But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "to be healed" here is actually a middle voice verb in the original Greek, meaning "to have themselves healed." This subtle but important distinction shows the crowds weren't passive recipients but actively sought out Jesus for their own healing.
But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jesus miraculously healed a man with leprosy, He told him to keep it quiet, but the man couldn't help but share the news. This led to an explosion of fame for Jesus, drawing huge crowds who were eager to hear Him and be healed of all sorts of ailments, making it difficult for Jesus to minister effectively.
Jesus' fame exploded after healing the leper, but not everyone understood the purpose behind His ministry.
The verse tells us that "so much the more went there a fame abroad of him." This fame wasn't just about Jesus' power; it was a consequence of His compassion. Yet, the crowds that gathered were primarily focused on their physical ailments. They came "to be healed of their infirmities." This highlights a tension: Jesus' primary mission was spiritual redemption, but the immediate impact of His miracles was physical healing, which often drew attention away from His deeper message.
Luke himself points out that this overwhelming crowd, seeking only physical healing, "in part defeating our Lord’s purpose." Jesus had a greater work to do – teaching and discipling – but the crowds’ intense focus on being physically healed often overshadowed this.
This isn't to say physical healing isn't important, but it was a means to an end for Jesus, not the ultimate end itself. The crowds were missing the forest for the trees, focusing on the symptom rather than the cure for the deepest human need.
Jesus didn't just get overwhelmed by the crowds; He actively chose to withdraw from them.
The text says, "But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him... He, however, in contrast with the multitudes who were longing for Him, was engaged in withdrawing Himself into the desert regions... and in praying."
This wasn't Jesus passively being swept up by His popularity. He chose to step away. Why? The commentary suggests it was to escape the overwhelming demand for physical healing so He could focus on His "graver and much more important work" – teaching and prayer.
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This act of withdrawing into the desert to pray is something Luke emphasizes elsewhere. It shows Jesus deliberately seeking space away from the clamor of human need to reconnect with His Father and recharge for His mission. It’s a powerful example for us: even when surrounded by people needing help, we too need times of intentional solitude and prayer to stay centered on God's will.
Understand the original words
astheneia · Greek Noun
Physical sickness, weakness, or frailty. In the ministry of Jesus, these are often the objects of his healing power, demonstrating his authority over the consequences of the fall.
The immense popularity Jesus gained, stemming from miracles like healing the leper, created a tension between his desire to teach and the public's demand for healing, prompting his strategic withdrawals for prayer and solitude.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus starts teaching, healing, and calling disciples in Galilee, initiating a period of intense spiritual activity and growing fame.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus heals a leper
Jesus compassionately heals a man with leprosy, a severe and socially isolating disease. He instructs the man to show himself to the priest and offer the required sacrifice.
Early 1st century AD
Leper disobeys Jesus' instruction
The healed leper, overwhelmed with gratitude, disobeys Jesus' command for silence and publicly proclaims the miracle throughout the region.
Early 1st century AD
Report of Jesus' fame spreads
The leper's public announcement, alongside Jesus' other miracles and teachings, causes his fame to spread rapidly, drawing large crowds.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus withdraws to pray
To manage the overwhelming crowds and to focus on prayer, Jesus retreats to deserted places, seeking solitude away from the public's intense demands.
This passage shows Jesus teaching, proclaiming the good news, and healing all kinds of diseases, which set the stage for the kind of widespread fame and crowds described in Luke 5:15.
John 6:2Here we see a similar pattern where a great crowd follows Jesus because of the signs (miracles) he performed, highlighting the crowd's desire for both spiritual and physical well-being.
Acts 2:43This verse describes the awe that came upon every person as many signs and wonders were done by the apostles, showing how Jesus's miracles served as a catalyst for belief and further ministry.
Isaiah 53:3-4This prophetic passage speaks of the suffering servant being despised and rejected, yet bearing our griefs and sorrows, which directly connects to Jesus's role as a healer of infirmities for the sake of salvation.
pulpitLuke 5:15: "But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities."
Verse 15. - But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. It is evident that his wishes and commands were neglected, possibly out of a mistaken feeling of gratitude. The result was that his work of teaching was hindered by the crowds who resort…
jfbLuke 5:15: "But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities."
- But so, &c.—(See Mr 1:45).
The phrase "to be healed" here is actually a middle voice verb in the original Greek, meaning "to have themselves healed." This subtle but important distinction shows the crowds weren't passive recipients but actively sought out Jesus for their own healing.
After Jesus miraculously healed a man with leprosy, He told him to keep it quiet, but the man couldn't help but share the news. This led to an explosion of fame for Jesus, drawing huge crowds who were eager to hear Him and be healed of all sorts of ailments, making it difficult for Jesus to minister effectively.
After Jesus miraculously healed a man with leprosy, He told him to keep it quiet, but the man couldn't help but share the news. This led to an explosion of fame for Jesus, drawing huge crowds who were eager to hear Him and be healed of all sorts of ailments, making it difficult for Jesus to minister effectively.
"But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities." — The phrase "to be healed" here is actually a middle voice verb in the original Greek, meaning "to have themselves healed." This subtle but important distinction shows the crowds weren't passive recip…
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Last reviewed October 2026