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:

When {G1161} the even {G3798} was come {G1096}, they brought {G4374} unto him {G846} many {G4183} that were possessed with devils {G1139}: and {G2532} he cast out {G1544} the spirits {G4151} with his word {G3056}, and {G2532} healed {G2323} all {G3956} that were {G2192} sick {G2560}:

When evening came, many people held in the power of demons were brought to him. He expelled the spirits with a word and healed all who were ill.

When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Jesus, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.

And when even was come, they brought unto him many possessed with demons: and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all that were sick:

Commentary

Context of Matthew 8:16

This verse immediately follows Jesus' healing of Peter's mother-in-law and precedes the summary statement regarding the fulfillment of prophecy in Matthew 8:17. The phrase "When the even was come" is highly significant. It likely refers to the end of the Sabbath day. According to Jewish law, carrying the sick or engaging in many forms of work was restricted on the Sabbath. Therefore, people would wait until after sunset, when the Sabbath officially ended, to bring their sick and demon-possessed loved ones to Jesus, demonstrating their immense faith and eagerness to receive healing and deliverance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Unparalleled Authority: The most striking aspect of this verse is Jesus' effortless command over both physical sickness and spiritual oppression. He "cast out the spirits with [his] word," emphasizing that His mere spoken command was sufficient. This demonstrates His divine authority, not only over natural laws but also over the supernatural realm of evil spirits.
  • Boundless Compassion: It is noted that Jesus "healed all that were sick." This phrase underscores His boundless compassion and willingness to minister to everyone brought before Him, regardless of their ailment or condition. His ministry was not selective but extended to all in need of His healing touch.
  • Deliverance from Evil: The mention of those "possessed with devils" (demons) highlights a crucial aspect of Jesus' ministry: the liberation of individuals from spiritual bondage. This was not just about physical healing but about spiritual warfare and the triumph of God's kingdom over the forces of darkness, setting captives free.
  • The Power of His Word: The phrase "with his word" (Greek: logos) is central. It signifies that Jesus did not require elaborate rituals, physical contact, or external power. His inherent divine power, expressed through His spoken word, was enough to bring about instantaneous healing and deliverance. This echoes the creative power of God's word in Genesis 1:3, where God spoke creation into being.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "cast out" is ekballō (ἐκβάλλω), which often implies a forceful expulsion or driving out. This term accurately describes Jesus' decisive and authoritative action against the demonic forces, portraying a direct confrontation and victory. The phrase "with his word" (τῷ λόγῳ - tō logō) further emphasizes the divine authority inherent in Jesus' spoken command, showcasing that His power was intrinsic and absolute, requiring no external aid or lengthy process.

Related Scriptures

This powerful display of authority is consistent throughout Jesus' earthly ministry. We see similar demonstrations of His power over demons in passages like Mark 1:27 and Luke 4:36, where people marvel at His command. The breadth of His healing ministry, where He healed "all that were sick," is also reflected in Matthew 4:23-24, which describes Him healing "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the prophetic statement in Matthew 8:17, which explicitly attributes Jesus' healing ministry to the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy about bearing our infirmities.

Practical Application

Matthew 8:16 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that Jesus Christ possesses ultimate authority over every form of sickness, oppression, and evil. Just as He healed "all that were sick" with His powerful word, His power remains undiminished and available. This verse invites us to bring our own infirmities, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, to Him with confidence, trusting in His divine authority and boundless compassion. It encourages us to rely on the power of God's living and active word for healing, deliverance, and restoration in our lives, knowing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 15:26 (27 votes)

    And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.

  • Matthew 14:14 (7 votes)

    And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

  • Luke 4:40 (6 votes)

    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.

  • Mark 1:32 (6 votes)

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

  • Mark 1:34 (6 votes)

    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.

  • Matthew 12:22 (5 votes)

    ¶ Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

  • Acts 5:15 (5 votes)

    Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.