G2560} of divers {G4164} diseases {G3554}, and {G2532} cast out {G1544} many {G4183} devils {G1140}; and {G2532} suffered {G863} not {G3756} the devils {G1140} to speak {G2980}, because {G3754} they knew {G1492} him {G846}.

He healed many who were ill with various diseases and expelled many demons, but he did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who he was.

And He healed many who were ill with various diseases and drove out many demons. But He would not allow the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.

And he healed many that were sick with divers diseases, and cast out many demons; and he suffered not the demons to speak, because they knew him.

Commentary

Context

Mark 1:34 follows a remarkably busy day for Jesus in Capernaum, as described in the Gospel of Mark. After teaching with authority in the synagogue and casting out an unclean spirit from a man (Mark 1:21-28), He went to Simon Peter's house and healed Peter's mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31). As evening fell and the Sabbath ended, people from all over the city gathered at the door, bringing many sick and demon-possessed individuals to Him. This verse details the comprehensive scope of His healing and exorcism ministry during that pivotal time, fulfilling an Old Testament prophecy as noted in Matthew 8:16-17.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Comprehensive Healing Ministry: The phrase "he healed many that were sick of divers diseases" highlights Jesus' boundless compassion and divine power to alleviate all forms of human suffering. He wasn't limited to specific ailments but demonstrated authority over a wide spectrum of illnesses. This underscores His role as the Great Physician, capable of addressing every physical malady.
  • Sovereignty Over Demonic Forces: Jesus' ability to "cast out many devils" powerfully asserts His absolute dominion over the spiritual realm. The repeated presence of "devils" (Greek: daimonia, meaning demons or evil spirits) signifies the pervasive influence of spiritual evil in the world, and Jesus' actions demonstrate His ultimate authority to overcome and expel these dark powers. This is a foundational aspect of His redemptive work, establishing His kingdom over Satan's domain.
  • The Messianic Secret: The command "suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him" points to a significant theme in Mark's Gospel known as the "Messianic Secret." Demons, being supernatural beings, recognized Jesus' true identity as the Son of God, the Christ, even before His disciples fully grasped it. However, Jesus consistently silenced them (Mark 1:25), and later His disciples (Mark 8:30), and even those He healed (Mark 1:44). This was likely to control the timing and nature of His revelation, preventing a premature or politically charged understanding of His messiahship. He wanted people to understand His mission through His actions and teaching, not through the sensational testimony of demons.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "suffered not" (Greek: ouk ēphien) conveys Jesus' deliberate and firm action in silencing the demons. The Greek verb for "knew" (ēdeisan) implies a direct, intuitive, and complete knowledge, further emphasizing the demons' supernatural awareness of Jesus' divine identity and authority.

Practical Application

Mark 1:34 provides profound reassurance of Jesus' enduring power and compassion. It reminds us that Jesus has ultimate authority over all forms of sickness and spiritual oppression. For believers today, this verse offers hope in times of illness and spiritual struggle, affirming that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. It also teaches us the importance of understanding Jesus' identity and mission on His terms, not through sensationalism or distorted testimonies. His quiet authority and strategic revelation are models for how divine truth unfolds, emphasizing genuine understanding over mere spectacle.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 4:41 (8 votes)

    And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking [them] suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

  • Mark 3:12 (6 votes)

    And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.

  • Acts 16:16 (4 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

  • Acts 16:18 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Matthew 4:23 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

  • Mark 1:25 (1 votes)

    And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.