And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to skim over the word "virtue" here, but Luke, the medical writer, uses it precisely to mean "healing power." This wasn't just a casual touch; it was a desperate reach for a divine energy flowing out of Jesus, so potent that it continuously healed everyone who sought it.
And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus had just chosen his twelve apostles after a night of prayer, and now a massive crowd gathered from all around. They pushed in, desperate to touch him, because a powerful healing grace flowed from him, making them well.
Imagine a crowd, desperate for relief, pressing in on Jesus. What was it about Him that drew them, and how did His power work?
This verse paints a vivid picture of Jesus' compassion and immense power. The phrase 'all the crowd sought to touch him' tells us about the widespread need and the desperate hope people had in Jesus. They weren't just curious; they were actively reaching out, believing that even a touch could bring them relief.
And the text doesn't disappoint: 'for power came out from him and healed them all.' This wasn't a limited, selective power. It was an overflowing, active force emanating from Jesus. The word 'power' here describes a divine energy, a capability that flowed out from His very being to bring about complete healing for every single person who reached for Him. It emphasizes that Jesus' healing was not a scarce resource but abundant and sufficient for everyone present.
Luke, the Gospel writer known for his detailed, methodical approach, uses specific language here. What does it reveal about Jesus' divine energy?
Luke, traditionally understood to be a physician, often uses precise language that reflects a medical perspective. In this verse, the word for 'power' carries a specific nuance – it speaks of inherent ability or a vital force.
This isn't just a generic miracle; Luke emphasizes that a tangible 'power' actively flowed out of Jesus. It’s an active, outgoing force that wasn't diminished by its use, but rather fulfilled its purpose of healing. Luke's choice of words highlights Jesus' divine capacity to not only initiate but sustain acts of healing, demonstrating a profound, life-giving energy present in Him.
Understand the original words
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dynamis · Greek Noun
The miraculous, inherent divine energy or authority of God. In the context of Jesus, it represents His authority over creation, sickness, and the spiritual realm to restore humanity.
Luke, a medical writer, emphasizes the tangible, powerful 'virtue' or healing energy flowing from Jesus, highlighting the physical and spiritual restoration available to all who sought Him.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry Begins in Galilee
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and calling disciples in the region of Galilee, drawing significant crowds.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Prays All Night
Following a period of ministry, Jesus spends an entire night in prayer on a mountain, preparing for the important task of appointing the twelve apostles.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Appoints the Twelve Apostles
Jesus calls and designates His closest followers to be apostles, empowering them to preach and heal, marking a key moment in the establishment of His movement.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Crowds Seek Jesus in Galilee
Large crowds, desperate for healing and spiritual guidance, followed Jesus wherever He went, seeking His touch and power.
This passage describes a similar outward flow of healing power from Jesus when a woman touched His cloak, emphasizing the active and tangible nature of His divine ability to restore.
Matthew 14:36Here, crowds also sought to touch Jesus' clothing, and anyone who did was made well, reinforcing the theme of widespread physical healing emanating from His presence.
Acts 19:11-12This later account shows how handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched Paul carried away his ailments and evil spirits, illustrating a similar principle of healing power being transferred through physical contact with a divine agent.
John 4:46-54The healing of the official's son demonstrates Jesus' power to heal from a distance, highlighting that His 'virtue' or power was not limited by physical proximity, yet the desire to touch Him in Luke shows a deep human longing for direct connection.
barnesLuke 6:19: "And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all."
Virtue - Healing power. See the notes at Mark 5:30 .
jfbLuke 6:12-49: "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Lu 6:12-49. The Twelve Apostles Chosen—Gathering Multitudes—Glorious Healing.12, 13. went out—probably from Capernaum.all night in prayer … and when … day, he called, &c.—The work with which the next day began shows what had been the burden of this night's devotions. As He directed His disciples to pray for "laborers" just before sending themselves forth (see on…
It's easy to skim over the word "virtue" here, but Luke, the medical writer, uses it precisely to mean "healing power." This wasn't just a casual touch; it was a desperate reach for a divine energy flowing out of Jesus, so potent that it continuously healed everyone who sought it.
Jesus had just chosen his twelve apostles after a night of prayer, and now a massive crowd gathered from all around. They pushed in, desperate to touch him, because a powerful healing grace flowed from him, making them well.
Jesus had just chosen his twelve apostles after a night of prayer, and now a massive crowd gathered from all around. They pushed in, desperate to touch him, because a powerful healing grace flowed from him, making them well.
"And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all." — It's easy to skim over the word "virtue" here, but Luke, the medical writer, uses it precisely to mean "healing power." This wasn't just a casual touch; it was a desperate reach for a divine energy f…
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Last reviewed October 2026