And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Luke highlights that this wasn't just any evil spirit, but specifically an "unclean" one, emphasizing its defiling nature. This detail sets the stage for Jesus' power, not only to cast out the spirit but to bring purity where there was corruption.
And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This event occurs during Jesus' first Sabbath day ministry in Capernaum, right after he healed Peter's mother-in-law. As Jesus begins to teach in the synagogue, he's interrupted by a man who is clearly afflicted by something beyond ordinary illness. This dramatic encounter sets the stage for Jesus' authority over unseen spiritual forces, revealing his power as he confronts this powerful evil spirit and casts it out.
What does it mean for a spirit to be 'unclean'? This wasn't just a label; it spoke to a profound corruption that affected every part of a person.
The text describes the man as having a "spirit of an unclean demon." The word "unclean" here points to more than just physical dirtiness. It signifies a spiritual impurity, a state of being defiled and separated from God's holiness.
Jesus didn't perform this powerful act in a private room, but right in the middle of synagogue worship. Why there?
The encounter between Jesus and the demon-possessed man takes place in the synagogue, a place of public worship and community gathering. This setting is significant.
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Understand the original words
daimonion · Greek Noun
A spiritual being, hostile to God, who seeks to inhabit and corrupt human beings. They are subject to the power of Jesus and will ultimately be judged by Him.
akathartos · Greek Adjective
A moral and spiritual state of impurity that separates a person from the holiness of God. It is the antithesis of the sanctification required for participation in God's kingdom.
This event occurs during Jesus's early ministry in Capernaum, a time when his authority and power over spiritual forces were being revealed to both disciples and the general populace.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33— this verse
Jesus's Life and Ministry
The period encompassing Jesus's birth, childhood, and public ministry, culminating in his crucifixion and resurrection.
c. 26-36 AD
Pontius Pilate Governs Judea
Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect of Judea during Jesus's ministry, a period marked by Roman rule and Jewish unrest.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Teaches and Heals in Galilee
Jesus's ministry gained momentum in Galilee, where he taught in synagogues, performed miracles, and gathered disciples, including this event in Capernaum.
c. 30 AD
Jesus's First Sabbath Day Ministry in Capernaum
Luke records a specific Sabbath day in Capernaum where Jesus taught with authority, healed a man possessed by an unclean spirit in the synagogue, and then healed Peter's mother-in-law.
This passage describes the same event, highlighting the immediate recognition of Jesus' authority by an unclean spirit and Jesus' command to silence the spirit.
Matthew 8:29This parallel account emphasizes the fear and recognition of Jesus' divine power by the demoniacs, who cry out about Jesus' identity and purpose.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12This Old Testament passage outlines prohibitions against sorcery and mediums, providing a backdrop for understanding what constituted 'unclean' practices and why Jesus' expulsion of the demon was so significant.
Leviticus 13:45-46This passage describes the ritual impurity of lepers, which offers a comparison to the concept of 'unclean spirits' and the separation they imposed, highlighting the contrast with Jesus' power to cleanse and restore.
Acts 19:13-16This New Testament passage shows how the power of Jesus' name, when invoked by others, could be ineffective or even dangerous, demonstrating that true authority over demonic forces resided solely in Jesus.
expositorsLuke 4:33: "And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,"
Chapter 16THE MIRACLES OF HEALING. IT is only natural that our Evangelist should linger with a professional as well as a personal interest over Christ’s connection with human suffering and disease, and that in recounting the miracles of healing He should be peculiarly at home; the theme would be in such thorough accord with his studies and tastes. It is true he does not re…
cambridgeLuke 4:33: "And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,"
33 . a spirit of an unclean devil ] The word ‘unclean’ is peculiar to St Luke, who writes for Gentiles. The word for devil is not diabolos , which is confined to Satan, or human beings like him ( John 6:70 ); but daimonion , which in Greek was also capable of a good sense. The Jews believed daimonia to be the spirits of the wicked (Jos. B. J. vii. 6, § 3). Here begins that…
Luke highlights that this wasn't just any evil spirit, but specifically an "unclean" one, emphasizing its defiling nature. This detail sets the stage for Jesus' power, not only to cast out the spirit but to bring purity where there was corruption.
This event occurs during Jesus' first Sabbath day ministry in Capernaum, right after he healed Peter's mother-in-law. As Jesus begins to teach in the synagogue, he's interrupted by a man who is clearly afflicted by something beyond ordinary illness. This dramatic encounter sets the stage for Jesus' authority over unseen spiritual forces, revealing his power as he confronts this powerful evil spirit and casts it out.
This event occurs during Jesus' first Sabbath day ministry in Capernaum, right after he healed Peter's mother-in-law. As Jesus begins to teach in the synagogue, he's interrupted by a man who is clearly afflicted by something beyond ordinary illness. This dramatic encounter sets the stage for Jesus' authority over unseen spiritual forces, revealing his power as he confronts this powerful evil spirit and casts it out.
"And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice," — Luke highlights that this wasn't just any evil spirit, but specifically an "unclean" one, emphasizing its defiling nature. This detail sets the stage for Jesus' power, not only to cast out the spirit…
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Last reviewed October 2026