It's easy to see Jesus healing everyone, but notice the specific detail: he laid his hands on every one of them. This wasn't just a general wave of power; it highlights Jesus's immense care and personal engagement, showing that no suffering was too small for his attention.
Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jesus had been powerfully casting out demons and healing people in the synagogue and homes earlier in the day, word spread rapidly. As sunset approached, marking the end of the Sabbath, the restrictions on travel and carrying the sick were lifted, allowing a flood of people with all sorts of illnesses to bring their afflicted loved ones to Jesus. This evening became a remarkable demonstration of his compassion and power, as he touched and healed every single person brought to him.
Why did the crowds wait until sunset to bring their sick to Jesus?
The text highlights a specific time: 'Now when the sun was setting.' This detail is more than just a time marker; it speaks volumes about the context of Jesus' ministry and the people's understanding of religious law.
The Sabbath Rule
Jewish law, particularly concerning the Sabbath, was very strict. Carrying a sick person or even fetching a healer could be interpreted as 'work,' which was forbidden on the Sabbath. For those suffering from serious ailments, this created a dilemma: they needed healing, but the day of rest presented a barrier.
A Wait for Freedom
Waiting until sunset meant the Sabbath was ending. This allowed people to bring their sick to Jesus without violating religious laws. It shows that while Jesus ultimately fulfilled and transcended the law, He also operated within its framework, and the people understood these boundaries. Their waiting demonstrated respect for the Sabbath, even as their need for healing was urgent.
Jesus didn't just perform a distant miracle; He got involved. What does His 'laying on of hands' reveal?
The verse states, 'he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.' This action is incredibly significant, revealing key aspects of Jesus' character and ministry.
The Power in His Touch
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While Jesus could have healed with a word, Luke specifically mentions His physical touch. This emphasizes the personal and tangible nature of His compassion. It wasn't a generalized, impersonal act; it was individual care extended to each person.
Unwavering Diligence
The phrase 'every one of them' speaks to Jesus' indefatigable nature. Despite the late hour and the sheer number of people, He didn't turn anyone away. This demonstrates His deep empathy and His commitment to bringing wholeness to all who came to Him. His healing was complete and individual, reaching each person with specific care.
Was Jesus just fixing physical ailments, or was something deeper happening?
The miracles of healing in Jesus' ministry were not merely about alleviating physical pain; they were profound demonstrations of His authority over the brokenness of humanity, a brokenness that often had spiritual roots.
More Than Physical Restoration
The text mentions 'various diseases,' implying a wide spectrum of suffering. While Luke, a physician, meticulously records the physical aspects, the commentaries suggest Jesus' healing power reached beyond the symptoms. It addressed the source of affliction, which in many cases was linked to spiritual or demonic influence.
A Foretaste of Redemption
These healings served as a powerful sign of Jesus' ultimate mission: to bring complete redemption. By healing bodies, He demonstrated His power to heal souls, forgive sins, and restore broken relationships with God. The physical restoration was a tangible preview of the spiritual wholeness He offers.
Understand the original words
nosos · Greek Noun
The physical, bodily ailments or sicknesses that afflict humanity; in the Gospels, these represent the entrance of the curse into the world and are targets of Jesus' restorative ministry.
epitithēmi cheir · Greek Verb phrase
A symbolic act of identification, commissioning, blessing, or the impartation of healing virtue; it signifies personal engagement and the transfer of divine power through the physical touch of the Savior.
therapeuō · Greek Verb
The act of restoring to wholeness or health; in the New Testament, it is both a physical restoration and a sign confirming the presence and authority of the kingdom of God.
daimonia · Greek Noun
Spiritual beings, often fallen angels, who oppose God and afflict humanity; in the Gospels, they are subject to the authority of Jesus.
huios tou Theou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title reflecting Jesus' unique relationship with the Father; it signifies His divinity, authority, and role as the Messiah.
epitimaō · Greek Verb
To express sharp disapproval or to command with authority; when used by Jesus against spirits, it signifies His absolute power over the demonic realm.
Christos · Greek Noun
The 'Anointed One,' the promised King and Savior of Israel who fulfills the covenantal promises of the Old Testament.
The specific timing mentioned, 'when the sun was setting,' is crucial. It signifies the end of the Sabbath, when strict religious laws prohibiting the carrying of the sick were lifted, allowing desperate people to bring their suffering loved ones to Jesus.
Early 1st Century AD
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, preaching, and performing miracles.
Early 1st Century AD
Healing of Simon's mother-in-law
Jesus heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law who was suffering from a high fever. This event occurred earlier in the day.
Early 1st Century AD
Jesus casts out a demon
Jesus powerfully casts out a demon from a man in the synagogue. The news of his authority quickly spreads.
Early 1st Century AD— this verse
Sunset ends the Sabbath
In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath lasted from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. After sunset, restrictions on travel and work were lifted.
Early 1st Century AD
Mass healing at twilight
As the Sabbath ended at sunset, crowds brought their sick to Jesus, and he healed them all, demonstrating his compassionate power.
This passage is directly quoted or alluded to in connection with this event, highlighting Jesus' suffering and healing as a fulfillment of prophecy where He bore our sicknesses.
Matthew 8:16-17Matthew's account of the same evening shows Jesus healing many, echoing Luke's description and reinforcing the idea that Jesus' ministry fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy about Him taking our infirmities.
Mark 1:32-34Mark also records this significant evening event, emphasizing the broad scope of Jesus' healing power and the multitude He touched, underscoring the urgency and breadth of His compassion.
John 5:10-12While not detailing the healing event itself, this passage sheds light on the Sabbath rules that likely influenced *why* the sick were brought at sunset, showing the societal and religious context of Jesus' actions.
expositorsLuke 4:40: "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."
-36 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…
clarkeLuke 4:40: "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."
When the sun was setting - And consequently the Sabbath ended, for before this it would have been unlawful to have brought their sick to be healed.
It's easy to see Jesus healing everyone, but notice the specific detail: he laid his hands on every one of them. This wasn't just a general wave of power; it highlights Jesus's immense care and personal engagement, showing that no suffering was too small for his attention.
After Jesus had been powerfully casting out demons and healing people in the synagogue and homes earlier in the day, word spread rapidly. As sunset approached, marking the end of the Sabbath, the restrictions on travel and carrying the sick were lifted, allowing a flood of people with all sorts of illnesses to bring their afflicted loved ones to Jesus. This evening became a remarkable demonstration of his compassion and power, as he touched and healed every single person brought to him.
After Jesus had been powerfully casting out demons and healing people in the synagogue and homes earlier in the day, word spread rapidly. As sunset approached, marking the end of the Sabbath, the restrictions on travel and carrying the sick were lifted, allowing a flood of people with all sorts of illnesses to bring their afflicted loved ones to Jesus. This evening became a remarkable demonstration of his compassion and power, as he touched and healed every single person brought to him.
"Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” Bu…" — It's easy to see Jesus healing everyone, but notice the specific detail: he laid his hands on every one of them. This wasn't just a general wave of power; it highlights Jesus's immense care and per…
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Last reviewed October 2026
